The Witching Hour: A Guide for New Moms Struggling with Late-Night Fussiness

The "witching hour" is a term that many new moms quickly become familiar with during the early weeks of motherhood. At The Southern School for Moms Mommy and Me Newborn Series in Franklin, we discuss this topic with our sleep expert. It's that mysterious time of day—often in the late afternoon or evening—when your baby suddenly becomes fussy, restless, and inconsolable. Cara Dumaplin from Taking Cara Babies states that calming methods that work during other parts of the day don’t seem to help as much during this time (Taking Cara Babies (Cara Dumaplin). For many moms, the witching hour feels like an endless stretch of exhaustion and frustration. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. The witching hour is a normal phase in a newborn’s development, and with a little understanding and patience, you can get through it.

The witching hour typically peaks between 2-3 weeks of age and can last until your baby is around 3-4 months old. Jennifer Kelly Geddes from What to Expect states that while every baby is different, the causes of witching hour can be a growth spurt, cluster feedings, fatigue, overstimulation, and colic(What to Expect (2024)). For new moms, the witching hour can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re already running on little sleep. But the good news is that this phase will eventually pass.

During the witching hour, try to remain calm and patient. Comforting techniques like gentle rocking, soft singing, swaddling, or offering a pacifier can help soothe your baby. If you're breastfeeding, offer the breast, as the act of nursing can often provide comfort. Most importantly, remember that the witching hour is temporary. It might seem endless when you’re in the thick of it, but before you know it, your baby will begin to outgrow this challenging phase. And while it’s tough, you’re doing an amazing job!

References

Taking Cara Babies. (Cara Dumaplin). Witching hour for babies. Taking Cara Babies. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://takingcarababies.com/witching-hour-for-babies?srsltid=AfmBOooKXCbyUpv_CTQIuRp3mpSkrEKKcZ_mCZb4fYCZ12m_xAYGE_6E

What to Expect. (2024, October 29). The witching hour: Understanding your baby's evening fussiness. What to Expect. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/newborns/baby-witching-hour