Crying babies
If you are a parent of a newborn, you’re well aware of how much they can cry.
It can be one of the hardest and most frustrating things to deal with- but it’s a completely normal part of their development.
At their age, it is one of the only ways they communicate.
Most new babies cry a lot in the first year of life. Crying start to:
- increase around 2 weeks of age
- peaks in the second month
- gradually eases by the age of 5 months.
Some newborns seem to cry more often and for longer periods of time. People often refer to these long periods of crying as Colic.
Understanding the Period of PURPLE Crying
The Period of PURPLE Crying helps parents understand when and why their newborn may be crying. It includes:
- P - Peak of crying: Your baby may cry more each week, the most in month 2, then less in months 3-5
- U - Unexpected: Crying can start or stop with no clear reason
- R - Resists soothing: Your baby may not stop crying even when you’ve tried everything to sooth them
- P - Pain-like face: A crying baby may look like they are in pain, even if they are not
- L - Long lasting: Crying can last 5 hours a day, or more
- E - Evening: Your baby is more likely to cry in the late afternoon or evening
Managing a crying baby
It can be very frustrating and exhausting when your baby does not stop crying. You’ve checked the basics such as:
- changing their nappy
- feeding them
- checking their temperature.
Here are some coping strategies as a parent or carer:
Tag out
If you have a partner, family member or friend around, ask for help looking after the child. Hand your baby over for 5-10 minutes to take some time to yourself.
Saying ‘I’ve had enough and I need a break” is a healthy and an important step.
It takes a village to raise a child so lean on them when you can.
Step out
If you’re alone or don’t have that support network around, it’s okay to place your baby:
- safe in their cot
- in a quiet, cool space
- step out of the room for a few minutes.
Even if they are still crying, stepping out is best for you and your baby. It allows you space to breathe and calm down for a moment.
See Safe sleep practices for newborns for more tips on how to safety leave your baby safely in a room.
Reach out
You’re not alone as a parent. Reaching out can be one of the best things you do. Share your frustration, ask for advice or seek further professional help.
You may feel helpless at times when your baby keeps crying. It’s important to know, you “can’t fill from an empty cup”- taking care of yourself allows you to take better care of your newborn.
See Accessing services for how to find free and confidential support as a parent.
Never shake a baby
No matter how tired, frustrated or overwhelmed you feel when trying to settle a crying baby, it’s never okay to shake a baby.
Shaking a baby can cause serious short and long-term health complications including brain damage that cannot be reversed.
Many babies who have been shaken often don’t survive.
If you ever feel frustrated:
- tag out
- step out
- reach out.