The witching hour used to be a commonly used term to describe a window of time in the late afternoon when young babies typically cry and fuss. Newborns especially can be increasingly unsettled as the day draws to a close. Irritability, fussiness, crying and difficulty soothing are all common features of the witching hour.
Why is it called the witching hour?
For believers of the supernatural world, there is a window of time when events involving witches and sprites are more likely to be active. This classically happens as the day draws to a close and darkness descends. For parents of fussy, overtired newborns, the witching hour can seem to be a time when their normally placid baby has been replaced by a little goblin or other supernatural creature. This is why the term ‘the witching hour’ was born.
When age does witching hour happen?
Generally, crying and unsettledness peaks between 2-3 months of age. From around 3 months onwards, babies tend to become more settled and predictable in their behaviour. This is commonly related to their digestive system maturing and they are less likely to experience colic and gut discomfort. They also start to sleep for more predictable periods of time with longer, continuous sleep between more regular feeds. These longer periods of sleep mean that babies have more opportunity for longer and more restorative sleep so they wake feeling refreshed and happier.
By around the time their baby is 3 months and older, parents have recovered from the initial shock of caring for a newborn. Mothers too have recovered from the birth and there is more of a pattern to the day (and night).
What can I do to calm my baby when they’re crying?
It can help to remember that young babies aren’t capable of being in a consistent and predictable routine. Their brain is too young to change their behaviour as a result of how they’re cared for. And importantly, almost all of their responses are based around normal, newborn reflexes.
In the early weeks and months, a baby’s gut is still maturing and getting used to digesting and metabolising milk. Understanding this and not expecting too much, too soon from their baby is often useful for parents and caregivers.
Think about the basics
In the absence of other, more complex signs, most crying babies calm when their basic needs are met. However, healthy, young babies can cry for a couple of hours each day (and night) and take lots of energy and time to soothe. Try not to assume there’s anything wrong with your baby if they are healthy, thriving, gaining weight and feeding well.
Some baby care specialists believe in a theory known as the fourth trimester. Essentially, humans are born very immature and vulnerable compared with other species. Followers of the fourth trimester principles believe that newborns benefit from being cared for as if they are still in the uterus. Sucking, swaying, swaddling and soothing are considered helpful as they transition to extra uterine life.
Ask yourself:
- Is my baby hungry, uncomfortable, dressed appropriately for the weather or needs a nappy change?
- Do they need a cuddle and a reminder that I am close by?
Try these top 10 tips to help with the witching hour
- Wrap or swaddle your baby so their startle reflex is contained. Babies under 3 months often respond well to being swaddled.
- Offer your baby extra feeds, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
- Give your baby a deep, warm bath and a tummy massage. Bicycle their legs and gently draw them up to their chest. Sometimes this can help with passing wind.
- Place your baby in a sling or their pram and go for a walk. Follow the prompts on the TICKS Checklist to help keep them safe.
- Hold your baby close in your arms and bounce on a fit ball, rock, sway and bounce them gently.
- Offer your baby a dummy. This is fine as long as breastfeeding is well established.
- Stay calm and focus on your own self care needs. Sometimes it’s necessary for parents to place their baby in a safe place and walk away for a 5-minute break. Reach out for support from other trusted adults and accept all reasonable offers of kindness and help.
- Sit quietly with your baby and read them a book, or play with a toy together. Focus on being relaxed yourself and see if this helps your baby to calm.
- Put some relaxation music on, play some white noise and see if this will distract your baby from crying.
- Try placing your baby into their cot and patting, shshing and soothing them. The signs of overtiredness can easily be missed when a baby is already crying.
Make an appointment with your Child Health Nurse to learn more about what other soothing strategies you can try. And to make sure your baby is feeding and growing well.
Written for Infacol by Jane Barry, Midwife and Child Health Nurse, March 2024.
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