The Witching Hour

Do you have a newborn who cries relentlessly every evening, often around the same time each night? You’re not alone, and what you’re experiencing is commonly referred to as the witching hour. It can leave even the calmest parents feeling frazzled and helpless, but understanding why it happens and learning how to support your baby through it can make all the difference.

Let’s break down what the witching hour is, why it’s happening, and how we can make it easier on both your baby and yourself.

What is the witching hour?

It’s a term used to describe a stretch of time (often late afternoon to early evening) when babies tend to become unsettled, fussy, and difficult to soothe.

The crying might come in waves or feel almost nonstop, and your baby may refuse feeds, resist sleep, or want constant holding. While it can be alarming and emotionally draining, it’s also a very normal part of newborn development.

When does the witching hour start?

It typically begins around 2 to 3 weeks of age, peaks at about 6 weeks, and usually starts to ease by 3 to 4 months. However, every baby is different, some may breeze through this phase with only mild fussiness, while others might experience full-blown crying night after night. The intensity and duration can vary, but rest assured, this phase is temporary and a normal part of newborn development.

Why can it be so frustrating?

One of the hardest parts about the witching hour is that what usually works during the day often stops working in the evening. That feed that usually puts them to sleep? Suddenly, not enough. The gentle rocking? Not helping. The swaddle they usually love? Now they're protesting it.

You might feel like you're doing something wrong, but you're not. This time of day is just harder for them.

Why does it happen?

Here are some of the common reasons your baby may be so unsettled at this time of day:

• Overtired & Overstimulated: This crying period is often just their way of processing and offloading after a big day of growth and adjustment. It's also easy for them to become overtired, especially by the end of the day. After a full day of lights, sounds, faces, and movement, their little nervous systems can feel overwhelmed. This often leads to fussiness and difficulty settling, even if they’re clearly exhausted. Simply put, the world is a lot for newborns.

• Evening chaos: This is often the busiest time in many households. Parents finishing work, siblings coming home from school, dinner being made, the house getting noisier. Your baby feels the shift in rhythm.

• Cluster feeding: Your baby may want to feed more often in the evening. This is normal and not a sign of low supply. Prolactin (the hormone responsible for milk production) is naturally lower in the late afternoon, which can mean slower flow and more frequent feeds, whether breast or bottle-fed.

• Discomfort or Gas: Some babies experience more tummy discomfort in the evening due to immature digestion. This can lead to extra crying and needing more comfort.

How much crying is normal?

It’s normal for newborns to cry, sometimes for hours at a time. Studies show that babies cry an average of 2–3 hours per day in the first few months. If your baby is growing well, feeding adequately, and has periods of calmness and alertness, they’re likely doing just fine.

That said, if your baby’s cry is high-pitched, persistent, and you can’t soothe them at all, it’s worth checking in with your GP or maternal health nurse just to rule out underlying causes.

If you suspect they're experiencing colic, where there is excessive crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for three weeks or more. You might find this blog helpful: Cracking the Colic Code.

How to help your baby

• Go into a dark room with a sound machine: Creating a calm, womb-like environment can make a big difference during the witching hour. Dim the lights, reduce stimulation, and turn on a sound machine to mimic the familiar whooshing sounds your baby heard in the womb. This combination can help your baby feel safe, calm, and more settled.

  
  

• Try the 5 S’s by Dr. Harvey Karp: This well-known calming method can be incredibly effective during the witching hour.

  → Swaddle: A snug, well-done swaddle helps your baby feel secure and reduces the startle reflex.

  → Side or stomach position: Hold your baby on their side or stomach.

  → Shush: Use a sound machine or your own voice to make a steady “shhh” sound.

  → Swing: Gentle rocking or rhythmic movement can help settle their nervous system.

  → Suck: Offer a dummy or a feed to provide extra comfort and soothing through sucking.

  
  

• Take a bath together: Skin-to-skin and warm water can help both of you relax. It’s a great reset button during fussy periods.

  
  

• Feed more often if needed: If they’re showing hunger cues, offer another feed. Cluster feeding is common and doesn’t mean your milk supply is low.

  
  

• Babywearing: A baby carrier can offer closeness and movement that may help soothe your baby, especially while you move around the house.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed

Even with all the tips in the world, sometimes the crying still feels like too much. If you’re finding yourself on edge, overstimulated, or just completely drained, it’s okay to take a moment for yourself. Gently place your baby somewhere safe, like their bassinet or cot, and step away for a few minutes. Take a few deep breaths, stretch, splash water on your face, or step outside for a moment of fresh air. Call your partner, a friend, or a loved one for support, sometimes just hearing someone say, “You’re doing great,” can be enough to get you through.

You’re not failing, you’re human and giving yourself permission to pause is sometimes the most powerful thing you can do.

The witching hour is tough, but temporary. Your baby isn’t broken. You’re not doing anything wrong. It’s just a season of adjustment for both of you. With time, support, and a few go-to soothing tools, your evenings will become calmer, and your confidence will grow.

Hang in there, you’ve got this.

I can help you!

I’ve created a newborn sleep guide packed with practical tips, sample schedules, sleepy cues, settling strategies, and guidance to help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed. It’s designed to support you through the trickiest early months, you can download the 0-3 month sleep guide here if you need some guidance.

If you feel like you’d benefit from more personalised support, we can also schedule a phone consult. That way, we can work closely together to address your baby’s specific needs.

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I'm the founder of Babee Dreams, a certified sleep consultant, and a mum of three. Everything I share is from evidence-based research, professional training through The Sleep Consulting Academy, real-life success stories from families I've worked with, and the instincts that come from being a mum.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance regarding your baby's health and well-being, Babee Dreams does not give medical advice.