If you’re a parent with trouble figuring out how to soothe your baby at the infant witching hour, you’re not alone. Usually occurring in the late afternoon or early evening, the infant witching hour can take your sweet baby and make them fussy and inconsolable. But what causes the baby’s witching hour exactly? More importantly, how long does the infant witching hour last? Most babies will experience a peak of this phase around the six-week mark, with a decrease by three to four months.
The first step in figuring out how to manage which hours infants experience is identifying causes. This blog will look at practical, effective ways to calm an infant during the witching hour. You can turn stressful evenings into relaxing bonding times and establish a soothing bedtime routine that will meet your baby’s comfort requirements. Let’s get started on bringing calm to your baby’s witching hour!
Many babies cry inconsolably and get fussy during the infant witching hour, typically late afternoon or early evening. Parents find it overwhelming and exhausting, although it isn’t a myth.
During this time, your baby may cry inconsolably, arch their back, clench their fists, or seem generally discontented. Even though experts aren’t exactly sure why this occurs, they believe that a combination of familiar things could be responsible for it—overstimulated, sleepy, hungry, or gassy.
The great news is that it’s not permanent. Most babies outgrow this phase when they are 3-4 months old. In the meantime, learning how to soothe your baby can help.
Parents often ask how long an infant's “witching hour” lasts. While this depends on the baby, it usually lasts 1 to 3 hours. Some babies may have a shorter duration, while others may feel eternal.
The timing can also vary. Some babies start their witching hour at 4 p.m., while others may not get fussy until 7 p.m. The important thing is to observe your baby’s cues and patterns so you can help anticipate the fussiness.
Understanding why the baby's witching hour occurs can help you address the root cause of their fussiness. Here are some common reasons:
Now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s dive into the “how.” Here are some tried-and-true strategies to help you calm your baby during the witching hour:
During the newborn witching hour, your baby may seem more sensitive to the environment. Dim the lights, lower the volume on the TV, and minimize distractions. Calming the atmosphere can help your baby feel more secure and less overwhelmed.
Swaddling can work wonders for fussy babies. When wrapped in a cozy swaddle, babies feel secure, like in the womb. You can follow safe swaddling practices to keep them from overheating or restricting their movement.
White noise can be incredibly soothing for babies. Sounds can help drown out distracting noises and create a calming atmosphere. A white noise machine, fan, or your phone’s white noise app will do.
Many babies find gentle motions soothing. Gently rocking your baby in your arms, a baby swing, or strolling with them in a stroller can help soothe the fuss.
If your baby is hungry, feeding can help calm them down. Some babies want to cluster feed during the witching hour, which will mean feeding more often. This is normal and helps satisfy hunger.
Gas can be a major culprit behind your baby’s fussiness. Be sure to burp your baby after you feed them to relieve gases. Try gently rubbing their tummy or moving your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion to relieve stuck gas.
Sucking is a natural soothing mechanism for babies. Offering a pacifier can help your baby calm down and feel more relaxed.
A warm bath can be incredibly calming for both you and your baby. The warm water can help relax their muscles and ease any discomfort they may be feeling.
Skin-to-skin contact is a powerful way to comfort your baby. Holding your baby close to your chest can help regulate their heartbeat and temperature, making them feel safe and secure.
It’s easy to feel frustrated during the witching hour, but remember—your baby isn’t giving you a hard time; they’re having a hard time. Staying calm and patient can help your baby feel more at ease.
While it’s essential to focus on calming your baby, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Here are some tips for surviving the witching hour as a parent:
Knowing when to get help is just as important as learning to soothe your baby through the witching hour. You should see a pediatrician if your baby cries or fusses for a long time during the witching hour and has a fever, diarrhea, or trouble breathing.
Talking to a doctor can be helpful if your baby seems unhappy no matter what you do or if it gets worse instead of better. Knowing how long the infant witching hour lasts and how to tell it apart from a medical issue can make a huge difference. Please be sure to trust your judgment. Seeking help is never a failure; instead, it’s a compassionate step.
With practice and persistence, you can master how to soothe your baby during the witching hour. Many parents face the baby witching hour, but knowing the right way to soothe your little one makes a difference. It could occur through swaddling, rocking, white noise, or just sitting in a calm place. Whatever you do, it will make your baby feel secure and comforted. Remember that the witching hour for infants is temporary.
Typically, how long does an infant witching hour last? It lessens in around 3 to 4 months. In the meantime, breathe, be consistent, and know you’re doing your best. Learning how to calm an infant during the witching hour may seem challenging, but each soothing moment makes a difference that will get you to leisurely evenings with your happy baby.
This content was created by AI