By Dr. Katie Friedman, Board-Certified Pediatrician
If you’ve ever found yourself rocking your baby in the late evening hours, trying to stay calm while googling “Why won’t my baby stop crying?” - Welcome to the witching hour.
The early evening stretch - often filled with crying, restlessness, and fussiness - is known as the “witching hour.” It’s a common, developmentally normal part of infancy, but that doesn’t make it any less exhausting. As a pediatrician, I’m here to help you understand what’s happening during this time and how simple, practical approaches (including some comforting techniques you may already be using) can help support a more peaceful evening routine.
As a pediatrician and a mom, I want to reassure you: this phase is completely normal, incredibly common, and - most importantly - temporary. With the right tools and a little patience, you can get through it.
What is the Witching Hour?
The “witching hour” typically refers to that early evening stretch, usually between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., when babies become especially fussy or hard to settle, even after being fed, changed, or rocked.
You’ll usually start seeing this occur when your baby hits 2 weeks of age, and will begin to phase out around 12 weeks.
Let’s Break It Down
- Overstimulation: After a full day of sights and sounds, your baby’s nervous system is maxed out.
- Hunger or cluster feeding: Babies often “tank up” in the evenings in preparation for nighttime sleep.
- Stomach discomfort: Gas or bloating can sometimes lead to crankiness.
- Overtiredness
Signs it’s the witching hour? Crying that escalates in the early evening, clenched fists, red face, arching back, or legs pulled to the tummy.
Soothing Strategies
- Set the mood: Dim the lights, play white noise, and keep stimulation low.
- Offer comfort feeds: Whether breast or bottle, small frequent feeds can soothe.
- Try babywearing: The motion and closeness can help calm an overstimulated baby.
- Skin-to-skin contact: A powerful way to regulate your baby’s breathing and heartbeat.
- Movement helps: A stroller walk at sunset or gentle bouncing on an exercise ball can work wonders.
- Change your scenery: Sometimes just stepping outside changes the game.
- Warm bath before bedtime: To relax the body and signal sleep.
- Infant massage: Circular rubs on the tummy or “bicycle legs”
- Swaddling (for babies under 2 months): To recreate the feeling of the womb.
- Take a breath: Your baby feeds off your energy. If you’re feeling stressed, take a minute and reset. You’re doing your best — and that matters.
Sometimes, these tips will do the trick. But other times, especially if you’re seeking tummy support, it may be time to consider a few gentle wellness products that are designed for babies.
When Fussiness Points to Tummy Sensitivities
If your baby’s witching hour includes lots of straining, grunting, or passing gas, they might be experiencing digestive sensitivities — a common cause of crying in the evening time.
As a pediatrician, I often recommend two effective tools that many parents find supportive, such as Gripe Water and Gas Drops.
Gripe Water vs. Gas Drops — What’s the Difference?
Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water (Herbal-based formula):
- Made with organic ginger and fennel: Can help occasional stomach discomfort from gas & fussiness*
- Especially helpful for: Hiccups and overall fussiness
- #1 selling supplement for stomach discomfort from infants gas and colic (for colic not due to a medical condition)
Mommy’s Bliss Gas Drops (Simethicone):
- Breaks up gas bubbles: In baby's tummy to provide gentle effective relief
- Works quickly
My Witching Hour Survival Kit
This phase doesn’t last forever, even if it feels like it does in the moment. Your baby’s nervous system and digestive tract are still maturing. With time and preparation (and a little help), evenings can feel less overwhelming.
Remember, there’s no “perfect” way to handle the witching hour. Trust your instincts as a parent, give yourself some grace, and lean on tools that work for your family!
Dr. Katie
Dr. Katie Friedman is a compassionate pediatrician and proud mom of two who brings her passion for nurturing and educating families to everything she does. With years of experience in Pediatric Emergency Medicine, she’s dedicated to guiding parents through challenging moments with empathy and expertise. Dr. Katie believes in empowering caregivers with knowledge, helping them navigate their children’s health with confidence. Outside of her career, she cherishes life as a mom to Mason and Charlee, finding joy in sharing insights and connecting with families through her work and platform.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This site is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician or other health-care professional.
This site is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician or other health-care professional.
