The Witching Hour With Babies: What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Get Through It
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If your baby seems to fall apart every evening—crying inconsolably, refusing to settle, and leaving you feeling helpless—you’re not alone. This frustrating pattern has a name: the witching hour. And while it might sound mystical, it’s actually a very real and very common phase for many newborns.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- What the witching hour is
- When it typically starts and ends
- The science behind what causes it
- What actually helps (and what doesn’t)
- How to support yourself during this challenging time
What Is the Witching Hour in Babies?
The “witching hour” refers to a predictable period—usually in the late afternoon or evening—when otherwise healthy babies become extra fussy and difficult to soothe. It often peaks between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., though it can vary baby to baby.
For some parents, this window feels endless. You’ve fed your baby, changed the diaper, checked for gas—and still, the crying won’t stop. That’s the hallmark of the witching hour.
When Does the Witching Hour Start and End?
The witching hour typically begins at 2–3 weeks of age and peaks around 6–8 weeks, gradually improving by 3 to 4 months.
However, if your baby is older than 4 months and still experiencing intense evening fussiness, it may be time to look at other factors like sleep schedules, feeding issues, or developmental changes.
What Causes the Witching Hour?
There’s no single cause, but here’s what research and experience tell us:
1. Overstimulation
Babies spend all day taking in new sights, sounds, and experiences. By evening, their developing nervous systems are simply overwhelmed.
2. Overtiredness
Newborns need a lot of sleep, and if they miss early sleep cues or skip naps, they can quickly become overtired—which ironically makes it harder for them to fall asleep.
Study insight: According to research in Sleep Medicine Reviews, overtiredness increases stress hormones like cortisol, which may lead to prolonged fussiness and trouble settling.¹
3. Digestive Discomfort
Gas, reflux, or immature digestion can contribute to crying, especially in the evening when babies are often cluster feeding.
4. Cluster Feeding
Babies may want to feed more frequently in the evening—sometimes every 30–60 minutes. This isn’t a sign of low milk supply, but rather a biological rhythm to tank up before a longer sleep stretch.
How to Help Your Baby During the Witching Hour
💧 1. Give Your Baby a Warm Bath
A warm bath can help relax tense muscles and soothe the nervous system. Keep it calm: dim the lights, use a lavender-scented baby wash (like this one), and minimize stimulation.
🍃 2. Take Baby Outside for Fresh Air
A short walk in the stroller or baby carrier can do wonders. Natural light and outdoor movement help reset your baby’s circadian rhythm—and yours too.
Research fact: A 2004 study in Journal of Sleep Research found that babies exposed to natural light during the day had more consolidated nighttime sleep.²
🎵 3. Use White Noise
Mimic the womb with consistent white noise. It drowns out household chaos and signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down.
We recommend this white noise machine for its portability and gentle options.
💤 4. Implement an Early Bedtime
Believe it or not, putting your baby to bed earlier can reduce witching hour fussiness. A bedtime between 6–8 p.m. works best for many babies.
🤱 5. Let Them Cluster Feed
If your baby wants to nurse or bottle-feed more often in the evening, lean into it. It’s not spoiling—it’s survival. Frequent evening feeding often leads to longer sleep stretches overnight.
🧘 6. Try Skin-to-Skin Contact
Even if you’re past the newborn phase, skin-to-skin contact can help regulate baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and stress levels.
Tips for Parents: You Need Support Too
The witching hour doesn’t just test your baby—it tests you. Here are a few ways to make it through:
- Prep dinner earlier in the day or go for something simple.
- Trade off with a partner if possible—30 minutes of alone time is gold.
- Wear headphones with calming music or a podcast while holding a fussy baby.
- Say yes to help from friends or family—even just a walk around the block.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
If your baby’s crying lasts for hours every day, or if you’re seeing signs like:
- Arching of the back
- Blood in stool
- Weight loss
- Vomiting (not just spit-up)
…it’s time to check in with your pediatrician to rule out reflux, food sensitivities, or other medical conditions.
In Summary: How to Help Your Baby During the Witching Hour
- Understand it’s normal and temporary
- Focus on prevention: avoid overstimulation and overtiredness
- Use tools like baths, white noise, and outdoor walks
- Feed on demand in the evenings
- Ask for help, take breaks, and take care of yourself
You’re not doing anything wrong—this is just a tough stretch of parenting that many families experience.
It will pass. And in the meantime, a solid strategy and a little support go a long way.
Legal Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for specific guidance regarding your child’s sleep and health. For more information, visit the CDC’s Safe Sleep Guidelines.
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Sources:
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Bathory, E., & Tomopoulos, S. (2017). Sleep regulation, physiology, and development in infants: Implications for sleep training. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 36, 15–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2016.10.006
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Harrison, Y. (2004). The impact of daylight exposure on sleep patterns in infants. Journal of Sleep Research, 13(2), 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2869.2004.00398.x