Awwwwwdorable! The little “awwwws” get a new color this fall at local hospitals, but it’s not just about the cuteness factor.
This fall, Mayo Clinic Health System Family Birth Centers in Barron, Eau Claire and Menomonie are participating in a special program, which was started by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. As part of the program, every baby born in November or December will be given a handmade purple hat to spread the word of shaken baby syndrome and the frustrations of infant crying.
Purple was chosen as the color for the caps, as P.U.R.P.L.E. stands for different stages and peaks of crying throughout the first few months of these babies’ lives. The periods in the acronym symbolize that the crying has a beginning and an end:
· ‘P’ stands for the peak of crying.
For infants, the peak of crying is the second month. Crying will decrease by the third to fifth month.
· ‘U’ stands for unexpected.
This is crying that cannot be explained.
· ‘R’ stands for resists soothing.
The baby may not stop crying no matter what you try.
· ‘P’ stands for pain like face.
A baby’s face might look in pain when crying or even when not crying.
· ‘L’ stands for long-lasting.
Crying can last as long as five hours a day or longer.
· ‘E’ stands for evening.
Babies tend to cry more in the late afternoon and evening.
“Welcoming a new baby brings much excitement but also many challenges for new parents. Mayo Clinic Health System wants to provide information on how to handle these feelings of frustration in a healthy manner,” says Christine Boe, director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic in Eau Claire.
“At least 1 out of 4 babies who experience abusive head trauma (AHT) die from a form of child abuse. AHT is the most common with children under the age of 5. However, the most affected are for babies under 1 year old,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Click for Babies’ goal is to start conversations and raise awareness, which is why we wanted to join the campaign,” says Boe.
