Are you up at night with a crying baby who won’t settle down?
We know how hard it feels when your little one gets irritated in the late afternoon or evening.
Many parents face this tricky time, often called the witching hour. Your sweet baby suddenly turns cranky, and nothing seems to help.
We want to help you make sense of these tough hours.
In this post, we’ll explain what the witching hour is and why it happens, and we’ll share simple tips that worked for us and other parents.
You’ll learn when to expect these picky periods and what you can do to help your baby feel better.
What is the Baby Witching Hour?
The baby witching hour is a time when babies tend to cry more than usual and feel extra fussy. This often happens between 5 PM and midnight. But here’s what you need to know – it’s not really an hour!
The name is a bit misleading since this irritating period can last between 2 to 3 hours.
We noticed with many babies, and we worked that this happens most often in the late afternoon or early evening.
It’s pretty common to see these crying spells start around 2 to 3 weeks of age. They usually peak at 6 weeks old.
Most babies outgrow this phase by 3 to 4 months old. But every baby is different, and some might have longer or shorter witching hours.
Knowing that this is a normal part of baby development, not something you’re doing wrong as a parent matters.
Let me be clear – the witching hour isn’t about actual witchcraft or magic.
It’s simply a term parents and caregivers use to describe this predictable, irritating time.
When Does the Witching Hour Typically Happen?
From our experience working with families, the witching hour usually shows up between 5 PM and midnight.
But don’t worry – your baby won’t be picky this whole time. Most babies have their demanding period for about 2 to 3 hours within this window.
Here’s a helpful breakdown of typical timing patterns:
The most common times are:
- Late Afternoon (Between 4 Pm and 6 Pm)
- Early Evening (Between 6 Pm and 8 Pm)
- Just Before Bedtime (Between 8 Pm and 10 Pm)
We find that each baby sticks to their own schedule. Your little one might get demanding right when you’re making dinner, while your neighbor’s baby might be extra cranky closer to bedtime.
What’s interesting is that this timing often matches up with when parents are tired from their day.
Your baby might sense your energy levels dropping, which can make them feel unsettled, too.
Plus, this is when your home might be busier with dinner prep, siblings coming home, or other daily activities winding down.
Remember to track when your baby gets choosy. This helps you plan ahead and adjust your schedule when possible.
What Causes Baby Witching Hour?
1. Overstimulation
- Your baby takes in lots of sights, sounds, and feelings during the day
- By evening, their little brain gets tired from processing all this input
- The build-up of daily stimulation can lead to crying and fussiness
- Their nervous system is still developing, making it hard to handle all the day’s experiences
2. Tiredness
- Babies often get overtired by late afternoon
- Missing sleep windows can make them extra fussy
- Their sleep-wake patterns are still forming in the early months
- Being tired makes it harder for babies to settle down
3. Hunger and Feeding Patterns
- Many babies cluster feed in the evening hours
- Milk supply can be lower in the late afternoon
- Some babies get frustrated with slower milk flow
- They might need more frequent feeds during this time
4. Environmental Changes
- Evening brings changes in light and noise levels
- Family routines shift as the day winds down
- Home often gets busier with dinner prep and family activities
- These changes can make babies feel unsettled
5. Physical Development
- Growing and learning new skills takes lots of energy
- Babies process their physical development in the evening
- Their bodies are working hard to grow
- This extra work can make them more sensitive
6. Parent Fatigue
- When parents get tired, babies often sense it
- Your energy levels naturally drop in the evening
- Holding and feeding patterns might change when you’re tired
- Your baby picks up on these subtle differences
Remember, your baby might experience one or several of these causes. Each baby is different, and what affects them most can change as they grow.
Certain Solutions to Handle Witching Hour
Create a Calming Environment
- Turn down the lights in your home around 4 PM
- Keep noise levels low – use soft music or white noise
- Reduce household activity near the baby’s space
- Best time to start: At least 30 minutes before your baby’s usual fussy period
Feed Based on Cues
- Watch for early hunger signs like lip-smacking or rooting
- Offer feeds before your baby gets too upset
- Try shorter, more frequent feeds during evening hours
- Consider a dream feed before you go to bed
- When to do it: Start this pattern around 3-4 PM and continue through the evening.
