Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Perth District Health Unit
Think Purple in November!
During November the “Click for Babies” campaign (named from the distinct sound of knitting needles “clicking” together) is being promoted by local hospitals and health units. Organized by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, the campaign is held every year to raise awareness about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking a baby.
Purple Hats in November
In November, every baby born in Perth County will go home from the hospital, or receive from their midwife, a one-of-a-kind, locally made, hand-knit purple cap. The purple caps draw attention to the Period of PURPLE Crying, which is a way to help parents understand normal infant crying. Along with the purple hats, parents receive a DVD and booklet about infant crying patterns and coping tips for parents.
“The acronym PURPLE is used to describe an infant’s crying behaviour to let parents know that this crying is normal and, although frustrating, will pass,” explains Glenda Blair, Public Health Nurse. The goal is to explain what is normal and help parents and caregivers find ways to cope so that they never react by shaking or harming a baby.
The letters in the PURPLE acronym stand for:
- Peak of crying – The baby may cry more each week, peaking at two months, and then less at three to five months.
- Unexpected – The crying can come and go, with no explanation.
- Resists soothing – The baby might not stop crying no matter what you try.
- Pain-like face – It may look like the baby is in pain, even when they are not.
- Long lasting – Crying can last as much as 5 hours a day, or more.
- Evening – The baby might cry more in the late afternoon or evening.
Often parents are told their baby has colic. “This can be confusing and concerning for new parents as it sounds like their infant has an illness or a condition that is abnormal,” says Blair. ”The Period of PURPLE Crying more accurately reflects what all babies go through; some may cry a lot, some far less, but they all go through it.”
A very special thanks to the numerous volunteers who gave their time to make these beautiful and unique caps.
For more information:
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hill
Communications Manager
519-271-7600 ext 279
rhill@pdhu.on.ca
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