You thought you were ready for the newborn stage—night feeds, diaper changes, and unpredictable sleep. But then your calm baby suddenly starts crying every evening, and nothing seems to help.
This is known as the "witching hour"—a common phase when many young babies become extra fussy at the same time each day.
The witching hour is temporary. By understanding why it happens and trying a few soothing techniques, you can help your baby feel calmer and get through this phase with more confidence.
Why Does Witching Hour Happen?
"Witching hour" sounds like something mysterious, but there's actually nothing magical (or wrong) about it. It's simply a period when some babies become extra fussy, cry more than usual, or seem impossible to soothe—often during the late afternoon or evening.
However, witching hour is not something every baby experiences. And while evening fussiness is common, a cute nickname doesn't mean parents should ignore what their baby might be communicating.
For many newborns, witching hour happens because several small challenges come together at the end of the day:
1. Baby may be overtired
Newborns need a lot of sleep, and missing daytime naps or staying awake too long can make it harder for them to settle down. An overtired baby often becomes more difficult to soothe, creating a cycle of crying and frustration.
2. Baby may be uncomfortable from gas
Trapped gas or difficulty burping can leave babies feeling uncomfortable. Since newborns are still developing their digestive systems, they may need extra help releasing gas and getting comfortable.
3. Parents are also reaching the end of their day
The evening can be one of the busiest times for caregivers—preparing dinner, caring for older children, finishing chores or simply trying to catch a moment to rest. When baby's needs and daily responsibilities collide, this period can feel especially overwhelming.
For babies with more intense fussiness or colic-like symptoms, several of these factors may happen at the same time. The key is not to "fix" every cry instantly, but to understand your baby's patterns and find what helps them feel safe and comforted.
When Does Witching Hour Start and End?
One of the biggest questions new parents ask is: When does witching hour start, and when will it finally stop?
For many babies, witching hour begins around 2 to 3 weeks old, often becoming more noticeable during the newborn period. The good news is that it usually improves as babies mature, with many parents noticing things getting easier around 3 to 5 months old.
Some babies may experience only a short period of evening fussiness, while others may have a longer adjustment period.
Remember: this stage is temporary, even when it feels like every evening lasts forever.
How to Survive Baby Witching Hour
While witching hour is a normal part of early development for many babies, watching your little one cry and feeling unable to help can be incredibly difficult.
Some babies respond to movement, some need quiet and darkness, and others simply want extra closeness and comfort. The goal is to try different soothing techniques and learn what works best for your baby.
Here are some strategies that may help you and your baby get through those challenging evening hours:
Make Sure Baby Gets Enough Sleep
Newborns spend much of their day sleeping, and getting enough daytime rest can make a big difference in their mood. When babies become overtired, they often have a harder time calming down and falling asleep.
Pay attention to your baby's wake windows and sleepy cues, such as yawning, staring off, rubbing eyes or becoming less engaged. Helping your baby rest before they become overtired may reduce evening fussiness.
Create a Calm, Low-Stimulation Environment
When your baby is already overwhelmed, reducing stimulation can help them relax. Try moving to a quiet, dimly lit room and minimizing noise or activity.
Some babies find consistent background sounds soothing. A white noise machine or gentle sound can help create a calming sleep environment similar to what they experienced before birth.
Try Swaddling (When Appropriate)
For young newborns who are not showing signs of rolling, swaddling can provide a comforting feeling similar to being held snugly in the womb.
You can also combine swaddling with gentle rocking, shushing or offering a pacifier if your baby enjoys one.
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Go for a Walk or Add Gentle Movement
Many babies are soothed by movement because it reminds them of the motion they experienced before birth.
A walk outside while wearing your baby in a carrier, gentle rocking or slowly moving around the house may help calm a fussy baby. Sometimes a change of scenery can be helpful for parents too.
Offer Extra Comfort and Cuddles
During witching hour, many babies simply need reassurance and connection. Skin-to-skin contact, cuddling and babywearing can help your baby feel safe while allowing you to continue with daily tasks.
