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You're winding down after a long day, and just when you’re ready to relax then your baby starts crying nonstop for no clear reason. They’ve been fed, changed, cuddled and yet the fussiness only grows. Sounds familiar? This common frustrating pattern is what many parents call the witching hour baby. It’s a stage that can leave even the calmest caregivers feeling overwhelmed, especially if you don’t know why it’s happening or how long it’ll last.
Let’s dive into what this phase actually is, why it happens, and how you can make evenings a little calmer for both you and your little one.
What Is the Witching Hour for Babies?
Although the term witching hour has historic roots, in parenting it refers to an increase in fussiness in babies. This specific episode of crying occurs around late afternoon and early evening when a baby tends to be more irritable and difficult to calm down. It may take the form of extended crying episodes, a complete refusal to feed, or a strong desire to be held. This is accepted by pediatricians as a normal phase of development that typically occurs in the first two or three months of life.
What Does Witching Hour Look Like?
Here are some signs that your baby may be going through this phase:
- Intense crying spells between five in the evening and eleven at night
- Arching of the back or stiffened limbs
- Fussiness during feedings or diaper changes
- Needing constant cuddles without calming down
- Seeming overstimulated or unsettled
Some babies may cry for hours, while others might just fuss and squirm. Every baby is different, but most parents agree that it’s not easy!
When Witching Hour Starts and When It Ends
The expression witching hour baby might appear to be the type of phrase that comes from a storybook; however, it represents a real challenge for new parents. In a baby’s life, it occurs in and around late afternoon to early evening when your child turns fussy out of nowhere.
During the witching hour, even the most relaxed babies can suddenly cry, flail their arms, become unwilling to eat, or insist on being cuddled constantly. You may try rocking and feeding the child, but to no avail. Do not worry, this is a normal stage that all newborns go through. You can also check different products from Momcozy for convenient tools like baby carriers and smart baby sound machines.
Pediatricians understand the witching hour as a normal phase of bothersome behavior that occurs during the first two or three months of life. Your baby has to deal with a whole lot of stimulation throughout the day, and by evening, all the sounds, lights, emotions, and digestion he or she has experienced is being processed. Due to the sheer volume of processing happening, it's understandable that crying is their way of releasing it all.
The witching hour sets in roughly the same time every day, usually between 5 PM to 11 PM. Although it can be mystifying and at times annoying, always keep in mind that it is temporary. With some soothing strategies and a little support, both you and your little one will sail through this tough season and come out stronger.
Why Does the Witching Hour Happen?
Experts believe there are several reasons for this behavior:
- Sensory overload: After a long day of new sights, sounds, and touches, your baby’s brain may feel overwhelmed.
- Digestive development: Their tummy is still learning how to process milk and gas.
- Evening hormone shifts: Hormones like melatonin begin to rise in the evening, which can affect mood.
- Lack of structure: A busy day without a routine may make it harder to wind down.
- Hunger cues being missed: Babies may cry harder if early signs of hunger are ignored.
One gentle way to calm your baby is by keeping them close. The Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier allows your baby to snuggle against your chest, hear your heartbeat, and feel safe—all while giving you comfort and freedom to move around.
How Is the Witching Hour Different from Colic or Purple Crying?
While they may seem similar, these three terms describe different challenges:
- Colic is defined by intense crying that lasts three hours or more, at least three days a week, often for no clear reason.
- Purple crying is a term for a normal stage of increased crying between two weeks and three months of age.
- Witching hour refers to a specific time of day—usually early evening—when babies become especially fussy, but often respond to calming methods.
If your baby can still be soothed during the witching hour (with holding, sound, or movement), it’s likely not colic.
10 Gentle Tips to Get Through the Witching Hour
When your baby starts crying in the evening and nothing seems to help, it can feel like a never ending loop. But you are not alone and the good news is that there are many ways to soothe your little one during this time. These tips are parent tested and baby approved.
1. Create skin to skin time in a quiet, cozy room
Hold your baby against your chest with only a diaper on. The warmth, smell, and sound of your heartbeat help calm their senses. Turn off harsh lights and keep the space soft and quiet. This close contact provides comfort and reassurance, often helping babies relax within minutes.
