Understanding your baby’s sleep patterns and daytime needs can go a long way in reducing evening fussiness. The witching hour is a common struggle for many parents, typically starting in the late afternoon and evening. Read infant sleep tips below from an experienced sleep coach and RN.
What is the “Witching Hour”?
The “witching hour” is a term commonly used to describe a time, typically in the late afternoon or early evening (around 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM), when babies and young children tend to become fussy, irritable, and difficult to soothe. This period can be challenging for parents because it often coincides with the end of the day when everyone is tired, and there may be other household responsibilities to manage.
During the witching hour, babies might cry more than usual, resist feeding or sleep, and generally seem unsettled. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but it could be due to factors like overstimulation, tiredness, or the baby’s natural circadian rhythms.
For parents, understanding that the witching hour is a common experience can help manage expectations, and strategies like establishing a calming routine, offering a pacifier, or creating a soothing environment might help ease the baby’s discomfort during this time.
Create a Calm Environment to Prevent Overstimulation
Overstimulation is a key factor behind the witching hour. By late afternoon, babies may become overwhelmed by everything they’ve seen, heard, and experienced throughout the day so it’s important to create a low-key environment. This helps calm your baby’s senses and prepares them for sleep.
Focus on Wake Windows and Daytime Naps
One of the most important ways to reduce the intensity of the witching hour is to ensure your baby is getting enough sleep during the day. Babies have short wake windows that vary by age. When babies miss a nap or stay awake too long, they can become overtired. To avoid over-tiredness, follow a consistent nap schedule based on your baby’s age-appropriate wake windows. Sleep coaching can provide additional strategies to optimize your baby’s naps and reduce evening fussiness.
Use Soothing Techniques
Soothing methods like
swaddling, gentle rocking, white noise, and pacifiers can be very effective during the witching hour. Experiment with different approaches to discover what works best for your baby during this challenging time. If you are looking for additional sleep tips, contact Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny’s
certified sleep coaches and schedule a free Discovery Call.
Plan for a Low-Key Afternoon
Given that the witching hour often occurs between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., it’s helpful to keep this time as low-key as possible. Avoid overstimulating activities, unnecessary outings, or too many visitors. Establishing a calm, predictable routine can make it easier for your baby to transition to bedtime.
Take Care of Yourself
Research shows that babies can pick up on their caregivers’ stress, which can contribute to their own fussiness. Make self-care a priority by taking breaks, asking for help, and managing your own stress levels. A calm and relaxed parent is better equipped to handle the challenges of the witching hour.
These strategies are backed by research and focus on understanding your baby’s needs throughout the day. The witching hour is a temporary phase, usually improving significantly by the time your baby is 3-4 months old. If you’re still struggling, consider consulting a Boston Baby Nurse sleep coach for personalized guidance and support.
About The Author
Carole K. Arsenault is the founder and CEO of Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny. She has years of experience working with newborns as a lactation consultant, sleep coach, and of course, an RN specializing in Obstetrics and Maternal Health. In addition, she is the award-winning author of Newborn 101. She has three grown children and loves to share mindfulness tips with friends and parents.
