Surviving the witching hour: Tips for new parents

As new parents, we all know how overwhelming taking care of a newborn can be. But there’s one particular time of day that can cause even the most experienced parents to shudder: the witching hour. This fussy period usually happens from around 5 p.m. until late evening, and can leave both babies and parents feeling exhausted and frustrated. But fear not! In this blog post, I’ll share some valuable tips to help you survive the witching hour without losing your mind.

What is the witching hour?

The “witching hour” is an intense period of fussiness or crying in the evenings that’s extremely common for newborns. During this time babies are harder to soothe and some can be inconsolable. Ask any parent what the most challenging time of day is and most likely they would say “evenings.” The witching hour typically begins 2-3 weeks after the baby’s due date, and peaks between 6 – 8 weeks and declines by 3- 4 months old.

The witching hour is at the time of day when parents are exhausted. This can be even harder if you have older children to care for, too. Everyone is upset, the house is a mess, and dinner needs to be made. Then there’s the bath and bedtime routine. 

Potential Causes

With newborns, fussing and crying often peaks in the evenings.

Overstimulation: Newborns can only handle so much stimulation throughout the day. Too much noise, and too much light can cause babies to become overstimulated easily, which can lead to them becoming fussy and hard to soothe. New parents often don’t realize that their baby has become overstimulated until it’s too late and they have a screaming infant on their hands. 

Overtired: When babies aren’t getting enough sleep during the day, they can become overtired in the evening. It’s important for parents to keep an eye on their infants wake windows. An overtired baby that has been awake too long, can become overtired and more difficult to settle.

Stomach discomfort: Babies can get stomachaches due to gas. It’s not uncommon for babies who have gas to be fussy.

Cluster feeding: Many babies go through periods of cluster feeding. Cluster feeding occurs when a baby will feed often in short bursts throughout the day or night. This can cause them to become overstimulated and then harder to soothe at night.

Busy evening routine: New parents often have a lot to do in the evening. Just like adults, babies get tired and need their rest but it’s hard for them to settle down when they are surrounded by so much commotion. 

15 tips on how to manage the witching hour

1. Understand the pattern

Recognize the pattern and try to anticipate your baby’s needs before the witching hour starts.

2. Feed baby frequently

Make sure you feed your baby frequently throughout the day, as this can help alleviate some of their fussiness. 

3. Prioritize naps

Make sure your baby is well-rested before the witching hour. An overtired baby can be more difficult to settle. 

4. Create a calm environment

Dim the lights and minimize noise to avoid overstimulation

5. Soothe with white noise

Try a white noise machine or app to help soothe your baby during this time. Background sounds such as a fan or a white noise machine can have a soothing effect.

6. Skin-to-skin contact

Hold your baby close to you. Your warmth and familiar scent can be comforting to your baby

7. Cluster feeding

Be prepared for frequent feeds during this time as your baby might be ‘cluster feeding’.

8. Pacifier

A pacifier can help calm and soothe your baby. 

9. Swaddling

Swaddling can help make the baby feel secure and might help them calm down.

10. Soothe stomach discomfort

Gentle massage or warm baths can help if your baby is gassy.

11. Try different soothing techniques

Every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Try out different soothing techniques to see what works best for your little one. Experiment with different soothing techniques until you find a winning combination.

12. Stay calm and patient

It’s important to remain calm and patient even if your baby is inconsolable.

13. Pass the baby to someone else

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, have someone else hold the baby while you take a break.

14. Get some fresh air

It might be time to take a break and get some fresh air. The change of scenery can often do wonders for a fussy baby, and the fresh air can help you clear your head and reset your energy.

15. Get postpartum doula support

Consider hiring an experienced postpartum doula to help you manage exhaustion and provide support during this challenging time.

How to survive the witching hour

Plan ahead: One of the most important things you can do to prepare for the witching hour is to plan ahead. Make sure you have everything you need on hand. This might include a baby carrier, a comfy chair, water, and some healthy snacks for yourself. Having everything set up in advance will help you stay calm and focused once the fussiness starts.

Have a routine: Having a consistent bedtime routine can help babies transition into sleep more easily. A warm bath, massage, stories or lullabies can all be calming for babies. 

Make it a team effort: Have your partner take over soothing duties for a while, or have a family member or friend come over to help. When you make the witching hour a team effort, you’ll be much more likely to get through it without feeling drained.

Take a break: Consider hiring a postpartum doula. Postpartum doulas can be a great resource for new parents during this time. They are experienced in handling fussy babies and can provide support and guidance when parents need it most. 

Make time for self care:  As a new parent, it can be easy to forget about taking care of yourself. But self-care is essential for managing the stress and exhaustion that comes with caring for a newborn. So don’t be afraid to take some time each day to do something just for you–whether it’s taking a warm bath, going for a walk, or reading a book. It may not seem like much, but it can make a big difference in how you’re feeling.

How a postpartum doula can help with the witching hour

Having postpartum support is invaluable for new parents, especially during those first few months when everything seems chaotic and overwhelming with a new baby. Postpartum doulas can be a great source of comfort and help during what can otherwise be an incredibly challenging time. Postpartum doulas are trained in understanding how to work with babies during this period, allowing them to assist new parents in getting through the witching hour without feeling overwhelmed. They can assist with calming a baby, helping them get back to sleep, preparing meals, tidying up, and providing emotional support to families who may be feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Examples of how a postpartum doula can help

Postpartum doulas support families in a variety of ways including:

• Offering an extra set of hands to help with the baby and older children so you can rest, shower, or take a much needed break.

• Helping you establish a routine as you welcome your newborn.

• Help with light meal preparation, bath and bedtime routines.

• Listen and hold space for you.

• Offer helpful tips and ideas on how to make the witching hour easier.

• Assist with the transition of a new baby and answer newborn care questions.

• Offer recommendations and referrals to practitioners, as needed.

Final thoughts

The witching hour is a normal part of being a new parent, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your baby’s needs and utilizing the right strategies, you can make this time much more manageable. Remember to ask for help if you need it, be kind to yourself, and try out different soothing techniques to find what works for your baby. With these tips in your parenting toolbox, you’ll be well on your way to surviving even the fussiest of witching hours.

What Real Clients Say About Postpartum Doula Care

“Kristin was very knowledgeable with every question we asked. She taught us how to burp and bottle feed, showed us how to change diapers, reminded us how to properly swaddle, and assisted with breastfeeding information and positioning. She provided exceptional and genuine care for our baby with nurturing care. She made sure I was hydrated and nourished. She was knowledgeable and guided us with lots of tips.”
– A.P., Mom to Dec. 2020 baby

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