By: Angela McPhillips, DNP, RN

Have you sometimes felt like no matter what you do, your baby won’t stop crying? You’ve fed them. Changed them. Rocked them. Walked endless laps around the house. And still—the crying continues.

If you’re feeling exhausted, frustrated, or even defeated, you’re not alone. Few things test a parent’s patience and resilience like a baby who won’t stop crying, no matter what you do.

For decades, persistent, unexplained crying in young infants was labeled colic. Parents were told their baby had colic, but not much more—no clear cause, no real treatment, just the advice to “wait it out.”

Today, many pediatricians prefer a different term: the Period of PURPLE Crying. Unlike colic, this term helps parents understand that:

  • This is a normal developmental phase, not a medical condition.

  • The crying follows a pattern that peaks and then improves.

  • No matter how intense it feels, it won’t last forever.

So, what exactly is the Period of PURPLE Crying? Why does it happen? How does it compare to colic?  And, most importantly, how can you and your baby get through it? Let’s dive in.

Colic and the Period of PURPLE Crying: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve heard the term colic, you might assume it’s a medical condition—something to be diagnosed, treated, or even cured. But in reality, colic is simply the name given to excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby.

Pediatricians use colic as a clinical term to describe babies who cry intensely without an obvious cause. It is diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria:

  • An infant younger than five months of age when the symptoms start and stop

  • Recurrent and prolonged periods of infant crying, fussing, or irritability without apparent cause that cannot be prevented or resolved by caregivers 

  • No evidence of poor weight gain, fever, or illness

Colic typically begins around 2 to 3 weeks of age, peaks at 6 weeks, and usually improves by 3 to 4 months. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and—most importantly—completely normal.

Colic and the Period of PURPLE Crying are essentially the same thing—just different ways of framing this stage of newborn development.

Signs of Colic (or the Period of PURPLE Crying)

Babies cry—it’s how they communicate. But colicky crying is different from regular fussiness. It tends to:

  • Be high-pitched and intense, often sounding as if the baby is in pain.

  • Occur at predictable times, typically in the evening—sometimes called the “witching hour.”

  • Be accompanied by physical tension—clenched fists, an arched back, legs pulled up to the belly.

  • Be difficult to soothe, even when all basic needs (feeding, diaper, comfort) are met.

This kind of crying can feel endless, but it does not mean something is wrong with your baby—or with you.

The Period of PURPLE Crying: A Different Way to Understand Colic

The Period of PURPLE Crying is a term many pediatricians now use instead of colic because it helps reframe this phase as a normal developmental process, not a condition.

The acronym PURPLE explains the characteristics of this stage:

  • Peak of crying – Crying is most intense around 6-8 weeks, then gradually improves.

  • Unexpected – It starts and stops suddenly, often without an obvious reason.

  • Resists soothing – Sometimes, nothing consistently works to calm the baby.

  • Pain-like face – The baby may look like they’re in pain, even if they aren’t.

  • Long-lasting – Episodes can go on for hours.

  • Evening – Fussiness tends to be worse in the late afternoon or evening.

This phase can feel overwhelming, but it is a normal part of early development.

Why Does This Happen?

Experts don’t fully understand why some babies cry more than others, but a few theories include:

  • Immature nervous system – Some babies have a harder time regulating themselves, leading to prolonged crying.

  • Sensory overload – The world is new, loud, and unpredictable. Crying may be their way of processing it all.

  • Digestive development – Some babies seem to cry more due to gas or discomfort as their digestive system matures.

  • Temperament – Every baby is different. Some are naturally more sensitive and reactive to their environment.

The important thing to remember is this phase is temporary. It doesn’t mean your baby is in pain, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Key Takeaway

Colic—or the Period of PURPLE Crying—is not an illness or a sign of a problem. Some babies simply cry more than others during this early stage of life. 

While there’s no magic cure, knowing that this phase is normal, temporary, and not your fault can make it easier to manage.

The next step? Finding ways to soothe your baby—and take care of yourself in the process.

How to Soothe a Crying Baby

When your baby won’t stop crying, having a go-to soothing method can help. Try the following universal soothing methods to help calm a fussy baby:

  1. Swaddle – Wrapping your baby snugly can make them feel secure.

  2. Side/Stomach Position – Holding your baby on their side or stomach (in your arms, not for sleep) can help with soothing.

  3. Calm sounds – Using white noise, a fan, or a sound machine can recreate the sounds of the womb.

  4. Movement– Gentle, rhythmic movements, like rocking or using a baby swing, can be comforting.

  5. Suck – Offering a pacifier or allowing them to nurse can provide additional soothing.

Not every method works for every baby, so try different combinations and see what helps.

Taking Care of Yourself: The Power of a Support System

A crying baby can push even the calmest parent to their breaking point. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

If you find yourself feeling frustrated, exhausted, or emotionally drained, reach out for support—whether it’s a partner, friend, family member, or pediatrician.

If you ever need a break, it’s okay to step away. Put your baby in a safe place (like their crib) and take a few deep breaths. Even a five-minute reset can make a difference.

Remember: you don’t have to handle this alone. Make a plan for who you can  count on when you need a moment to breathe. This might be your partner, a family member, or trusted friend. 

When to Call the Pediatrician

Sometimes, crying is more than just a developmental phase. Call your pediatrician if your baby:

  • Has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) if under 3 months old.

  • Is not gaining weight or seems uninterested in eating.

  • Cries nonstop for more than 3-4 hours without relief.

  • Has a high-pitched, painful-sounding cry that is different from their usual “colic” cry or fussiness.

  • Shows signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or trouble breathing.

If your gut tells you something isn’t right, trust yourself and reach out to your pediatrician.

This Won’t Last Forever

The crying won’t last forever, even though it feels endless now. You are not failing. You are doing the best you can in an incredibly tough phase of parenthood.

Your baby isn’t crying because of something you did or didn’t do—they are simply adjusting to life outside the womb. And even if it doesn’t feel like it, you are exactly what your baby needs.

If you’re struggling, reach out. Lean on your support system. Ask for help. Take breaks when you need them.

This phase is temporary, but the love and care you give your baby will last a lifetime.