Knitted and crocheted caps to be distributed to local families throughout November to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome

Caps serve as a reminder to parents and caregivers that it is okay to ask for help and take a break

Each year, more than 1,400 babies are shaken and abused as a result of a parent or caregiver becoming frustrated with an infant’s crying. Research shows that frustration with a crying infant is the number one trigger for the shaking and abuse of infants.  The majority of shaken infants suffer a variety of significant and life-long injuries that range from seizures and cerebral palsy to death. 

Through a unique collaboration of knitters and crocheters, the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) is building awareness of the dangers of shaking an infant by collecting and distributing thousands of purple-colored baby caps. Mercy Medical Center is one of many hospitals joining in that nationwide effort by giving the hand-made purple caps to parents of newborns throughout the month of November along with information about the Period of PURPLE Crying.

The campaign, titled CLICK for Babies: Period of PURPLE Crying Caps, aims to build awareness of a normal, but often frustrating phase in an infant’s development when they cry more than any other point in their life. 

“It's important for parents and caregivers to realize that a certain amount of crying during the first few weeks and months of life is normal,” said Linda Klein, Director of Mercy’s Birthplace. “Providing them with this information is critical. This campaign helps us go one step farther, giving parents ideas about how to cope with a crying baby and how to recognize normal developmental stages of infancy."

More than 70,000 knitted and crocheted caps have been donated from volunteer knitters and crocheters throughout North America. 

For more information about the Period of PURPLE Crying program or the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, visit PURPLEcrying.info or dontshake.org.