The Witching Hour: What it is and How to Survive it
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If you’ve noticed your baby becoming fussy or inconsolable at the same time every evening, you’ve met the witching hour—and you’re not alone. Many parents report that their otherwise happy baby seems to “flip a switch” in the late afternoon or early evening.
The good news? It’s normal, and it will pass.
Below, we’ll explore what the witching hour is, why it happens, and how to cope—without losing your mind.
🌙 What Is the Witching Hour?
The “witching hour” is a predictable period of increased fussiness, usually between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., when babies cry more than usual, often for no clear reason.
It typically starts around 2–3 weeks of age, peaks at 6–8 weeks, and gradually improves by 3–4 months.
Even healthy, well-fed babies experience it. It’s not a sign you’re doing anything wrong.
🍼 Why It Happens
Experts believe several factors contribute:
Overstimulation: After a full day of sights, sounds, and interactions, your baby’s nervous system may feel overloaded.
Digestive discomfort: Gas or mild tummy troubles can peak in the evenings.
Cluster feeding: Babies often nurse more frequently before a longer night stretch.
Immature circadian rhythm: Newborns are still learning the difference between day and night.
✅ How to Survive the Witching Hour
1. Stick to Early, Calm Evenings
Start a soothing bedtime routine around the same time each night: dim the lights, turn the TV off, lower household noise, and avoid overstimulating activities.
2. Offer Extra Feeds (Cluster Feeding)
It’s common for babies to want to nurse or bottle-feed more often during this time. Responding to those cues can help them settle.
3. Swaddle and Use White Noise
A snug swaddle paired with gentle white or pink noise recreates the womb environment and helps many babies calm down.
4. Try Motion
Rocking, babywearing, or a stroller walk can help. Movement is comforting and may help with digestion.
5. Check for Gas
Pause to burp during feeds and try gentle tummy massages or bicycle legs to relieve discomfort. Consult your pediatrician and ask about using mylicon.
6. Take Breaks & Trade Off
If you’ve tried everything and baby is still crying, it’s okay to put them safely in the crib and step away for a few minutes. Tag in your partner or a helper when possible.
🧘 For Parents: Give Yourself Grace
The witching hour can be exhausting and emotionally draining. Remember:
It’s a phase, not forever. Most babies outgrow it by 3–4 months.
You’re not causing it. A fussy evening doesn’t mean you’re failing.
Support is key. Call a friend, enlist help, or hire a newborn care specialist for extra relief.
💬 Final Takeaway
The witching hour is a normal part of newborn life—a developmental stage, not a reflection on your parenting.
By creating a calming evening routine, offering frequent feeds, and giving yourself permission to take breaks, you can weather this challenging window with more confidence and a lot less stress.
Better evenings are coming—and so is more sleep!