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Ever noticed how your baby seems to lose it just when you’re trying to wind down for the evening? Welcome to the "witching hour." It’s a totally normal (and exhausting) phase that many infants go through. Let’s break down what the witching hour is, why it happens, and some practical tips to help soothe your baby during this challenging time.
With my own kids, I saw firsthand how different the witching hour can be. My eldest daughter had the typical witching hour fussiness. But with my youngest, it was taken to the extreme. She was super chill all day, but the minute 5 pm hit, all hell would break loose. I tried everything to soothe her. It was a tough phase, but through trial and error, I found some effective strategies that made a world of difference. Let’s dive into what worked for us and can help you too.
What is the Witching Hour?
The witching hour is a period, typically occurring daily between 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm, when an otherwise content baby becomes extremely fussy. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. This phase usually starts around two to three weeks old, peaks at six weeks, and can last until they are about three to four months old. It can be tough, but remember, it’s temporary and totally normal.
Why Does the Witching Hour Happen?
Several factors can cause this evening fussiness:
Overstimulation: Throughout the day, your baby experiences a lot—lights, sounds, and activities. By evening, they might be overstimulated and have a hard time winding down.
Tiredness: Newborns can VERY quickly become overtired. If your baby hasn’t napped well during the day, they can become overtired, making it harder for them to fall and stay asleep.
Hunger: Babies often go through growth spurts, which can make them hungrier than usual. They might want to feed more frequently in the evening, leading to fussiness.
Digestive Discomfort: Babies' digestive systems are still developing, and they might experience gas or digestive issues, leading to discomfort and crying spells.
Tips to Soothe Your Baby During the Witching Hour
While the witching hour can be tough, here are some strategies that worked for us and can help calm your baby too:
Create a Calm Environment: Reduce stimulation by dimming the lights and lowering noise levels. A peaceful atmosphere can help your baby relax.
Implement a Consistent Routine: Establish a soothing evening routine with a warm bath, gentle massage, feeding, and quiet time. A predictable routine can signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down.
Offer Comfort: Cuddle your baby close, use a baby carrier, or swaddle them snugly to give them that cozy, secure feeling. Physical closeness and gentle rocking can work wonders. If your baby hasn’t napped well during the day, some quality snuggle time can help them get a bit of much-needed rest and bridge the gap to bedtime.
Try White Noise: White noise can mimic the sounds your baby heard in the womb and have a calming effect. Use a white noise machine or a fan for soothing background noise.
Check for Hunger: If your baby is hungry, offer a feeding. Cluster feeding is normal during growth spurts, and feeding more frequently in the evening can help satisfy their increased hunger.
Burp Regularly: Make sure to burp your baby during and after feeds to help release any trapped air that could be causing discomfort.
Practice Gentle Tummy Massage: A gentle tummy massage can help relieve gas and ease digestive discomfort. You can also try bicycling your baby's legs and pumping your baby's knees to their chest to help that gas escape.
Use Water: A warm bath can work wonders in calming a fussy baby, as the warmth and gentle water help relax their muscles and soothe their senses. If you’re comfortable, you can try showering with your baby, but be super careful as things can get slippery—hold them securely and ensure the water temperature is just right. Another quick method is running a little water over your baby’s head while holding them over the sink; the gentle stream can be very soothing and help to distract and relax them.
When to Seek Help
While the witching hour is common, there are times when you should consult a professional:
If your baby’s fussiness is extreme, persistent, or comes with other concerning symptoms, it’s important to see your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.
It's also crucial to understand the difference between typical witching hour fussiness and colic. Colic is characterized by intense, unexplained crying for three or more hours a day, at least three days a week, for three weeks or longer. If you suspect your baby has colic, discussing it with your pediatrician can provide clarity and potential solutions.
Hang in There!
The witching hour can be a tough time for both babies and parents, but understanding why it happens and knowing how to manage it can make a big difference. Remember, this phase is temporary, and with patience and the right strategies, you can help soothe your baby and make the evenings more manageable. If you need personalized advice or additional support, we’re here to help.
Struggling with newborn sleep? Book a free call TODAY with EverGlow Sleep to get tailored tips and support for your baby’s sleep needs. We’re here to help you and your baby get the rest you deserve.
Witching hour baby | Baby fussy evening | How to soothe a fussy baby | Tips for calming baby witching hour | Baby evening fussiness tips
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