A New Beginning

What is Colic?

PERIOD OF PURPLE CRYING The “Period of PURPLE Crying” is the phrase used to describe the time in a baby’s life when they cry more than any other time. This is a normal part of every baby’s development. It does not mean the baby turns purple while crying — it’s an acronym that is a meaningful and memorable way to describe what you are going through. This period of PURPLE crying begins at about 2 weeks of age and continues until about 3 to 4 months. All babies go through this period; some cry more than others, but they all go through it. The word “period” means that the crying has a beginning and an end. For more information on soothing and sleeping during this period of PURPLE crying, go to PURPLEcrying.info .

Getting to Know Your Baby

A baby is considered “colicky” if their crying is continuous for 3 or more hours a day. Colic may start at 1 to 3 weeks and last up to 4 months. It happens more often in the evening. Colic can be caused by a number of things. If you think your baby may have colic, talk with their health care provider so they can rule out any illness.

R P U P L E

Peak of Crying Your baby may cry more each week, the most in month 2, then less in months 3 to 5.

Unexpected Crying can come and go and you don’t know why.

Resists Soothing Your baby may not stop crying no matter what you try.

COPING WITH COLIC There may be times when nothing you do will stop the crying. It doesn’t mean you are a failure or a terrible parent. Crying is a normal part of infant development. How to Cope with a Colicky Baby • Take a deep breath and count to 10. • Put your baby in their crib and go to another room. • Ask a friend or family member to take over for a while. • Arrange “timeouts” for yourself. • Sleep when your baby sleeps even if it’s the morning or afternoon. It’s amazing how just a bit of rest helps you to better cope with a crying infant.

Pain-like Face A crying baby may look like they are in pain, even when they are not.

Long Lasting Crying can last as much as 5 hours or more.

Evening Your baby may cry more in the late afternoon and evening.

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Chapter 7: Getting to Know Your Baby