The witching hour: why babies cry every evening, and what helps

Late afternoon arrives and your calm baby turns into someone who cannot be soothed. Feeding helps for five minutes, rocking helps for two, and the crying keeps coming back. Many parents call this the witching hour, and although it can last longer than an hour, it is very common and usually a normal phase.

When it happens

Studies of infant crying show a clear pattern: crying increases over the first weeks, peaks around 6 weeks of age, and then falls by about 3 to 4 months. A lot of that crying clusters in the late afternoon and evening. In a large review of studies, babies cried and fussed an average of about 2 hours a day at 2 weeks and 6 weeks, falling to about an hour a day by 10 to 12 weeks, with a wide range between babies.

Why babies fuss in the evening

Nobody knows for sure, and it is probably a mix of things:

• A normal developmental phase of crying, sometimes called the Period of PURPLE Crying.
• Tiredness building through the day, with an immature body clock.
• Cluster feeding. Many babies want to feed very often in the evening. See cluster feeding.
• Overstimulation from a busy, noisy day.
• Gas or tummy discomfort for some babies.

9 things that often help

1. Feed when they show hunger cues. Frequent evening feeds are normal.
2. Lower the lights and the noise an hour before the usual fussy time.
3. Hold them close. Skin-to-skin contact or a carrier can be very calming.
4. Motion: rocking, swaying, a walk outside in the stroller.
5. Shushing or steady noise. Try white, pink or brown noise at a safe volume.
6. Swaddle a newborn (only if they are not yet trying to roll). See how to swaddle.
7. Check the basics: diaper, too hot or cold, something uncomfortable.
8. Try a shorter wake window before the evening nap, to avoid overtiredness.
9. Take turns. Hand over to a partner or helper, and step outside for ten minutes.

When you feel overwhelmed

Constant crying is hard on anyone. If you feel frustrated or angry, it is OK to put your baby down safely in their crib, on their back, and walk away for a few minutes to calm down. Call a friend, a family member or your doctor. Never shake a baby. Shaking can cause serious brain injury or death.

When to call the doctor

Call your pediatrician if your baby’s cry sounds very different, high-pitched or weak, if they have a fever (in babies under 3 months, any temperature of 100.4 F / 38 C or higher), vomit forcefully or often, have blood in their poop, are feeding poorly, have fewer wet diapers, or if you are simply worried.