Does the scene sound familiar? It's the late afternoon, the golden light fades, and your once-peaceful little one erupts into a symphony of cries. You check everything: a fresh diaper, a full tummy, a comfortable temperature. Yet, the tears flow freely, leaving you feeling helpless and exhausted. Welcome to the often-dreaded "witching hour," a perfectly normal stage of development that affects many babies from 2 weeks to 4 months old.

What is the Witching Hour?

The witching hour refers to a period of increased fussiness and crying that typically occurs in the late afternoon or evening. It can be a confusing and frustrating time for new parents, as babies seem inconsolable despite having their basic needs met.

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Here are some hallmarks of the witching hour:

Unpredictable crying: The crying often comes and goes without warning, seemingly out of the blue. One minute your baby is content, the next, they're inconsolable.
Unexplained distress: Even after addressing all their usual needs (feeding, changing, burping), your baby may still appear distressed and continue crying.
Peak crying time: The crying typically intensifies in the late afternoon or evening, often between 5 pm and 10 pm.

*Holding your baby skin to skin can help decrease the duration and intensity of crying episodes.*

Why Does the Witching Hour Happen?

The exact reasons behind the witching hour are still being studied, but several factors likely play a role:

Developing nervous system: A baby's nervous system is constantly maturing during these first few months. The increased stimulation they experience throughout the day can become overwhelming in the evening, leading to fussiness and crying.
Gastrointestinal discomfort: Gas, colic, and other digestive issues can be particularly bothersome in the evenings.
Sensory overload: Bright lights, loud noises, and all the new experiences of the day can take their toll.
Communication needs: While crying might seem like frustration, babies at this stage often cry to communicate basic needs like comfort, hunger, or tiredness.

The Witching Hour is Normal (But That Doesn't Make it Easy)

It's important to remember that the witching hour is a completely normal stage of development that most babies go through. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that excessive infant crying (defined as more than 3 hours a day) was reported by parents of up to 28% of healthy infants. This highlights the prevalence of this phase.

However, normal doesn't mean easy! The constant crying can be incredibly stressful and draining for parents.

*Feeding and sucking is naturally soothing to babies - don’t be afraid to use it as a tool to calm your baby!*

Tips for Coping with the Witching Hour

While you can't completely eliminate the witching hour, there are some strategies that might help soothe your baby and make this time a little less overwhelming:

Create a calming routine: Establish a consistent bedtime routine that starts early in the evening. This can include a warm bath, gentle massage, calming music, and dimmed lights. Consistency helps your baby wind down and prepare for sleep.

Embrace calming techniques: side/stomach positioning (always supervised), shushing, swinging, and sucking can all be effective in calming a fussy baby.
Skin-to-skin contact: The warmth and security of your touch can work wonders. Try holding your baby close to your bare chest.
Wear your baby: Babywearing provides comfort, security, and rhythmic movement.
Dim the lights: Bright lights can be overstimulating for a tired baby.
White noise: The steady shush of a white noise machine can mimic womb sounds and block out distractions.
Take breaks: Don't be afraid to hand your baby off to a partner or trusted caregiver for a short break. Taking care of yourself is essential.
Seek support: Talk to your pediatrician and connect with other parents. Postpartum Doulas (like me!), Lactation Counselors,support groups, or online forums can be a great resource.

*It takes a village to support a new family. Ask for help from friends and family or hire a postpartum doula (if it’s available to you).*

When to Seek Professional Help

While the witching hour is normal, some situations might require a closer look from your pediatrician. It's important to seek professional guidance if:

The crying is excessive and persists for more than 4 hours a day, several days a week.
The crying doesn't seem to respond to any soothing techniques.
The crying is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing.
You feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or angry to the point where you're worried about hurting your baby.
Your intuition tells you that the crying is more than what is normal.

Interested in hiring a postpartum doula to give you a much needed break? I’m here for you. Contact me today to chat!

Remember, you're not alone in this. The witching hour is a challenging but temporary phase. By understanding the reasons behind it and having some coping strategies in place, you can navigate this time with a little more confidence and keep your sanity (mostly) intact. Remember, there's a calm and content baby waiting for you on the other side of the evening cries.