Understanding the Witching Hour: What It Is and How to Soothe Your Baby

Introduction

For many new parents, evenings can be the most challenging time of day. Just when you’re winding down, your baby may become unusually fussy and hard to console. This period is commonly called the “witching hour.”

In this guide, we’ll explain what the witching hour is, why it happens, and practical strategies to help soothe your baby—including how a swaddle like the Momcozy Easy Swaddle Wrap can help.

What Is the Witching Hour?

The witching hour refers to a daily period—typically between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.—when babies become unusually fussy, difficult to console, and hard to get to sleep.

Key characteristics of the witching hour include:

• It often starts around 2–3 weeks of age.
• It tends to peak around 6–8 weeks.
• It usually resolves by the time the baby is 3–4 months old.

Despite the stressful name, remember that this is a temporary and normal part of newborn development.

Why Does the Witching Hour Happen?

While the exact cause is unknown, common triggers include:

• Overstimulation: A full day of sounds, lights, and interactions can overwhelm your baby’s nervous system.
• Overtiredness: Skipped naps or short daytime sleep may lead to cranky evenings.
• Digestive discomfort: Gas, reflux, or colic symptoms may flare up during this time. Sometimes, fussiness is also a sign of physical discomfort like swollen gums, which can peak in the evening. 
• Cluster feeding: Many babies nurse more often in the evening, which can be tiring.
• Underdeveloped self-soothing skills: Newborns have not yet learned how to calm themselves.

How to Soothe Your Baby During the Witching Hour

1. Stick to a Calming Evening Routine

A consistent and predictable routine is a powerful signal to your baby's brain that it's time to transition from the chaos of the day to the calm of the night. This doesn't need to be complicated.

Try this: A warm bath, followed by a gentle baby massage, dimming the lights, and playing soft white noise or lullabies.

2. Swaddle for Comfort and Calm

Swaddling is one of the most effective ways to soothe a fussy baby, especially during the witching hour. It mimics the womb, reducing overstimulation and the startle reflex.

Just like the Momcozy Easy Swaddle Wrap:

• 2-step wrap system for quick and foolproof swaddling—ideal when your baby is already fussy.
• Soft bamboo fabric that provides breathable comfort, even during long periods of holding or cluster feeding.
• Quiet Velcro closure that allows adjustments without startling your baby, an important feature during sensitive evening hours.

3. Reduce Sensory Input

Dim lights, lower noise levels, and avoid overstimulating activities. Skin-to-skin contact, white noise, or holding your baby in a dark room can help settle their senses.

4. Hold or Wear Your Baby

Carrying your baby in a wrap or sling offers closeness and gentle motion, helping calm fussiness. Upright positions can also ease digestive discomfort.

Babywearing isn’t just for soothing in the moment—it can prevent witching-hour meltdowns. Wearing your baby for contact naps or short carrier naps during the day helps meet sleep needs, reduces overstimulation, and lowers evening overtiredness.

Consider lightweight, breathable options from Momcozy Wrap Carriers and WeeSnug Newborn Baby Carriers as a daytime companion to the Easy Swaddle Wrap for evenings.

5. Watch for Sleepy Cues

During the witching hour, subtle signs of tiredness are easy to miss. Look for staring off, rubbing eyes, or yawning—these indicate it’s time for sleep.

If cues are hard to spot: Some babies don’t show obvious sleepy signs until they’re already overtired. In that case, use average wake windows as a backup guide.

Within the first three months, most babies manage only 20–75 minutes of awake time between naps.

Try starting your wind-down routine before the end of the wake window to catch the “sweet spot” and reduce evening fussiness.

Final Thoughts

The witching hour is temporary, but it can be challenging. With patience, consistent routines, and the right calming tools like the Momcozy Easy Swaddle Wrap, you can help your baby feel safe, secure, and comforted during even the fussiest evenings.

Pair daytime babywearing (to prevent overtiredness) with evening swaddling (to reduce overstimulation) for a one-two calming approach.

Remember, you are not alone—this phase does pass, and with gentle support, your baby will gradually become easier to soothe.