The Witching Hour? What It Is and How to Help Your Unsettled Baby

Just as you start to feel like you are finding your feet as a parent, your baby begins crying in the evenings and nothing seems to calm them down. They might want to feed constantly, be held all the time, or seem completely inconsolable. It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and exhausting, but you are not doing anything wrong.

This phase is incredibly common - something that most new babies go through in the first few months. It is known as the witching hour - although it often lasts more than an hour! With an understanding of what is going on and a few simple tools, you can support your baby (and yourself) through it.

What Is the Witching Hour?

The witching hour typically refers to a period in the evening, usually between 5pm and 11pm, when babies become particularly unsettled. For some, it can even stretch into the early hours of the morning.

This phase usually begins when your baby is 2 to 3 weeks old and tends to settle down by the time they reach 12 to 16 weeks. Some babies may have only occasional episodes, while others experience this unsettled period every evening. The crying often comes in waves - your baby may settle, only to start crying again a few minutes later.

It is important to know that this is not necessarily a sign that anything is wrong with your baby or your parenting. It is a phase that will pass.

What Causes It?

We don’t know exactly why the witching hour happens, but there are a few common contributing factors:

• Overstimulation, from busy days or lots of visitors
  
• Overtiredness, from short or skipped naps
  
• Immature digestion, leading to trapped gas or discomfort
  
• Growth spurts, which can increase hunger and make babies fussier
  
• Colic or reflux, making it harder for babies to settle after feeding
  

Some babies will be fine one evening and then are completely unsettled the next, even when you have done nothing different in the days - this unpredictability can be frustrating, but it is completely normal.

How Can I Help Prevent It?

There are a few things you can do during the day that may reduce the chance of your baby becoming unsettled in the evening:

• Keep stimulation gentle and balanced. Too many outings or different people holding your baby can overwhelm their nervous system. Quiet time at home can help.
  
• Protect nap times. Try to follow an age-appropriate nap schedule. Good sleep during the day can set the stage for calmer evenings.
  
• Use white noise. It can help block out other environmental sounds that can disturb your baby or mimic the familiar noises from the womb, making your baby feel more secure.
  
• Feed regularly. Spacing feeds throughout the day can help prevent evening hunger spikes.
  
• Try a tummy massage. Gentle tummy massage at each feed can help move wind along and reduce the build-up that often shows up in the evening.
  
• Change nappies diligently. Prevent nappy rash by keeping your baby clean and dry. A sore bottom can add to the distress.
  
• Create a calm bedtime routine. A predictable sequence of bath or wash, feed, and cuddle helps your baby wind down without overstimulation.

These things won’t always prevent the witching hour, but they can reduce some of the triggers.

What Can I Do When It Starts?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the crying starts. Here are a few strategies that can help:

• Movement. Go for a walk with your baby in a sling or carrier. Being held close and upright often brings comfort, and the fresh air can help you both reset.
  
• Try a warm bath. It can soothe your baby’s tummy, give you something to do when your baby is unsettled, and can be calming for you too!
  
• Swaddle and hold close. Some babies respond well to being swaddled and cuddled tightly. It mimics the snug feeling of the womb.
  
• Change their nappy. Discomfort from a dirty or wet nappy can add to the distress, especially if tummy ache is involved. Keep checking it throughout the witching hour.
  
• Ask for help. You don’t need someone to fix it - you just need someone to sit with you, share the load, and remind you that you are not alone.
  
• Check their temperature. If your baby feels unusually hot or cold, or you are concerned they may be unwell, contact your doctor or healthcare provider for advice.
  

A Word of Reassurance

This time of day can be really hard. It is emotionally draining to hear your baby cry and feel like nothing you are doing is working. But simply being there, holding them, speaking gently, and offering comfort - even if it doesn’t stop the crying - makes a difference. And, if your baby cries for several hours, remember that this is not you failing. To stay positive, when it starts, plan in your head that it will last for several hours, and then if it ends more quickly, that will feel like a win!

You are not failing. You are doing exactly what your baby needs by being present.

And remember, this phase will pass. It is intense, but it is temporary.

You are doing a great job.

See our guide on managing unsettled babies to support you through the witching hour.