LEWISTON — Advocates for Children will deliver hundreds of newborn-size, knitted purple hats to the birthing units at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Central Maine Medical Center in the next few weeks.

The hats, handmade by numerous Advocates for Children volunteers, will be given to each baby born at St. Mary’s and CMMC in November and December.

The purple caps are part of a national campaign to increase awareness of the Period of PURPLE Crying, a normal period in an infant’s development when they cry more than any other time. This period can be very frustrating to parents and caregivers and can be a trigger for shaking and abuse.

The Period of PURPLE Crying campaign promotes bonding, coping strategies, and other vital parenting skills – and the purple caps can serve as a reminder for parents to use what they’ve learned during this stressful time.

FMI: purplecrying.info, www.advocatesforchildren.net.