Sometimes the best solution is simply being close.
Nurse or Feed If Baby Wants To
Some babies want to feed more frequently during this period. Sucking can be naturally calming, and feeding can help babies feel relaxed and comforted.
If you notice your baby becomes especially fussy after feeding, or you suspect feeding-related discomfort, talk with your pediatrician for guidance.
Look for Patterns
Keeping track of when and why your baby becomes fussy can help you identify patterns.
Does it happen after a certain feeding? After a long wake period? Around the same time every evening?
Understanding your baby's routine may help you prepare before the crying begins.
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Establish a Simple Bedtime Routine
It's never too early to introduce calming bedtime habits. A newborn bedtime routine doesn't need to be complicated.
A warm bath, dim lights, gentle music, a short book or extra cuddles can become signals that help your baby transition from daytime activity to nighttime rest.
Prepare Ahead for Witching Hour
If your baby tends to become fussy at the same time every day, preparing ahead can make the evening feel more manageable.
Try having dinner prepared earlier, organizing baby supplies nearby or asking for help during that predictable difficult window.
Even when you do everything "right," some babies will still have a witching hour. Fussiness DOES not mean you are failing.
Ask for Support
The witching hour can be emotionally exhausting. If possible, share the responsibility with a partner, family member or trusted friend.
Even a short break to eat, shower or step outside can help you recharge.
Step Away When You Need To
If your baby is fed, changed and in a safe place but you feel overwhelmed, it is okay to take a short break.
Place your baby safely in their crib or bassinet, step away for a few minutes and give yourself time to reset. A calm caregiver can often provide comfort more effectively.
Colic vs. Witching Hour vs. Purple Crying
Many parents use these terms interchangeably, but they describe different experiences. Understanding the differences can help you better recognize what your baby may be going through.
| Witching Hour | Colic | Purple Crying | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it means | A predictable period of increased fussiness, often in the evening | Frequent, intense crying without an obvious cause | A normal developmental stage where babies may cry intensely |
| When it happens | Usually late afternoon or evening | Can happen at any time | Often peaks around 2 months |
| Duration | Often lasts for a few weeks or months | Usually improves around 3–4 months | Gradually decreases with time |
| Baby behavior | Fussiness, crying, difficulty settling | Long periods of crying, hard to soothe | Loud, intense crying that may seem impossible to stop |
Can Witching Hour Happen Without Crying?
Yes. Not every baby experiencing witching hour will cry constantly.
Some babies may simply become more restless, clingy, difficult to settle or harder to entertain during the evening. They may want to be held more often, feed frequently or resist sleep.
Can Witching Hour Happen in the Morning?
Although witching hour usually refers to evening fussiness, some babies may have their own "difficult time" during the day.
Every baby has different rhythms. What matters most is noticing patterns and understanding your baby's individual needs.
FAQs About Baby Witching Hour
If your baby's basic needs are met, taking a short moment to reset is okay. However, newborns need comfort and reassurance, so responsive soothing is usually recommended during this early stage.
For many babies, evening fussiness improves significantly by 3 to 5 months. However, some babies may still have occasional difficult evenings as they continue developing.
First, check common causes such as hunger, gas, discomfort or being overtired. Keep nighttime interactions calm with low lights and minimal stimulation to help your baby understand that nighttime is for sleeping.
Tips for Managing Witching Hour When You Have Other Kids
Having multiple children can make witching hour especially challenging. Try preparing simple meals ahead, creating a predictable evening routine and involving older children in small ways.
Most importantly, remember that you do not have to handle every evening alone. Asking for help is a sign of good parenting. Not failure.
To Sum It Up
The baby witching hour can feel like one of the hardest parts of the newborn stage. The crying, unpredictability and exhaustion can leave many parents wondering if they are doing something wrong.
But for many babies, this phase is a normal part of development and will gradually improve with time. By understanding possible triggers, creating calming routines and finding support when you need it, you can make those difficult evenings feel a little more manageable.
And remember: even the longest witching hour eventually comes to an end.
Please note: Sense-U and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
