The "witching hour" in the context of babies refers to a specific period in the evening when newborns become particularly fussy and may cry for extended periods, sometimes for hours. This challenging time is, fortunately, temporary.
Understanding the Baby Witching Hour
- Timing: The witching hour typically occurs in the evening. While the exact time frame can vary, it often coincides with the late afternoon or early evening hours.
- Fussiness: Babies experiencing the witching hour exhibit increased fussiness, irritability, and often cry inconsolably.
- Duration: This period of heightened fussiness can last for a significant amount of time, sometimes stretching for hours.
- Temporary: It's important to remember that the witching hour is a temporary phase and will eventually subside as the baby grows.
Why Does the Witching Hour Happen?
While the exact cause of the witching hour is not entirely known, several theories have been suggested:
- Overstimulation: By the end of the day, babies might be overwhelmed by all the new sights, sounds, and experiences.
- Fatigue: Like adults, babies can become overtired, leading to increased fussiness.
- Adjusting to the World: Newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb, and the evening hours might be particularly challenging for them.
- Gas or Discomfort: Some babies might be experiencing gas or other forms of discomfort during this time, causing them to cry.
What You Can Do During the Witching Hour
While there's no guaranteed way to eliminate the witching hour, here are some things you can try:
- Swaddling: A tight swaddle can help babies feel secure and reduce the startle reflex.
- Gentle Motion: Rocking, swaying, or going for a walk can help soothe a fussy baby.
- White Noise: Using white noise machines or apps can create a calming environment.
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: The warmth and comfort of skin-to-skin contact can be very soothing for babies.
- Feeding: Offer a feeding to see if hunger might be contributing to the fussiness.
- Patient and Understanding: Remember to remain calm and patient, knowing that this is a temporary phase.
According to Dr. Shawnté James, a neonatal and pediatric hospitalist, the witching hour is a common, though challenging, part of newborn life. The provided reference by Colleen de Bellefonds confirms that it is a period of time in the evening when newborns are particularly fussy, and may cry for hours, and that this is temporary.
