The Witching Hour in Babies
sleepyheads / Feb 21, 2025
The witching hour – a term that might conjure up images of spooky midnight happenings. However, in the world of parenting, the witching hour refers to the early evening period when babies can become particularly fussy and difficult to soothe. If you’re a parent dealing with a cranky baby during these hours, know that you are not alone!
What Is the Witching Hour?
The witching hour typically occurs between 5 PM and 11 PM and can last for several hours. During this time, your otherwise content baby might become inconsolable, crying for long stretches without any apparent reason. This phenomenon usually starts around 2-3 weeks of age and can continue until the baby is about 3-4 months old.
Why Does It Happen?
While the exact cause of the witching hour isn’t definitively known, there are a few theories:
- Overstimulation: By evening, babies can become overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and experiences of the day, leading to fussiness.
- Immature Digestive System: Gas, colic, or discomfort from feeding can contribute to evening crankiness.
- Hunger: Babies often cluster feed in the evening, meaning they may want to feed more frequently.
- Fatigue: Despite seeming overtired, some babies have trouble settling down for the night.
Coping Strategies
Dealing with the witching hour can be challenging, but here are some tips that might help soothe your baby during this time:
- Create a Calming Environment: Dim the lights, reduce noise, and minimize stimulation. A peaceful atmosphere can help your baby feel more secure.
- Swaddle Your Baby: Wrapping your baby snugly can mimic the feeling of being in the womb and provide comfort.
- Use White Noise: The gentle hum of white noise can be soothing and drown out other distracting sounds.
- Offer a Pacifier: Sucking can be very soothing for babies, and a pacifier might help calm them.
- Hold and Rock: Sometimes, all your baby needs is the comfort of being held. Rocking or gently bouncing can be calming.
- Feed Frequently: If your baby is hungry, try feeding on demand during the witching hour.
- Use a Baby Carrier: Wearing your baby close to you can provide comfort and allow you to move around and get things done.
Taking Care of Yourself
Remember, the witching hour can be just as taxing for you as it is for your baby. Here are some self-care tips:
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask your partner, family, or friends for support.
- Take Breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a short break. Place your baby in a safe place, step outside, and take a few deep breaths.
- Stay Calm: Babies can pick up on your stress. Try to stay calm and patient, even when it feels challenging.
For more in-depth guidance on how to support your babies sleep visit Laying the Foundation of Healthy Sleep – Sleepyheads