Don’t Mistake Pain With Purple Crying

Summary

This video offers helpful insights for parents of newborns, addressing the common and lesser-known reasons why babies cry. It covers boredom, the Period of Purple Crying, and how to distinguish between normal crying and pain-related crying. The script also explains how to identify hunger, tiredness, and discomfort through specific cues. Additionally, parents are guided on soothing strategies, with a focus on effective holding techniques to calm their crying baby. The video emphasizes understanding these signals to ensure a baby's well-being and offers a free guide to help track developmental milestones.

Takeaways

• 😀 Newborns cry for various reasons, including hunger, tiredness, and boredom.
• 😀 Even babies experience boredom, and subtle signs like turning away or slight vocalization can indicate it.
• 😀 You can address boredom by changing your baby’s environment or offering them a new toy or activity.
• 😀 The Period of Purple Crying is a normal phase where babies cry more without an apparent reason, peaking at 6-8 weeks.
• 😀 During the Purple Crying phase, babies might cry for up to 3 hours a day, especially in the late afternoon or evening.
• 😀 By 4 months old, crying usually decreases and spreads more evenly throughout the day, making it easier to understand.
• 😀 Pain or discomfort from things like infections or irritation can cause continuous crying, and it may require a visit to the doctor.
• 😀 Hunger cues include hand-to-mouth gestures, rooting, lip smacking, and opening the mouth wide.
• 😀 Tiredness cues include glazed eyes, lack of interest in toys, and more obvious signs like yawning, crying, or rubbing eyes.
• 😀 If the diaper is clean and your baby is still upset, check if they are too hot or too cold by feeling their skin temperature.
• 😀 Soothing techniques, such as specific holding positions, can help calm your baby during persistent crying episodes.

Q & A

What are the common reasons why newborns cry?

Newborns typically cry due to hunger, tiredness, or a dirty diaper. However, if these needs are met and the crying persists, it could indicate boredom, discomfort, or pain.

How can you tell if a newborn is crying out of boredom?

Early signs of boredom include disinterested turning away, restless squirming, or slight increases in vocalization. If not addressed, it could escalate to more overt signs like arching their back or crying.

What is the Period of Purple Crying and when does it occur?

The Period of Purple Crying typically starts around two weeks of age and peaks between 6-8 weeks. During this time, babies cry for up to three hours a day without a clear reason, often occurring in the late afternoon or evening.

How can you distinguish between crying due to the Period of Purple Crying and pain?

Crying during the Period of Purple Crying tends to follow a predictable pattern, occurring mainly in the late afternoon or evening. In contrast, pain-related crying is more constant, without a specific time frame, and may suggest an underlying issue like infection or irritation.

What should parents do if their newborn's crying seems excessive or unusual?

If crying appears excessive or seems out of the ordinary, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out pain, discomfort, or other health issues.

What are some early signs that a baby is hungry?

Signs of hunger include the baby moving their hands toward their mouth, rooting, smacking or licking their lips, or opening their mouth wide as if ready to feed.

How can parents recognize tiredness in their newborn?

Early tired cues include glazed eyes, blank stares, lack of interest in toys, and reduced body movements. If missed, the baby may show more obvious signs like jerky movements, yawning, frowning, or rubbing their eyes.

How can you tell if a newborn is uncomfortable due to a dirty diaper?

If a baby continues to cry after feeding and sleep needs are met, checking their diaper for wetness or dirtiness is essential. If the diaper is clean, discomfort may stem from temperature or other factors.

How should parents ensure their baby is comfortable temperature-wise?

To check a newborn's temperature, gently feel their chest or back. If their skin feels warm and dry, they’re comfortable; if it’s too hot or cold, adjust their clothing accordingly.

What are some effective soothing techniques for a crying newborn?

Holding techniques, such as certain positions that can comfort the baby, are key in calming crying newborns. These methods are especially helpful when other solutions aren't working.