How to Help Newborn Witching Hour
Why Evenings Are So Hard — And What You Can Do to Soothe Your Baby
If your newborn suddenly turns into a fussy, inconsolable little bundle every evening, you’re not alone. Welcome to the witching hour — a totally normal but exhausting phase that many babies experience in their early months.
As a pediatric sleep consultant, I hear from so many parents wondering, “Why is my baby so upset at night — and what can I do?” The good news? This phase doesn’t last forever. Even better? There are practical ways to help your baby (and yourself) through it.
Let’s explore what causes the witching hour and how you can help your newborn feel calmer during those long, tricky evenings.
🌙 What Is the Newborn Witching Hour?
The “witching hour” refers to a predictable period — typically in the late afternoon or early evening — when your newborn becomes extra fussy, clingy, and hard to settle.
Most babies experience this between:
3 to 12 weeks of age
5 PM and 11 PM (though timing can vary)
During this time, your usually sleepy or content baby may:
Cry more than usual
Refuse to nap or feed properly
Seem unsettled no matter what you try
It’s overwhelming, but it’s completely normal.
🍼 Why Does the Witching Hour Happen?
While there’s no single cause, common triggers include:
Overtiredness from shorter naps during the day
Overstimulation after a busy afternoon
Digestive discomfort or gas
Cluster feeding needs (especially in breastfed babies)
Immature nervous system struggling to self-soothe
Your baby’s body and brain are working hard — and evenings can become just too much.
🛏️ How to Help Your Newborn Through the Witching Hour
1️⃣ Offer Cluster Feeds
Many newborns need to feed more frequently in the evening to:
Fuel up before longer night stretches
Soothe themselves with sucking
Even if it feels like “snacking,” follow your baby’s hunger cues and offer extra feeds as needed.
2️⃣ Create a Calm, Dim Environment
Reduce stimulation to help your baby wind down:
Dim the lights around 5–6 PM
Lower household noise
Avoid active play or loud siblings
Use white noise to block distractions
Think “womb-like” to help their nervous system relax.
3️⃣ Use Motion and Soothing Touch
When your baby is crying or fussy:
Rock, sway, or gently bounce them
Try babywearing in a soft wrap or carrier
Offer skin-to-skin contact for comfort
Rhythmic motion and closeness help your baby regulate.
4️⃣ Try a Warm Bath
A short, gentle bath can:
Relax tight muscles
Distract from fussiness
Signal the start of nighttime wind-down
Keep the bath warm (but not hot) and calm — skip bubbles and bath toys.
5️⃣ Practice Swaddling
Many newborns sleep and settle better when swaddled:
It mimics the snugness of the womb
Reduces startle reflex (which can wake or upset them)
Ensure your swaddle is snug but hip-safe, and always place baby on their back to sleep.
6️⃣ Offer a Pacifier
Sucking is naturally soothing for babies:
Offer a pacifier to help your baby regulate
Especially helpful after feeding when they want to comfort suck
Not all babies take a pacifier — and that’s okay. Try gently, but don’t force.
7️⃣ Watch for Tired Signs — and Avoid Overtiredness
Newborns can’t handle long wake windows:
Watch for early sleepy cues: red eyes, yawns, zoning out
Aim for naps every 60–90 minutes during the day
Try to settle baby before full fussiness sets in
An overtired baby has a harder time calming down — prevention helps.
🌟 Bonus Tips for Parents
Take shifts. If possible, trade off with a partner during the evening fussies.
Use a baby carrier. Holding baby upright can help with digestion and give you hands-free comfort.
Stay hydrated and nourished. Taking care of yourself matters too.
And most of all: Remind yourself this phase is temporary.
💬 When to Call Pediatrician
If your baby:
Cries for more than 3 hours daily,
Is inconsolable despite feeding and soothing,
Shows signs of reflux, food intolerance, or digestive pain,
...reach out to your pediatrician to rule out underlying issues like colic or allergies.
Final Thoughts: The Witching Hour Will Pass
The newborn witching hour feels endless, but it truly is a phase. With a calming environment, responsive feeds, and soothing strategies, you can help ease your baby through these tough evenings.
Your love and presence are the most powerful comforts your baby has — even when nothing seems to work.
You’ve got this.