After what often feels like a long day of parenting, many parents are ready to throw the towel in, put their feet up and switch their brains off with the help of an episode of Love Island! However, many new parents find themselves facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge: a fussy, inconsolable baby. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "witching hour," can leave even the most prepared parents feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But is the witching hour really a thing, or is it just a myth passed down through generations?
As a midwife, lactation consultant, and holistic sleep coach, I've had the privilege of working with countless families navigating the ups and downs of early parenthood. I have also journeyed through this phase twice with my own children so trust me when i say, 'This too shall pass,' even if it feels never-ending right now." Drawing from my experience and expertise, I'm here to shed light on the science behind evening fussiness, explore its potential causes, and most importantly, share practical strategies to help you and your baby find peace during this challenging time of day.
What is the Witching Hour and Where Did This Term Come From?
The term "witching hour" has its roots in folklore and is traditionally associated with supernatural events. Historically, the witching hour, also known as the devil's hour, is believed to be a time of night when witches, demons, and ghosts are thought to be at their most powerful. Ironically, many new parents find this eerily accurate, as their usually happy go lucky bundles of joy seem to transform into tiny, wailing demons during this time. It's as if someone flipped a switch, turning your happy, peaceful baby into a red-faced, inconsolable creature that no amount of shushing, rocking, or pleading can soothe. Suddenly, those supernatural entities don't seem so scary compared to an overtired, overstimulated baby!
Now, if you’re like me (and pretty much all parents everywhere), you will be straight on Dr. Google. ‘Why is my baby crying in the evening?’ ‘Is there anything I can do to help with evening fussiness?’ ‘How long does the witching hour last?’ ‘Witching hour or colic?’ ‘What causes the witching hour?’ And the googling goes on… When you feel that you have successfully diagnosed the condition, the remedies start: colic calm, Infacol, gripe water, cranial osteopathy, and another that I tried in sheer desperation… wait for it… homeopathic cucumber powder! But the reality of any of these working is, slim.
Really slim.
Really, Really slim.
So, what causes the witching hour?
Understanding the causes behind the witching hour can help make this challenging period a bit more manageable and offer you practical strategies to cope. Here are some common factors contributing to evening fussiness:
1. Overstimulation: Throughout the day, your baby encounters a lot of new experiences, sounds, and sights. By the evening, this sensory overload can leave them feeling overwhelmed. Their developing nervous systems may struggle to process all this stimulation, leading to increased fussiness as the day winds down.
2. Digestive Discomfort: Many babies experience digestive issues, such as gas or colic, which can become more pronounced in the evening. As they process the day's feedings, they may experience discomfort that causes them to cry more during this time.
3. Developmental Milestones: The witching hour often coincides with key developmental stages. As babies grow, their nervous systems and brains are rapidly evolving, which can cause temporary disruptions in their mood and behavior.
4. Need for Comfort: Babies often need extra comfort and reassurance as the day comes to a close. The transition from daytime activities to nighttime rest can be challenging for them, and they may require more physical contact or soothing to feel secure.
5. Circadian Rhythms: Just like adults, babies have internal clocks that regulate their sleep-wake cycles. As evening approaches, their circadian rhythms may be adjusting, which can contribute to increased fussiness.
6. Parental Stress: Babies are sensitive to their caregivers' emotions. If you're feeling stressed or anxious, your baby might pick up on these feelings, which can further exacerbate their fussiness.
The witching hour can be a difficult phase, but it is often a temporary part of early parenthood. By understanding the underlying causes, you can better prepare and implement strategies to soothe your baby and make this period a bit more manageable.
How log does the witching hour last?
The duration of the witching hour can vary from baby to baby, but it typically lasts for a few hours in the evening, usually between 5 PM and 11 PM. For most infants, this fussy period peaks around 6 weeks of age and gradually improves by 3-4 months. However, it's important to remember that every baby is unique, and some may experience longer or shorter periods of evening fussiness.
Coping Strategies to try:
While the witching hour can be challenging, there are several strategies you can employ to help soothe your baby and maintain your sanity:
Create a calming environment: Dim the lights, reduce noise levels, and minimise stimulation in the evening hours. This can help your baby wind down and prepare for sleep.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine: A predictable sequence of activities (such as a warm bath, gentle massage, or reading a story) can signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.
Wear your baby: Using a baby carrier or wrap can provide comfort and closeness, which may help calm a fussy infant.
Try white noise: Soft, consistent background sounds can be soothing for many babies.
Offer frequent feedings: Cluster feeding (offering multiple short feeds) during this time can help satisfy hunger and provide comfort.
Practice skin-to-skin contact: This can help regulate your baby's temperature and heart rate, promoting calmness.
Take breaks: If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to put your baby in a safe place and take a short break to recharge.
Seek support: Don't hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family members, or friends during this challenging time.
Understanding the Science
While the term "witching hour" may sound supernatural, there are scientific explanations for this phenomenon. During the evening hours, babies' circadian rhythms are still developing, which can lead to increased fussiness. Additionally, the drop in cortisol levels and rise in melatonin production as night approaches can affect a baby's mood and behavior.
It's also worth noting that what we perceive as the witching hour might be related to our own circadian rhythms and fatigue as parents. As we become more tired towards the end of the day, we may be less patient and more sensitive to our baby's cries.
Is it Colic or the Witching Hour?
While the witching hour and colic can share similar symptoms, they are distinct phenomena. Colic is typically defined as crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, for at least three weeks. The witching hour, on the other hand, is generally confined to a specific time of day and doesn't necessarily meet these criteria.
Remember, if you're concerned about your baby's crying or behavior, it's always best to consult with your pediatrician. They can help rule out any underlying medical issues and provide personalized advice for your situation.
The witching hour, while challenging, is a normal part of infant development for many babies
By understanding its causes and implementing soothing strategies, you can navigate this phase more confidently. Remember, this period is temporary, and with patience and persistence, you and your baby will get through it together. As your baby grows and their nervous system matures, these fussy evening periods will likely decrease, making way for more peaceful evenings for the whole family.