edition 6: April 2024

Do you know about purple crying?

The term “purple cry” is used by some professionals to describe a normal phase in the growth of babies. It is important to keep in mind that most parents experience this type of crying at some point and staying calm is essential to provide the best care for the baby.

The characteristics of purple crying are summarized by the acronym PURPLE:

• P (peak of crying): crying intensifies each week, peaking around two months of age, then tapering off
• U (Unexpected): both its start and end are completely unpredictable
• R (resist soothing): unlike other types of crying, the baby does not calm down easily
• P (pain-like face): it may look like they are in pain, even when they are not
• L (long lasting): crying may continue for extended periods
• E (evening): it is common for the baby to cry more in the afternoon and at night, especially between 5pm and 9pm.

Courtesy of Precious Moment Child Care

The PURPLE crying period is a normal phase that begins around 2 weeks of age and lasts until 3 or 4 months of age. Despite the word purple, it does not mean that the baby actually gets that color.

To calm the purple crying, it is essential to stay calm and be patient, as the baby is fine. Different strategies can be used with the baby such as holding in your arms, carrying, maintaining skin-to-skin contact, performing relaxing activities such as massages, baths or singing to the baby.

As for the cause of purple crying, it is considered the period of greatest crying in healthy babies without an identified medical cause. Although some experts suggest that it is a form of adaptation to the new environment, there is no certainty as to why crying increases during this time. It is worth mentioning that humans are not the only ones who go through this stage.

Cries that indicate signs of illness often sound like weak, tired moans, with high pitches and low intensity, sometimes accompanied by long pauses between crying sessions.

The first 365 days of a child’s life are an amazing period of growth and learning. Child development encompasses the changes or evolutions that a child experiences from birth to adolescence. Understanding this development is crucial for parents and educators to prepare to guide and encourage learning, thus establishing a solid foundation in physical areas.

Developmental change is an inherent reality of human existence. There are universally accepted assumptions or principles about human development, recognizing that each child is unique in their physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth patterns. Additionally, they vary in the way they interact and respond to their environment, as well as the impact of play and other factors. Somo children may always seem happy and energetic, while others may not show the same liking in physical development.

Physical development involves changes in size, weight and motor skills, as well as personality. Some children are more active, while others tend to be quieter. Management of these behaviors may vary, as some children are easier to manage than others.

As for physical development, this encompasses changes in the body, including changes in bones, size, weight, gross motor skills, vision and hearing development. Gross motor skills refer to movements that involve the use of large muscle groups and the coordination of large movements, such as walking, running, jumping, crawling, and climbing. An appropriate development of these skills is essential for the growth and autonomy of young children.

Why is it important to evaluate young children?

The evaluation of young children is important for several reasons, as it provides valuable information about their development and well-being. Here are some key reasons:

Early detection of developmental problems: early evaluation can identify potential developmental, learning, or health problems early. The sooner these problems are identified, the sooner you can address and treat them, which can significantly improve long-term prognosis.

Early intervention: evaluation helps identify areas where a child may need additional support. Early intervention in these areas can help overcome difficulties and promote healthy development. The sooner the challenges are addressed, the greater the chances of success in the intervention.

Personalization of teaching: the evaluation provides detailed information about a child’s individual strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used by educators and professionals to adapt the educational approach and provide more personalized and effective learning.

Progress monitoring: regular evaluations allow you to track the child’s progress overtime. This is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust strategies as necessary.

Information for parents: the evaluations provide parents with objective information about their child’s development. This allows them to understand their children’s strengths and challenges, facilitating effective collaboration with educators and health professionals.

Eases transition to school: early childhood screening can help prepare children for the transition to school. It provides useful information for educators about children’s individual abilities and needs, which can facilitate a smoother and more successful transition.

Talent identification: in addition to identifying potential challenges, evaluations can also reveal exceptional talents and abilities in children. This can guide the direction of their education and extracurricular activities.

Progress monitoring: regular evaluations allow you to track the child’s progress overtime. This is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust strategies as necessary.

Information for parents: the evaluations provide parents with objective information about their child’s development. This allows them to understand their children’s strengths and challenges, facilitating effective collaboration with educators and health professionals.

Eases transition to school: early childhood screening can help prepare children for the transition to school. It provides useful information for educators about children’s individual abilities and needs, which can facilitate a smoother and more successful transition.

Talent identification: in addition to identifying potential challenges, evaluations can also reveal exceptional talents and abilities in children. This can guide the direction of their education and extracurricular activities.

In summary, evaluations in young children is a valuable tool for understanding their development, identifying areas for improvement, and providing the intervention necessary to maximize their potential.

Contribution of: Precious Moments Childcare