Ever notice your calm baby turn into a fussy little tornado around 5 p.m.? You’re not alone — welcome to the baby witching hour! It’s that mysterious time in the evening (usually between 5–11 p.m.) when otherwise healthy babies cry, resist feeding, and fight sleep for no clear reason.
It’s normal — but let’s be honest, it can drain even the most patient parents.
In this guide, we’ll break down what causes the witching hour, how it differs from colic, and most importantly, how to soothe your baby (and yourself) through it.
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What Is the Witching Hour for Babies?
The witching hour isn’t a medical term — it’s a parenting one. It describes that daily stretch in the evening when your baby becomes unusually fussy or cries nonstop, often without an obvious reason.
This typically happens around the same time each night and can feel impossible to soothe.
During the witching hour, babies may:
- Cry uncontrollably despite being held
- Demand constant feeding (cluster feeding)
- Get fussy even after a full meal
- Struggle to fall or stay asleep
It’s exhausting, yes — but thankfully, it’s usually just a normal phase in your baby’s development.
When Does the Baby Witching Hour Start — and End?
It usually starts at a period of 2-3 weeks and reaches its peak at 6 to 8 weeks. The great news? The majority of the babies develop out of it when they are 3 years to 4 months old.
Common Timeline:
-
Starts: Around 2–3 weeks old
-
Peaks: 6–8 weeks
- Ends: Usually by 12–16 weeks
Why Does the Witching Hour Happen in Babies
There is no single reason but there are a number of things thought to play a role:
Overstimulation: Babies can be overstimulated by excessive loud sound, bright light, or activity brought on by the day.
Overtiredness: Babies can be fussy towards the evening when they are not allowed to take naps or when they do not have successful naps.
Digestive problems: Gas or reflux may complicate the process of remaining calm.
Cluster feeding: Infants usually wish to eat more in the evening and it is exhausting to both the mother and the child.
Immaturity of nervous system: The baby has not yet learned how to control her or his feelings and responses.
Evening fussiness can stem from overtiredness, overstimulation, or tummy troubles. Help your baby wind down with Cookies and Puffs — all made with gentle, natural ingredients and perfect for babies 6 months and above. Easy to digest and ready when you need calm the most.
Baby Witching Hour vs. Colic: What’s the Difference?
They may look similar, but there’s a key difference.
|
Feature |
Witching Hour |
Colic |
|
Timing |
Evening hours only |
Can occur any time, day or night |
|
Duration |
Short bursts (1–3 hours) |
Long episodes (3+ hours, 3 days/week, 3+ weeks) |
|
Cause |
Developmental, fatigue |
Unknown, may be digestive |
|
Resolution |
Improves by 3–4 months |
Improves by 3–4 months |
Witching hour is often a temporary phase in the evening, the colic is more intense and long-lasting. In case you are not sure, consult with your pediatrician.
10 Baby Witching Hour Tips: How to Calm Your Fussy Baby
Follow these parent-tried and tested ideas to survive in the most challenging time of the day:
- Stick to a relaxing habit: Turn the light on, put on some gentle music and wrap up your infant.
- Rock, bounce, etc. - Roccading or bouncing or hanging the baby on a swing-cart.
- Warm bath: This can calm strained muscles as well as reimposes their mood.
- White noise: A white noise machine or app simulates the womb and calms the over stimulated baby.
- Cluster feed, as necessary: Position the breast or bottle more during the evening.
- Make naps regular: A rested baby would have low chances of reaching the meltdown.
- Wear baby: Babies will cry just as much as every skin against skin contact and movement.
- Prevent afternoon overstimulation: Develop a calm and serene atmosphere.
- Burp frequently: Particularly when there is a cluster feeding, to eliminate air that is trapped.
- Use the pacifier: A pacifier can be useful to relieve a baby and allow him/her to self-soothe.
Evenings can get tough with a fussy baby, but a little snack can go a long way. Grab & Go Baby Snacks are ready-to-eat, gentle on tiny tummies, and perfect for travel or calming those witching hour meltdowns. Keep your little one happy and satisfied—anytime, anywhere.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
While the witching hour is normal, consult your pediatrician if:
-
Your baby is inconsolable for long periods
-
Feeding becomes difficult
-
There’s excessive vomiting or diarrhea
-
Weight gain is poor
- You suspect reflux or allergies
Your pediatrician can rule out medical issues and guide you toward the right support.
Final Takeaway: Surviving the Baby Witching Hour
The baby witching hour is actually one of the harshest experiences during the early stage of parenthood- yet it is temporary.
You will be able to minimize both your baby distress (and your own) by realizing that it is caused by specific mechanisms and employing calming methods.
Follow your guts, rest when you must and this is the thing to remember: you are not alone.
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FAQs
1. Witching hour, does all babies experience it?
Ans: It is common during the newborn phase, but not all of them do.
2. What is the duration of the witching hour every night?
Ans: Normally, 1-3 hours, but it is a matter of the baby.
3. How can I avoid having the witching hour?
Ans:It is not always avoidable, but good naps, calm routine, and good feeding tends to lessen its severity.
4. Is it alright to allow my baby to cry during witching hour?
Ans: Short crying is all right when the basic needs are satisfied and as long as there is no medical issue. Always calm by all means first.
