It’s 7 p.m., and your once-sleepy newborn has transformed into a crying, unsettled little bundle. What happened to the calm, content baby from just six hours ago? During the day, they were sleeping peacefully, feeding happily, and seemed totally content. But now, after the sun sets, it’s like a switch flips. No matter what you do—feeding, rocking, bouncing—they just won’t settle. They act like they’re starving, but you just fed them.
Is something wrong? Is it gas pains? Am I not making enough milk?
Breathe. This is normal. Welcome to the witching hour.
What is the Witching Hour?
Despite the name, this isn’t some supernatural event. The witching hour refers to a period—usually in the late afternoon or evening—when newborns become unusually fussy. It typically starts around 2-3 weeks old, peaks at 6 weeks, and improves by 3-4 months.
During this time, babies may:
✔️ Cry more than usual (even when fed, burped, and changed)
✔️ Demand to be held constantly
✔️ Want to feed non-stop (hello, cluster feeding!)
✔️ Have trouble falling or staying asleep
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Nearly every new parent experiences this, and while it can be exhausting, it’s not a sign that something is wrong with your milk or your baby.
Why Do Babies Get Fussy in the Evening?
There’s no single reason, but a mix of normal developmental changes plays a role:
🔹 Sensory Overload – After a full day of lights, sounds, and new experiences, your baby’s little brain is overwhelmed. Crying helps them release tension.
🔹 Cluster Feeding & Growth Spurts – Babies often nurse more frequently in the evening to help increase milk supply and prepare for longer sleep stretches.
🔹 Gas & Discomfort – The digestive system is still immature, which can cause tummy troubles that feel worse in the evening.
🔹 Overtiredness – If baby has had short or disrupted naps during the day, they may be extra fussy at night.
💡 Did you know? Babies who get more daytime cuddles and skin-to-skin contact often have shorter and less intense witching hours!
How to Soothe Your Baby During Fussy Evenings
You can’t eliminate the witching hour, but you can make it easier for both of you.
1. Offer the Breast (Again!)
Even if baby just ate, offer the breast whenever they show hunger cues. Cluster feeding is normal and temporary—it helps your milk supply adjust to their growing needs. Trust the process!
Psst... formula-fed babies experience this too! It’s not always about hunger—it’s about comfort and regulation.
2. Try Skin-to-Skin Contact
Holding baby skin-to-skin helps regulate their heart rate, breathing, and stress levels. It’s the ultimate reset button for an overstimulated baby.
3. Use Motion & White Noise
Babies are used to constant movement and sound in the womb.
Try:
✔️ Babywearing (a wrap or carrier works wonders!)
✔️ Rocking, bouncing, or gentle swaying
✔️ White noise or shushing
4. Give a Warm Bath or Massage
A warm bath can be soothing, or try a gentle belly massage with slow, clockwise circles to help with digestion.
5. Dim the Lights & Reduce Stimulation
By late afternoon, start turning down bright lights, lowering noise levels, and keeping things calm. Too much stimulation can make baby’s fussiness worse.
6. Try a Change of Scenery
Sometimes, stepping outside for fresh air, a walk, or even just moving to a different room can reset baby’s mood (and yours!).
7. Ask for Help & Take Breaks
If the crying feels overwhelming, it’s okay to step away. Hand baby to your partner or grandparent, take a few deep breaths, and reset. You are not failing—this IS hard, and you don’t have to do it alone.
When to Worry About Evening Fussiness
In most cases, the witching hour is a normal phase. However, reach out to your doctor or lactation consultant if you notice:
🚩 Crying that lasts all day, not just in the evening
🚩 No wet diapers or signs of dehydration
🚩 Difficulty feeding (baby is struggling to latch, pulling off in frustration, or not gaining weight)
🚩 High-pitched, inconsolable crying that feels different from normal fussiness
You’re Not Alone—This DOES Get Better (Eventually)!
The witching hour is one of the hardest parts of newborn life, but it won’t last forever. By 3-4 months, your baby’s nervous system matures, and evenings become much calmer. Until then, lean on your support system, trust your instincts, and know that you’re doing an amazing job.
If you ever need extra support, Flowerbud Lactation is here to help. Whether it’s fussiness, feeding struggles, or just reassurance—you’re not alone in this journey.
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