2. Wear your baby in the Momcozy PureHug Carrier for closeness and support
Use the Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier to gently walk and sway with your baby snuggled against you. The upright position can help with digestion while your motion and heartbeat bring comfort. It also keeps your hands free to move around while keeping your baby close and settled.
3. Use soothing background sound
Soothing sounds like light shushing, soft rain, or the sound of a quiet fan can block out disturbing noise while basking in a calm environment. These sounds aid your baby’s memory of the womb, making it much easier for them to settle down. Help them calm down by gently humming or playing soft nature sounds.
4. Try the Momcozy Smart Sound Machine for easy comfort
The Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine offers lullabies, white noise, and heartbeat style sounds to help calm your baby’s nervous system. You can control the volume and tracks directly from your phone, so you do not need to tiptoe around your baby during those delicate moments.
5. Give your baby a warm bath to release tension
Taking a brief bath before bedtime can be quite soothing. Warm water helps sore muscles and reduces chances of digestion. After the massage, gently rub baby lotion, swaddle them in a warm towel, then quiet your bedtime routine with gentle cuddles or calming light feeds to help slowly drop them into sleep mode.
6. Rub their tummy or move their legs gently
Tummy discomfort is one of the primary reasons why children wail in the evening. To assist them, try gently moving their legs in a circular motion as if pedaling a bicycle while they lie on their back. You may also help soothe their emotions by rubbing their tummy in circular motions as you relieve pressure on their abdomen.
7. Watch hunger cues and feed early
Do not sit waiting for your baby to cry fully. Rather, pay attention to signs like lip smacking, rooting, or turning their head side to side. Tending to your baby’s needs before they become too distressed can really help. It promotes emotional safety for your baby as well as avoiding the challenging task of feeding an already stressed out infant.
8. Change the setting
A different space can reset their senses. Step into another room, stroll through the hallway, or walk out onto a shaded balcony or porch. The shift in lighting, sounds, and environment often helps babies calm down when nothing else works.
9. Use a soft wrap or swaddle for security
If your little one still accepts swaddling, wrap them neatly in a soft and breathable blanket. This provides a feeling of protection, limits flailing arms, and reduces the chances of them being accidentally awoken. For infants who want to be more active, consider using a sleep wrap or a wearable blanket that keeps them warm but also offers some movement freedom.
10. Breathe and stay calm—your baby is watching you
Your voice and touch are very powerful means to help your child even if nothing is working. Cuddle and softly speak in a gentle and low voice to your child. Just like you, your little one can pick up on your energy. Remaining calm and steady helps him/her feel safe. Your baby’s calm will be tested some evenings more than others, but just being near them eases everything.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Most babies grow out of the witching hour phase, but you should consult your doctor if:
- Your baby’s crying continues well past five months
- They are not gaining weight or feeding well
- You notice fever, vomiting, or unusual stools
- The crying includes signs of pain or high-pitched screeching
There is no harm in asking for help. Your peace of mind matters just as much as your baby’s comfort.
FAQs About Witching Hour
What age is witching hour for babies?
Typically begins at 2–3 weeks, peaks around 6–8 weeks, and tapers between 3–5 months.
What is the science behind witching hour?
Experts link it to sensory and digestive overload, maturing nervous system and hormone shifts creating daily fuss.
Should I let my baby cry it out during witching hour?
No. This time is not for sleep training. Instead, focus on comfort, rhythm, routines, and presence to soothe them.
Conclusion
Experiencing the witching hour baby feels exhausting, but is a typical stage in your baby’s development. This consistent period of fussiness during the late afternoon does not indicate anything is amiss, Rather, it is your baby’s attempt at adapting to life.
With gentle routines, closeness, and tools like the Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier or Smart Baby Sound Machine, you can bring more comfort to these moments. And remember, this phase will pass. Each night, you are helping your baby feel safe and loved and that matters most.
You are doing great. One calm evening at a time, you and your baby will get through this.
