If you're a parent of a newborn, you may have encountered the dreaded "witching hour." It's that mysterious period in the evening when your typically sweet baby transforms into an inconsolable bundle of screams. Your baby won't stop crying!
One family described their six-week-old baby’s nightly routine: "She sleeps 2-3 hour chunks at night, waking to eat and settling back down easily, except between 7 and 11 p.m., like clockwork, he cries inconsolably. We've tried every trick we can think of—from feeding and swaddling to bouncing, to using a pacifier—but nothing seems to work consistently. This baby won't stop crying!"
If this scenario sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. The witching hour is common, and while it’s exhausting, there are strategies to help you and your baby through it.
Understanding the Witching Hour
Newborns’ evening fussiness can stem from several factors, including:
Purple Crying: This is a period of increased crying that peaks around 6-8 weeks of age. It's part of normal infant development, although not all babies experience it as much as other babies.
Cluster Feeding: Babies may feed more frequently in the evenings, fueling up the tank in preparation for longer stretches at night which can make them seem unsettled.
Overstimulation: After a day filled with sights, sounds, and sensations, your baby might struggle to process it all. Did you know that sometimes even just direct eye contact can opver stimulate a baby? Yep!
Overtiredness: If your baby misses naps or has trouble winding down, it can lead to more fussiness. An overtired baby does not equal a baby who will sleep better at night.
Understanding the root cause can help you tailor your approach to calming your baby.
Tips to Calm Your Baby During the Witching Hour
1. Get Ahead of the Fussiness
If your baby’s fussiness begins faithfully at 7 p.m., start soothing them preemptively around 6:40 or 6:45 p.m.. Wearing your baby in a carrier can help keep them snug and calm. This proactive approach allows you to shush, pat, and bounce them as soon as they start to get fussy, breaking the witching hour pattern over a few days.
2. Appease Their Senses
When a baby won't stop crying you can try “baby grounding” which involves soothing your baby through sensory input:
White Noise or Shushing: Mimic the womb’s comforting sounds.
Temperature or Scene Change: A quick step outside or a change in room environment can reset their mood.
Body Change: Swaddling, unswaddling, or skin-to-skin contact can provide the comfort and calm your little one needs.
Bath Time: A warm bath can be calming and signal the start of a bedtime routine.
Dark, Quiet Room: Minimize stimulation with a calm atmosphere.
3. Cluster Feed if Needed
If your baby is cluster feeding, offer small, frequent feeds. This can satisfy their hunger and provide comfort without overwhelming them.
4. Use Movement
Bouncing on a yoga ball, swaying, or rocking can mimic the movement your baby experienced in the womb, which many find soothing.
5. Practice Deep Breathing
While holding your baby close, take slow, deep breaths and hum softly. This can help regulate both your nervous systems, bringing a sense of calm to you and your baby. Another reason to practice the techniques used in our ®Confident Birth and Baby class!
6. Validate and Normalize
Remind yourself and your partner that the witching hour is temporary. Babies cry as they adjust to their new world, and this period will pass. I often tell parents when they ask, "can you get them to stop crying," as a parent or caregiver we can't always ensure a baby won't cry, we have no control over that. What we can ensure is that we can provide comfort, a calm presence, and as many tips and techniques as we have in our toolboxes. Offering each other support and understanding can make a world of difference. This too shall pass on repeat!
Why Your Baby Might Calm More Easily for Others
It’s not uncommon for babies to settle more easily for someone other than their parents or primary caregiver(s). As a postpartum doula and infant care specialist, I’ve often been asked, “What’s your secret?” The truth is, it’s likely because I’m coming in fresh, without the emotional weight and exhaustion that all parents feel at some time or another. Babies pick up on stress and overwhelm, so staying calm and confident can help soothe them.
A Message of Encouragement
When your baby calms in your arms, remember this: You share a connection that no one else can duplicate. Your baby senses your presence, your love, and your unique bond. These challenging moments are a testament to the deep connection you’re building, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
Give yourself time and grace as you learn each other’s rhythms. This phase is difficult, but it’s also fleeting. With patience, consistency, and a few calming strategies, you’ll navigate through the storm together.
If Your Baby Won't Stop Crying, Let Us Support You
Navigating the witching hour can feel overwhelming and exhausting, no doubt about it. If you have other children to care for this "witching hour" typically comes during the most demanding part of your evening, but you don’t have to do it alone. If your baby won't stop crying or you just want to get ahead of this before it ever hits, we are here! The Jacksonville Baby Company is here to provide expert guidance, hands-on support, and reassurance during this challenging time. Contact us today to learn more about our postpartum care services and how we can help you and your baby thrive.
Authored by Elizabeth Luke
Elizabeth is the founder and CEO of The Jacksonville Baby Company. Elizabeth and her husband and best friend, Richard are parents to four children. With certifications in Postpartum and Infant Care Support, Childbirth and Newborn Care Education, Lactation Support, and Infant Sleep, Elizabeth is a wealth of knowledge and has a heart for helping parents live their best lives while also ensuring their children are safe, happy, and leading their healthiest lives possible! Contact us today for day, night, and live-in support!
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