'PURPLE Crying' | KidsHealth NZ

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'PURPLE Crying'

The period of 'PURPLE crying' refers to a time period when some pēpi (babies) begin crying more and may be hard to settle. This usually peaks at 6 to 8 weeks before settling down around the 3rd to 4th month. The good news is that the period of PURPLE crying will end!

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What you need to know

Also in Crying In Babies

• What You Can Do When Your Baby Cries

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For free medical advice call Healthline 0800 611 116. Healthline provides a 24 hour, 7 days a week, over-the-phone health service. For emergencies call 111.

Before reading this page, you could read a more general page about pēpi and crying.

What You Can Do When Your Baby Cries

PURPLE crying

There is something called 'the period of PURPLE crying' which refers to a time period when some pēpi begin crying more and may be hard to settle. This usually peaks at 6 to 8 weeks before settling down around the 3rd to 4th month.

The letters in PURPLE stand for the common parts of non-stop crying in pēpi.

P

Peak - Crying peaks around 6 to 8 weeks, then decreases.

U

Unexpected - The crying can seem like it's come out of nowhere.

R

Resists soothing - Your baby may keep crying no matter what you do to try to soothe them.

P

Pain - Your baby might look like they are in pain or very gassy, with no relief.

L

Long-lasting - Your baby might cry for hours at a time.

E

Evening - Your baby may cry more in the evening, but it can happen at ay time of day.

Getting support

Talk to a health professional, midwife or Plunket nurse if you think your baby is going through the PURPLE crying period. It's important to reach out for support. Let them know what strategies you have used, they may be able to suggest some other things to try. They can also do some checks to make sure your baby is well.

The first few months of life with a newborn can be challenging. It's okay to go with the needs of your baby and yourself rather than following a schedule or routine.

The period of PURPLE crying tells us that if a baby is not ill and parents have tried to soothe baby, it is alright if they cannot stop baby from crying. Some pēpi are going to cry no matter what. The good news is that the period of PURPLE crying will end!

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PlunketLine is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 933 922 for advice and support for you, your baby and your whānau. Calls are free from cell phones. You do not need to be registered with Plunket to use this service.

Call PlunketLine 0800 933 922

Visit the PlunketLine page

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Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.

Call Healthline 0800 611 116

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The image of a mother holding her crying baby has been purchased from http://www.dreamstime.com.

Last reviewed 28 May 2025

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Crying In Babies Newborns and infants (0-12 months) All genders share cancel

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Also in Crying In Babies

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