Understanding the Witching Hour: Tips to Survive and Thrive
What is The Witching Hour?
I still remember a Thursday afternoon early in my parenting journey with two children. My son had been crying for what felt like hours. We’d fed him, changed him, rocked him, but nothing helped. That night, like clockwork, the same pattern repeated itself: a mix of overtired tears and my mounting self-doubt. I didn’t know it at the time, but we were smack in the middle of the newborn witching hour.
What Is the Witching Hour in Babies?
The witching hour is a stretch of time in the late afternoon or evening when babies cry more than usual. This fussiness often shows up between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., and even though it’s called an “hour,” it can last much longer.
Most common in newborns, it usually begins around 2 to 3 weeks old, peaks at 6 weeks, and tends to ease by 3 to 4 months. During this phase, your baby may be hard to soothe even after being fed, changed, and cuddled.
Typical Timing and Duration
The witching hour often appears like clockwork during your evening wind-down. Some babies fuss for just 30 minutes, others for hours.
The good news? It’s temporary. As babies grow, they develop more regular rhythms, and the evening intensity usually fades.
How It's Different from Colic or PURPLE Crying
Understanding the differences helps reduce worry:
Witching Hour tends to occur at the same time daily, often tied to being overtired or overstimulated.
Colic is more intense and persistent: over 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or more.
PURPLE Crying describes a typical newborn crying phase but doesn’t follow a set pattern.
If you’re uncertain or concerned, always trust your instincts and connect with your pediatrician.
Age-by-Age Guide to the Witching Hour
Newborns (0–3 months)
This is peak witching hour territory. Their nervous systems are still developing, so evening fussiness is common. Try swaddling, white noise, and skin-to-skin contact.
Infants (4–6 months)
Fussiness may still pop up due to teething or nap transitions. Consistent nap routines and wind-down strategies help ease evenings.
Older Babies and Toddlers
By now, the witching hour usually fades, but bedtime resistance or big emotions can still surface. Predictable, calming bedtime routines are key.
Why Does the Witching Hour Happen in Babies?
Evening crying often stems from a mix of tiredness, overstimulation, and hunger.
Common Triggers
Overtiredness: Long awake times lead to meltdowns. Shorten wake windows to avoid the spiral.
Overstimulation: Bright lights, noise, or too many visitors can overwhelm your baby’s senses.
Gas or Discomfort: Gentle tummy rubs or burping may help relieve tension.
Why It Affects Newborns the Most
Newborns are still learning to regulate their senses and distinguish day from night. Their immature nervous systems make them especially prone to evening overstimulation and fussiness.
Curious about how your baby’s rhythms develop? Learn about baby circadian patterns.
How to Soothe a Witching Hour Baby
Evenings might feel like a challenge, but these soothing techniques can offer relief:
10 Soothing Techniques to Try
Swaddle your baby snugly
Use white noise to block stimulation
Hold them skin-to-skin or wear in a carrier
Dim the room or take a quiet walk
Try a baby massage
Offer a pacifier
Rock, bounce, or sway gently
Give a warm bath
Offer an extra feed if they seem hungry
Pause and breathe your calm matters in this moment
Still feeling stuck during those fussy evenings? Let’s talk about how we can help.
Tips for Preventing Fussiness Earlier in the Day
To make evenings smoother:
Keep naps on track to avoid overtiredness
Follow age-appropriate wake windows
Limit stimulation in late afternoon
Create a cozy wind-down time before dinner
Offer frequent feeds, sucking is calming as well as ensuring they are well fed
Small tweaks throughout the day can make the witching hour more manageable.
Surviving the Witching Hour as a Parent
You're not the only one who's felt exhausted, touched out, and a little defeated. Here’s how to stay afloat:
Practical Coping Tips
Share duties with your partner if possible
Set up a calm space for both of you
Put baby down safely and step away if needed
Remember: sometimes just being present is enough
Need community or ideas for calmer evenings? Explore our approach to sleep support.
You’re Not Alone
The witching hour is a real, emotional phase. And it does pass. Reach out for support when you need it.
Don’t navigate the witching hour solo book your free sleep support call today.
When to Talk to your Primary Care Provider
Call your doctor if your baby:
Cries over 3-4 hours a day regularly
Struggles to feed or gain weight
Shows unusual behavior or discomfort
If something feels off, trust your gut and check in.
How a Sleep Consultant Can Help
Not all struggles are medical. Sometimes, you need a fresh perspective on routines, temperament, or environment. That’s where we come in.
At Woodlands Collective, our sleep consultants offer personalized guidance to help you gently navigate newborn sleep challenges.
Let’s walk through the witching hour together and you don’t have to go it alone.
FAQs About the Witching Hour
What age does the witching hour start and end?
Typically starts around 2-3 weeks, peaks at 6 weeks, and fades by 3-4 months.
Can babies have a witching hour without being colicky?
Yes, witching hour fussiness is less intense and more predictable than colic.
How long does the newborn witching hour last?
It can last from 30 minutes to several hours each evening.
Is it normal for my baby to cry every night at the same time?
Yes. Many babies experience this consistent evening fussiness.