Written by: Jenn Schoen, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
If in the first few months, your newborn becomes extra fussy in the early evening—often for no clear reason—you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re likely experiencing the newborn witching hour, a common (but exhausting) phase most babies go through in the first few months of life.
The witching hour typically happens between 5 PM and 11 PM, when your baby may cry more, seem harder to soothe, or settle only to wake shortly after. Even though it can feel overwhelming, this phase is temporary—and there are simple strategies that can make evenings feel much more manageable.
This guide explains what causes the witching hour, why it peaks in the newborn stage, and what actually helps soothe your baby during this window.
What Is the Newborn Witching Hour?
The witching hour refers to a predictable stretch of evening fussiness that many newborns experience. During this time, babies may cry intensely, need to feed more frequently, resist settling, or seem overstimulated despite your best soothing efforts.
The witching hour isn’t a reflection of your parenting—it’s a reflection of your baby’s developing nervous system.
The newborn witching hour tends to peak between weeks 6-8, and most babies outgrow it between 3 and 4 months of age as their nervous systems mature and sleep cycles become more organized.
Why Newborns Experience the Witching Hour
Even though the witching hour can feel mysterious and stressful, there are several very normal biological and developmental reasons why evenings tend to be the hardest time of day for newborns. None of these challenges are caused by something you're doing wrong—they’re simply part of how young babies adjust to life outside the womb.
1. Overstimulation From the Day
Newborns spend the whole day absorbing sensory input—lights, faces, voices, movement, household noise. Their nervous systems are brand-new, and they process these sensations much more intensely than older babies or children.
By late afternoon, all of that stimulation can build up and overwhelm them. Crying during the witching hour is often your baby’s natural way of “releasing” that overload and signaling that they need a sensory reset.
2. Immature Sleep Skills
Newborns don’t yet have the ability to self-settle or organize their sleep efficiently. As the day goes on, fatigue accumulates, making late-afternoon and evening the hardest time for them.
This isn’t a behavioral issue—it’s simply that their immature sleep system is still developing, and they need extra support when they’re overtired.
3. Cluster Feeding
Many newborns naturally want to feed more frequently in the evening. This is called cluster feeding, and it’s a common, biological pattern. Babies often “tank up” before their longest nighttime sleep stretch.
It’s very common for babies to want to nurse or bottle-feed every hour (or more) during this window. They’re meeting their nutritional needs—not forming habits you’ll need to “break” later.
4. Irregular Sleep Cycles
Newborn sleep cycles are extremely short—only 40–50 minutes. As the day progresses, naps often become shorter and wake-ups become more frequent.
This combination of short naps + end-of-day fatigue makes evenings especially challenging for babies who are still learning how to handle transitions between sleep and wakefulness.
Bottom line: Put all of these together, and the witching hour makes a lot of sense. It’s not necessarily a sign that something is wrong—it’s most likely biology. And it’s temporary.
What the Witching Hour Looks Like
Every baby shows up to the witching hour a little differently, but the patterns are remarkably common. You may notice your newborn:
- Becoming increasingly fussy or crying more intensely
- Struggling to settle or stay asleep
- Taking shorter, lighter naps late in the day
- Wanting to feed more frequently
- Crying that peaks between 5 PM and 11 PM
- Responding less effectively to soothing strategies that worked earlier
These signs—especially when they stack together in the evenings—are classic witching hour behavior. If this sounds familiar, you are absolutely not alone. Many newborns go through this predictable period of fussiness during the early months.
How to Make the Witching Hour Easier
You may not be able to avoid the witching hour entirely, but there are simple, evidence-based ways to make this stretch far more manageable. These strategies help your baby’s nervous system settle and set the stage for a smoother transition into nighttime sleep.
1. Move to a Calm, Dim Environment
Newborns spend the entire day taking in sensory input (light, movement, voices, faces, sounds), which by late afternoon, can lead to stimulation overload.
Creating a supportive environment helps give their nervous system a much-needed break. You can try:
- Dimming the lights to reduce visual stimulation
- Turning on steady white noise to block unpredictable background sounds
- Moving to a bedroom or quiet corner where there’s less activity
- Limiting household noise and movement to help your baby unwind
This calmer, low-stimulation space acts like a reset button. After a full day of sensory input, many newborns need a quieter environment to transition into the evening and prepare for sleep.
