The Period of PURPLE Crying® program is the name given to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome's latest SBS prevention program, which includes a full color 11-page booklet and a 10-minute DVD intended to be given to parents of new infants.

A Child Development Educational Approach. The Period of PURPLE Crying® program approaches SBS prevention by helping parents and caregivers understand the frustrating features of crying in normal infants that can lead to shaking or abuse. The program provides the opportunity for parents to learn about the crying characteristics from over 25 years of research on normal infant crying conducted by Ronald G. Barr, MDCM, and other scientists worldwide.

Research Completed. Over the past 3 years, the NCSBS conducted research testing the PURPLE program through randomized controlled trials in Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, B.C. Delivery sites included pediatric practices, maternity departments, pre-natal classes, and nurse home visitor programs. Over 4,400 parents participated in the studies. Additionally, 25 parent focus groups were conducted to develop the new materials. The program is available seven languages and includes closed captioning.

The Period of PURPLE Crying® program is designed and approved by pediatricians, public health nurses, child development experts, and parents. The program is:

• Educational and attractive to parents of newborns.
• Relevant for all parents while emphasizing the dangers of shaking a baby.
• Clear, memorable, and meaningful with a positive message.
• Designed to be interesting and relevant for both males and females.
• Presented at a grade 3 language level.
• Representative of multicultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Acceptable to public health nurses; no bottles or blankets.
• Economical with large quantity orders available as low as $2 per package, which includes both the full color 11-page booklet and 10-minute DVD.
• The PURPLE program model requires that each family receives the materials so they can review the program when needed and share it with other caregivers.

Click here to learn more about the Period of PURPLE Crying® program.