NORWAY — All of Maine’s birthing hospitals are now sharing the international Period of PURPLE Crying initiative with parents to share awareness about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking an infant.

Every year, thousands of infants are shaken and abused at the hands of a frustrated parent or caregiver. Frustration with a crying infant is the number one trigger for the shaking and abuse of infants.

In an effort to educate parents and caregivers about normal infant crying and reduce frustration, the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is partnering with knitters and crocheters throughout North America to make purple-colored baby caps.

The Period of PURPLE Crying initiative in Maine is coordinated by the Maine Children’s Trust.

In Norway, caps will be collected from now until the end of September and distributed to babies born during November and December.

Knitters and crocheters are invited to send their finished caps to Melissa Wakefield at Community Concepts, 17 Market Square, South Paris 04281.

To learn more about the Period of PURPLE Crying visit www.PURPLEcrying.info.