The Period of PURPLE Crying® is a program designed to teach parents/caregivers about normal infant crying and the normalcy of feeling frustrated due to the crying. PURPLE is the acronym for Peak of crying, Unexpected, Resists soothing, Pain-like face, Long-lasting, and Evening crying. The program is based on over 30 years of research on crying and its relation as a trigger to shaking. Teaching caregivers about normal crying can lessen their stress and reduce the likelihood that they will shake their infant out of frustration and discouragement.

Caregivers are taught about the importance of an action plan, individualized for them, for when they get frustrated with the infant's crying. First, they should respond to their infants cries with "comfort, carry, walk, and talk" measures to reduce fussing and tend to the baby's needs and not neglect them. Second, caregivers need to understand it is ok to put the baby down in a safe place, like a crib or playpen, and walk away if the crying is too frustrating for them. Lastly, they need to be aware of the dangers of shaking an infant and understand that it is NEVER ok to shake a baby. The education and actions empower the caregiver in responding to their needs and their infants. 

The program will begin in the Children's Mercy Hospital's Intensive Care Nursery in July 2011. All infants in the Intensive Care Nursery will receive the education prior to discharge from the hospital. Each family will go home with the educational dvd and booklet so they can share the information with other caregivers for their infant.

View the new PURPLE Crying Public Service Announcement

For additional information about the program please contact:

Amy Terreros DNP, RN, CPNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Section of Child Abuse and Neglect
Phone: (816) 983-6820
Email: anterreros@cmh.edu