Maternal Health and Well-Being - Coping with Crying

Babies cry because that is their only means of communication. They may cry for specific reasons, such as, they are hungry, their diaper needs to be changed, or their gums hurt from teething. Some babies may cry more than others and for what seems like for no reason at all.

Crying can be very frustrating for parents and caregivers, so the sooner you learn to understand your baby’s cries the better.

The Period of PURPLE Crying

Purple crying was developed as an easy way for parents and caregivers to understand their baby’s crying.

P Peak Pattern Crying peaks at around 2 months of age and then levels off after that.
U Unpredictable Crying for what seems like no reason at all
R Resistant to Soothing Crying continues even after attempts to soothe
P Pain-like Face Babies look like they are in pain, though they may not be
L Long Bouts Crying goes on for 30 minutes or longer
E Evening Cry Crying happens more in the afternoon or evening

*Some experts believe that this period of purple crying is a normal stage of development signaling a change in cognitive awareness. They seem to think the fussier the baby is, the smarter the baby will be.

Crying Infant Checklist

Check Basic Needs

  • Hungry or needs to be burped
  • Diaper needs to be changed
  • In pain (sharp, piercing cry)
  • Clothing to tight
  • Baby is crying to release tension or because she is over stimulated
  • Baby wants to be held

Check for Signs of Illness

  • Fever
  • Gums swollen/red
  • Ears warm/red/drainage present
  • If any of these signs are present, you may want to call the baby’s doctor

Tried everything, the baby is still crying, and you are frustrated!

  • Take a break- place the baby somewhere safe (ex. crib) and step outside or sit in your car for a few minutes.
  • Call a friend
  • Listen to some music
  • Exercise
  • Remember, the crying will end and no mater how frustrated you get NEVER SHAKE A BABY!

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe a group of injuries that result from a child being violently shaken by another individual. Crying is the number one reason a baby is shaken. SBS occurs when a frustrated parent or caregiver loses control. The shaking only lasts a few seconds, but the damage will last a lifetime.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Unresponsive
  • Lethargic
  • Having convulsions
  • Change in level of awareness
  • Not able to vocalize or follow movement
  • Difficulty breathing/turn blue

Injuries Shaking Causes

  • Blindness
  • Seizures
  • Learning disabilities
  • Physical disabilities
  • Death

An estimated 1,200 to 1,600 children are shaken annually. Of those, 300 to 500 will die and the rest will be left with severe handicaps. Talk with anyone you may leave your child alone with about this topic, which includes, fathers, boyfriends, stepparents, grandparents, relatives, and caregivers.

Shaken Baby Syndrome is 100% Preventable!!!

Visit the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome at www.dontshake.com for more information. Live in the Hudson Valley? Visit www.skippervigil.com to learn about what parents are getting done to raise awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome

 

  
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