Period of Purple Crying

The Period of Purple Crying is a normal developmental stage that begins at about two weeks of age and continues until a baby is about three-four months old. During this time, babies cry a lot, and seem to resist soothing. They may cry for hours, and look as if they are in pain, even when they are healthy and normal. The acronym PURPLE describes specific characteristics of an infant's crying during this phase and lets parents and caregivers know that what they are experiencing is normal, and although frustrating, is only temporary and will eventually come to an end.