Use Gentle Motion
- Try slow swaying while holding your baby
- Use a baby swing at the lowest setting
- Take a walk with the stroller around the block
- Rock gently in a rocking chair
- Best used: When you notice the first signs of fussiness
Adjust Bath Time
- Give a warm bath before the fussy period starts
- Keep bath time calm and short (5-10 minutes)
- Follow with a gentle massage
- Perfect timing: About an hour before you expect the witching hour
Wear Your Baby
- Use a soft baby carrier or wrap
- Keep them close to your body
- Move around while doing simple tasks
- When to use: Throughout the evening, especially while preparing dinner
Maintain a Simple Routine
- Start your evening routine early
- Keep steps consistent each day
- Include quiet activities only
- Begin around 4-5 PM each day
Try Different Holding Positions
- Football hold (good for gassy babies)
- Upright position on your chest
- Side-lying in your arms
- Switch positions: Every few minutes, if baby stays fussy
Accept Help
- Hand baby to another caregiver when you need a break
- Share feeding duties if possible
- Ask someone to handle household tasks
- Best time: Set this up before your baby’s usual fussy time
Step Outside
- Fresh air can help reset your baby’s mood
- Change of environment often helps
- Take a short walk if the weather permits
- Perfect for: When indoor solutions aren’t working
Stay Calm
- Take deep breaths
- Remember, this phase will pass
- Put baby in a safe place if you need a moment
- Practice this: Throughout the witching hour period
Each solution might work differently on different days. Keep trying various approaches until you find what works best for your baby.
Remember: Stay flexible and patient – what works today might need adjustment tomorrow.
Tips for Parents During the Witching Hour
We’ll provide practical tips that help parents manage this challenging time.
Take Care of Yourself First
- Eat a small snack around 3 PM for energy
- Keep water nearby – staying hydrated helps your patience
- Set up a comfortable feeding and holding spot
- Take bathroom breaks before the fussy time starts
Plan for Evening Tasks
- Prepare dinner ingredients in the morning
- Set out clean bottles and supplies ahead of time
- Keep diaper-changing items within easy reach
- Pack tomorrow’s bags in advance
Share the Load
- Set up shifts with your partner if possible
- Ask family members when they can help
- Make a list of tasks others can do
- Be clear about what support you need
Keep Perspective
- Write down what works and what doesn’t
- Track the times when your baby is most fussy
- Note any patterns you see
- Remember, each stage is temporary
Take Breaks When Needed
- Put your baby in a safe place like their crib
- Step away for 5 minutes to reset
- Call someone for support
- Use bathroom breaks as mini-timeouts
Make Things Easier
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Keep snacks and drinks close by
- Use a phone timer to track feeding times
- Have spare burp cloths within reach
Stay Connected
- Join online parent groups
- Text with other parents during this time
- Share tips with those going through the same phase
- Talk to your partner about how you feel
Be Kind to Yourself
- Lower expectations for household tasks
- Order takeout when needed
- Skip non-essential chores
- Rest when your baby rests
You find these tips most helpful when you start using them before you feel too tired.
When to Consult a Pediatrician
Contact Your Pediatrician If
- Your baby cries for more than 3 hours straight
- The crying seems painful rather than fussy
- Your baby refuses to feed during these periods
- You notice changes in their normal sleeping pattern
- Their temperature rises above normal
- The fussy periods happen throughout the day, not just in the evenings
- Your baby seems stiff or limp during crying spells
- There’s a change in their diaper patterns
Signs That Need Quick Medical Attention
- Your baby won’t stop crying even with feeding, holding, or comfort
- You notice your baby pulling their legs up in pain
- Their crying has a different sound than usual
- Your baby isn’t eating half of their normal amount
- You see signs of dehydration (less wet diapers, dry mouth)
- The fussiness starts suddenly and seems unusual
Keep Track Of
- How long do the crying spells last
- What time do they usually start
- What helps (even a little bit)
- What doesn’t help at all
- Any changes in feeding or sleep
- Your baby’s general mood during the day
If something feels wrong, call your pediatrician. They can help determine if the fussiness is normal or needs medical attention.
Conclusion
We’ve shared specific times when babies get selective, like what causes these crying spells, and simple ways to help your little one feel better.
Remember, this phase typically ends around 3-4 months. Until then, use the tips we discussed.
Creating a calm environment to try different holding positions.
Keep track of what works for your baby, and don’t forget to take care of yourself too.
If you’re ever worried about your baby’s crying, trust your gut and call your pediatrician.
They’re there to help you through this phase.
You’re doing great, and both you and your baby will get through this together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Babies Have More than One Witching Hour in a Day?
While uncommon, some babies might have two fussy periods – one in the morning and one in the evening. This often links to their natural body rhythm.
Do Formula-Fed Babies Experience Witching Hours Differently?
Formula-fed babies might have shorter fussy periods because formula takes longer to digest. However, they can still experience witching hours like any baby.
Can Teething Make the Witching Hour Worse?
Yes, teething pain can make babies more upset during their usual fussy time. Try giving them a cold teether before their typical witching hour.
