Weeks 2 to 16Strong research
Calming a crying baby, and never shaking
Crying peaks at 6 to 8 weeks. If you feel overwhelmed, put the baby down safely and step away.
Why It Matters (Clinical Guidance)
- Long crying spells are normal and usually settle by 3 to 5 months.
- Shaking a baby can cause lifelong brain damage.
- Taking a 10-minute break is safe and wise.
Primary Citation: Period of PURPLE Crying programme
Last checked: October 2026 • Medical review panel forming