2. Use the 5 S’s to Activate the Calming Reflex
Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s—swaddle, side/stomach hold, shush, swing, and suck—mimic the womb and help trigger your baby’s natural calming reflex.
Work through the S’s one at a time and stop once your baby begins to relax. You don’t need to use all five—just layer soothing until your baby settles.
- Swaddle: Wrap your baby snugly to create a secure, womb-like feeling and reduce the startle reflex.
- Side or Stomach Hold: Hold your baby on their side or stomach. Remember: this is for soothing only. Always place them on their back to sleep.
- Shush: Use a strong, steady “shhh” sound near your baby’s ear to mimic the sounds of the womb.
- Swing: Add small, rhythmic movements—more of a gentle jiggle than a big rock—to help your baby settle.
- Suck: Offer a pacifier, clean finger, or comfort nursing to fully relax your baby.
Some babies calm after two or three S’s, while others may need more. Neither is right or wrong, just what works best for your baby.
If your baby is not a “fan” of the 5 S’s, try another comforting strategy like:
- Babywearing, which combines closeness, motion, and warmth
- Holding them skin-to-skin, which regulates temperature, heartbeat, and breathing
- Gentle motion, such as walking, bouncing lightly, or swaying
- A warm bath, which can mimic the wombs warm comforting environment
3. Expect and Accept Cluster Feeding
In the evening, many babies naturally “tank up” with several short, frequent feeds before settling into their longest stretch of nighttime sleep.
It’s important to remember:
- Frequent feeding is not spoiling your baby.
- It doesn’t create long-term habits you’ll need to undo.
- It’s a typical biological response to a challenging time of day.
Leaning into these extra feeds—rather than fighting them—can help your baby feel regulated, supported, and ready for their nighttime stretch of sleep.
4. Know That It’s Temporary
One of the most comforting things to remember about the witching hour is that it’s a phase—not a personality trait, not a sign of a “fussy baby,” and not something you caused. It’s simply part of normal newborn development.
Most families notice a real shift by around 3 to 4 months, when evenings start to feel calmer and babies begin settling more easily at the end of the day.
When to Consult Your Doctor
If your baby’s crying seems related to pain, lasts longer than three hours, or feels different from their usual fussiness, or your gut is telling you something is off, then it’s best to reach out to your pediatrician or Poppins 24/7 pediatric medical care team. You should also call if crying is paired with any signs of illness, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat, or increased discomfort during or after feeds (which may suggest reflux).
When in doubt, it’s always better to check in. Your care team can help you determine whether what you’re seeing is typical newborn behavior or something that needs attention.
FAQ: The Newborn Witching Hour
How Long Does the Newborn Witching Hour Last Each Day?
Most babies experience 1–3 hours of fussiness, often between 5 PM and 11 PM.
When Do Babies Grow Out of the Newborn Witching Hour?
The witching hour typically peaks between weeks 6-8, and most babies improve between 3 to 4 months, as their nervous systems and internal rhythms mature.
Why is My Newborn so Fussy in the Evening?
Overstimulation, tiredness, cluster feeding, and immature sleep regulation all peak in the early evening, making this a challenging time for newborns.
Is the Witching Hour Normal?
Yes—the witching hour is extremely common. Many babies experience some degree of evening fussiness in the first months.
What Helps Calm a Baby During the Witching Hour?
The 5 S’s, baby wearing, warm baths, skin to skin, and low stimulation environments can help your baby settle.
Does the Witching Hour Mean Something is Wrong?
Not necessarily. However, if your baby’s crying seems related to pain, lasts longer than three hours, or feels different from their usual fussiness, or your gut is telling you something is off, then it’s best to reach out to your pediatrician or Poppins 24/7 pediatric medical care team.
Want Personalized Sleep Support? Poppins Can Help.
If you want expert guidance for building independent sleep skills or preparing for sleep training, Poppins offers:
- Customized bedtime routines
- Age-appropriate sleep schedules and wake windows
- Support for regressions, naps, and night wakings
- Evidence-based sleep training plans
Better sleep starts with the right foundation. We’ll help you build it. Schedule your free sleep consultation with one of our certified pediatric sleep consultants here.
