Articles Newborn The newborn witching hour: what is it and how do you cope with it?

The newborn witching hour: what is it and how do you cope with it?

You’ve just started to find your rhythm with your newborn, and then suddenly they become completely inconsolable. Your baby seems impossible to comfort, and nothing you try seems to help. Sound familiar? Chances are, you’re experiencing what’s commonly known as the newborn witching hour. If you’ve Googled “witching hour newborn” in the middle of the night out of sheer desperation, you’re definitely not alone. It can feel overwhelming, especially at the end of a long, tiring day, but know that many parents go through this, and we’re here to help you navigate it.

What is the newborn witching hour, exactly?

The newborn witching hour is a period, often in the late afternoon or early evening, when a newborn cries much more than usual. You might find yourself wondering, “When does the witching hour start with the newborn?” It typically begins around the second or third week after birth and can last until your infant is about three to four months old. While it can feel intense, it’s a completely normal part of early development and usually isn’t a sign that anything is truly wrong.

When does the witching hour start in newborns?

Although it varies from baby to baby, most newborns experience their witching hour between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. By that time of day, your baby is often overstimulated from everything they’ve encountered. Their energy is depleted, and they may find it hard to calm down or self-soothe. This is one of the most common patterns we see in babies during this phase.

Why do newborns have a witching hour?

There’s no single cause of the witching hour for newborns. Several factors come into play, such as:

Babies take in an incredible amount of stimulation throughout the day: new sounds, faces, and impressions
Their tiny stomachs empty quickly, so hunger can set in faster
Fatigue, growth spurts, and an immature nervous system can also contribute

Often, the newborn witching hour is caused by a combination of these influences, which is why it’s so difficult to find one quick fix.

When do babies start experiencing the witching hour?

You’ll typically notice signs of the witching hour starting around the second or third week after birth. It tends to peak around six to eight weeks and then gradually begins to ease off. In many cases, parents find that the witching hour has mostly disappeared by the time their baby is three to four months old.

How long does the newborn witching hour last and what can you do about it?

Even though it may not always be possible to stop the crying entirely, there are ways to make the newborn witching hour at night more manageable. Here are a few helpful tips:

Create a calm and consistent routine
Keep your baby close, skin-to-skin contact often works wonders
Try gentle rocking or a walk around the house
Consider using a white noise machine to mimic the womb’s comforting sounds
Minimize stimuli: keep the environment quiet and low-light

And don’t forget: it’s perfectly okay to ask for help or take a short break yourself. Download The Wonder Weeks app to see which leap your baby is in right now with our Leap Tracker. You can also visit our forum, where you’ll find countless parents going through the same experience.

There is an end to the witching hour

The witching hour for newborns can feel like an endless struggle, but it’s usually a temporary and normal part of your baby’s early months. With patience, comfort, and understanding, you’ll help your little one through it. And before you know it, those evenings will start to feel a whole lot calmer again.