The Witching Hour

In this circumstance, the “witching hour” doesn’t refer to those hours during Halloween when little ones are running around collecting candy and screaming, “Trick or treat!” Today, we are going to focus on the “witching hour” in babies, which refers to a period of increased fussiness that typically occurs in the late afternoon or evening. This phase commonly begins around 2 to 3 weeks of age and can last until 3 to 4 months.

During this time, infants may cry inconsolably, despite being fed, changed, and otherwise comforted. It can be incredibly frustrating and leave you feeling totally helpless. While frustrating for parents, this is a normal developmental stage and often peaks before gradually subsiding.

Witching Hour vs. Colic or Reflux

It’s important to differentiate between the witching hour and conditions like colic or reflux. Colic is defined by excessive crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, over three weeks. Reflux, on the other hand, involves frequent spit-ups, arching of the back, and signs of discomfort after feeding. Reflux crying can last for four hours or more. Unlike colic or reflux, the witching hour is typically linked to sensory overload and irregular sleep patterns rather than medical issues. If you see signs in your newborn or infant of reflux, please consult your pediatrician.

Common Causes

Several factors contribute to the witching hour, including:

Sensory Overload: After a full day of stimulation, babies may struggle to process all the new experiences. You may see more inconsolable crying when you are on-the-go more during the day or bringing your baby into a new environment.

Irregular Sleep Patterns: Over-tiredness can make it difficult for babies to settle. If your baby isn’t getting optimal daytime sleep or extending wake windows being their age appropriate limit, you may encounter more difficulty at night.

Hunger & Cluster Feeding: Babies often demand frequent feedings in the evening, which helps boost milk supply. Cluster feeding is exhausting. Typically newborns find a rhythm or pattern for when they prefer to cluster feed.

Digestive Discomfort: Gas buildup or mild feeding issues can lead to evening fussiness. In the early newborn days, it is very normal for your child to be uncomfortable due to feeding. As newborns learn how to feed, their discomfort should lessen. If you are concerned, I would consult with your pediatrician to make sure your newborn doesn’t have a lip or tongue tie impacting their ability to feed.

Developmental Changes: The rapid growth and neurological development occurring during these early weeks can contribute to increased crying patterns. Newborns have a crazy growth spurt and developmental leap schedule. Almost every 2-3 weeks, you are heading into a new regression. Try not to stress. You can’t control how your newborn reacts to these leaps and developments. It’s important to meet them where they are at and give them the support they need.

Strategies to Soothe

Finding the right strategy to calm a fussy baby during the witching hour may require some trial and error. Effective soothing techniques include:

Creating a Calming Bedtime Routine: A warm bath, gentle rocking, and dim lighting can signal it’s time to wind down. You can start a bedtime routine as early as you want! Creating that foundation can be incredibly helpful as they get older.

Offering Frequent Feeds: Since cluster feeding is common, feeding on demand can help keep babies satisfied. Every child is different so don’t compare. Comparison can be the thief of joy, and it can really make you second guess what you are doing. You know your baby best.

Reducing Stimulation: Limiting noise, bright lights, and excess activity can prevent sensory overload. If you have multiple children, I know how hard this can be. Do what you can to control the environment.

Using Motion and White Noise: Rocking, babywearing, or using a white noise machine can mimic the womb environment. While you have a newborn, it is totally okay to use soothing techniques to help your child sleep.

Providing Skin-to-Skin Contact: This promotes bonding and helps regulate the baby’s nervous system.

Ensuring Proper Burping: Trapped gas can lead to discomfort, so burping regularly during and after feedings can be beneficial.

Recognizing Sleepy Cues

To prevent overstimulation and overtiredness, parents should look for early signs of tiredness, such as:

Yawning

Rubbing eyes

Decreased activity

Staring into space

Fussiness before full-blown crying

Catching these cues early allows for a smoother transition into sleep before the baby becomes overly fussy.

Self-Care Tips for Parents

Caring for a baby during the witching hour can be exhausting. Parents should prioritize their well-being by:

Taking Shifts: Taking shifts can be a life saver for parents, and it allows them space to take care of themselves, so that they can take care of others.

Accepting Help: Family or friends can step in to offer support, whether through babysitting or meal preparation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Practicing Mindfulness: Deep breathing, stretching, or a short walk can help manage stress. Getting outside can make the world of a difference!

Remembering It’s Temporary: While challenging, the witching hour is a phase that will pass with time. It’s a short chapter in your child’s life. Give yourself grace.

The witching hour can be a trying time for parents. Understanding its causes and implementing effective soothing strategies can help manage evening fussiness. By recognizing sleepy cues, adjusting feeding patterns, and prioritizing self-care, both babies and caregivers can navigate this stage with greater ease.

Sleep Shore Sleep Consulting

Is your little one having difficulty self-soothing? If your child is unable to fall asleep, sta y asleep, or wake up at a normal time, it may be time to consider sleep training. Sleep Shore offers personalized solutions for each unique sleeping situation to get your little one on track- whether they’re a newborn, infant, or toddler. We also offer in home sleep training services in the Boston, Massachusetts, Central Michigan (Midland, Clare, Mt. Pleasant) and Traverse City, Michigan. Sleep training offers babies and children with the skills to fall asleep on their own so they can wake up feeling more well-rested- and in turn, you’ll feel more energized, too! See what this mama had to say about our sleep services below:

“Danielle couldn’t have come into our sleep journey at a better time. Our son was just 9 months when we started working together and had been in a bad routine for close to 2 months. He was taking short 30-45 min naps, having multiple wake ups in the night and waking early for the day. We were going crazy and trying everything to get him back to sleeping well again, with no luck.

Danielle worked to put together a customized sleep plan for us and our son that involved all of his specific sleep needs. Not only did she develop a sleep plan that actually worked, but she was available and extremely responsive to my messages at all hours of the day! She was patient and even offered support/ alternative plans throughout our time working together as my son got sick for a day or two. She has a ton of experience and expertise in the baby/kid sleep realm and used all of her knowledge to help us get our son sleeping.

Within 1 day he was back to sleeping all night, taking 2 solid naps and able to sleep until an appropriate wake time. Danielle is amazing and I highly recommend her if you are needing guidance and support with your child’s sleep. We are all happily back to sleeping through the night and that is all thanks to Danielle. Thank you so much!” – Mom of 9 Month Old

The Witching Hour