Is The Witching Hour Real?
It was just after 5 pm. I remember that soft, golden-hour light slipping through the living room window. My wee one was tucked into my arms, and the room felt calm… until it didn’t.
The quiet would turn into urgent crying. My instinct was to soothe, cuddle, rock… and still it escalated. I remember saying to myself: Okay, this must be the witching hour.
If you’re reading this, you probably know the feeling. The day has been full: feeds, naps (or the lack of them), maybe visits, maybe baby sensory classes.
Now here we are, the afternoon is waning, the shadows are lengthening, and your baby is suddenly more unsettled than ever and you’re counting down the minutes until your partner comes home from work.
So let’s walk through what’s going on, why it happens, and how you you can feel more confident when it strikes again.
What is the “witching hour”?
It might sound a little dramatic, but the “witching hour” is really just that tricky window in the late afternoon or early evening when many babies suddenly become extra unsettled.
Their cries can feel louder, their movements a bit more frantic, and all your usual soothing tricks seem to stop working. It often begins around 2–3 weeks old, tends to peak at about 6 weeks, and usually starts to ease by 12 weeks.
If you’re past 12 weeks and struggling, you might want to check out my blog on the 4-month sleep regression.
Why does it happen?
There isn’t one single cause and that’s actually good news, because it means there are lots of things you can try to ease it. Here are some of the common drivers:
Long Wake Periods: When the day has had a few naps that didn’t really land, by the evening little ones can be a little more fussy. Short naps are really common at this age but they may need 4-5 naps throughout the day.
Cluster-feeding: Baby’s tummies are so small at this age and evening feeds may increase. This could be your baby topping up for the night, or simply compensating for the energy they have used up during the day.
Over-stimulation: Think about your baby’s day for a moment. Even the gentlest play, a new face, a trip to the shops, or the sound of the kettle boiling, it’s all brand new to them. Every sight, sound and cuddle takes energy. By the time evening rolls around, it can all just feel a bit too much for their tiny system. No wonder those little cries start to creep in.
Immature digestion or gas: Your baby’s little tummy is still finding its way. In these early weeks, their digestive system is working hard to figure things out taking in milk, processing it, and learning what comfort feels like. By evening, that tiny bit of discomfort can bubble up, and you might see it in those extra wriggles, cries, or unsettled moments.
7 ways to bring calm into the evening
Here are some gentle, realistic tactics you can weave into the end of your day with your baby
Start earlier: If you know your baby tends to wobble around the evening, aim for a wind-down window 30-60 minutes ahead. Dim the lights, lower stimulation, and begin the transition before the fussing starts.
Tune into their awake windows: If they’ve been awake too long or had fragmented naps, the overtired state kicks in. Try to catch subtle signs of tiredness and help them settle before that crescendo of fuss.
Change the scenery: If indoors is too much, step outside (even just for 5–10 minutes) or move to a quieter room. Fresh air, a change of scene, or just a slower pace can reset the energy.
Hold & harness connection: Have a wee cuddle. Your presence is more powerful than any gadget. It doesn’t have to be perfect just you, your baby, breathing together maybe watching The Chase…
Offer a feed or top-up: Evening cluster feeding is common. If hunger is the underlying stress, feeding may be the relief switch. It’s not a “bad habit” it’s your baby’s way of preparing for night.
Swaddle or secure: If your baby is still within swaddling age and it suits them, the womb-like containment can give comfort. Only transition when you’re ready and following safer sleep cues.
Permitted calm for you: You matter too. Taking seven deep breaths, whispering affirmations (“I’m doing my best”), or even stepping away for 60 seconds, these tiny pauses build your tank to bring back calm.
If your baby’s fussiness seems different, lasting for hours at a time, stretching over several days, or showing signs of pain or illness then it’s always best to check in with your GP or health visitor for reassurance.
The line between the usual “witching hour” and something like colic can be quite fine, and a quick chat with a professional can help you feel confident you’re on the right track.
The Takeaway
That evening wave of fussiness, the so-called “witching hour” is very real, and it’s absolutely not your fault. What is within your control is how you respond, the calm environment you create, and the kindness you show yourself in the process.
Think of those twilight hours as a gentle cue to slow everything down, to move from busy to soft, from doing to simply being, from anxious to steady.
Your baby isn’t broken. You’re not doing anything wrong. This is just a short, passing phase, one you’ll both move through together. You’re showing up. You’re learning. And that is what matters most.
If your baby is under 16 weeks and you’d love a little more guidance on understanding their cues, naps, and sleep foundations, you’ll find step-by-step support inside The Wee Babe Handbook your gentle guide to calmer days and more settled nights.
