You’re not alone. Many newborns become extra fussy in the late afternoon and evening. Of course, this often happens just when everyone’s tired! Parents call this stretch the “witching hour” (sometimes the “arsenic hour”). It’s a normal phase for young babies and, while exhausting, it does pass. Here’s what it means, when it typically starts and stops, and gentle ways to make evenings easier.
What Does “Witching Hour” Mean?
The witching hour describes a period—usually late afternoon to evening—when otherwise healthy babies cry more, feed more frequently, and struggle to settle. You might see:
- Short naps and restless wake times
- Cluster feeding or constant “snacking”
- More wind, wriggling and back-arching
- Bursts of crying that peak, then ease
It’s not a sign you’re doing anything wrong, or that your baby is “naughty.” It’s a developmental phase linked to immature digestion and nervous system, normal sleep–wake changes, and the sheer stimulation of the day.
When Does the Witching Hour Start—and Stop?
Many families first notice evening fussiness around 2–3 weeks, with a peak between 6–8 weeks. For most babies, it eases steadily by 12–16 weeks as digestion and sleep rhythms mature.
Common timing questions:
- What time is the witching hour? Often 4 pm–10 pm, but it can vary.
- When does the witching hour start? Typically from 2–3 weeks old.
- When does witching hour stop / when do babies outgrow it? Most babies improve markedly by about 3–4 months.
- Is it every evening? Some babies fuss most evenings; others only some days or during growth spurts.
Every baby is different. Use these ranges as a guide, not a deadline.
Why It Happens (Common Contributors)
Evening fussiness is usually a mix of normal newborn factors:
- Overtiredness: Short day sleeps add up. By late afternoon, babies can be wired and harder to settle.
- Cluster feeding: Babies often “tank up” with frequent feeds before night sleep; this is typical and can be intense.
- Wind/trapped gas: A day’s worth of small feeds and gulps can lead to more wind and tummy discomfort by evening.
- Overstimulation: Noise, visitors, outings and bright light can overwhelm a newborn’s immature nervous system.
- Sleep pressure shifts: Natural changes in hormones and sleep pressure in the evening can make babies fussier before they finally drop off.
None of these means anything is “wrong”. They simply explain why evenings feel bigger.
Is It Colic—or the Witching Hour?
They can overlap! A quick way to think about it:
- Witching hour: Fussy mainly in the evening, often with cluster feeding; generally settles later; growth and hydration are fine.
- Colic: Frequent, intense crying for longer stretches, often on three or more days per week, not only evenings, and hard to soothe.
If you’re unsure, read signs your baby might have colic and speak with a health professional, especially if you notice poor feeding, lethargy, fever, or persistent vomiting.
10 Parent-Tested Tips for the Witching Hour
Try one or two ideas at a time. Small, consistent tweaks help more than big overhauls.
1) Swaddle Safely
A light, snug swaddle or arms-in sleeping bag can reduce startles and help many babies settle. Keep hips free, check your baby’s temperature, and stop swaddling when they show signs of rolling.
2) Try the Colic Carry (“Tiger in the Tree”)
Lay baby tummy-down along your forearm, head supported in your elbow, and use a gentle sway. The light tummy pressure and close contact can soothe wriggles and wind. Keep airways clear and movements slow.
3) Add White Noise or Shushing
A steady, low-volume sound (white noise machine, gentle shushing, quiet fan) can blunt sudden noises and reduce overstimulation. Keep the volume low and consistent.
4) Dim the Lights & Lower Stimulation
In the late afternoon, soften the environment: dimmed lights, fewer visitors, quiet rooms and calm voices. A simple routine signals “down time” even when naps have been messy.
5) Burp During and After Feeds
Burp mid-feed and at the end. Rotate positions—over the shoulder, lap-sit, tummy-down across your knees—to help release trapped air. See step-by-step positions to burp a baby.
6) Adjust Feeding Technique
- Bottle-feeding: Try paced feeding and check the teat flow—too fast can cause gulping; too slow can cause frustration and more air-swallowing.
- Breastfeeding: A quick latch/position tweak or laid-back/upright hold can help if let-down is fast. Hold baby upright 20–30 minutes after feeds to reduce wind build-up.
7) Gentle Tummy Massage & Bicycle Legs
Between feeds, try clockwise tummy circles with warm hands and short sessions. Bicycle the legs slowly, pausing with knees to tummy for a second. More ideas: relieve trapped wind.
8) Motion Reset
Pram walks, baby-wearing, or a slow, rhythmic rock can help overtired babies switch gears. Fresh air and a change of scene often calm both baby and caregiver. Always follow product safety guidance and supervise.
9) Skin-to-Skin & Contact Naps
Close, chest-to-chest cuddles help regulate your baby’s breathing, temperature and heart rate. Short contact naps in the evening can prevent overtiredness before the last feed.
10) Take Short Breaks & Swap Caregivers
If the volume is rising, a two-minute reset helps everyone. Swap arms, sip water, step outside with baby held upright, or hand over to a partner. Protecting your calm is good for your baby too.
Optional: Gentle Herbal Support
Some families include Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid in their routine. It contains ingredients traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve wind, bloating and mild indigestion in babies. It’s alcohol-free and sugar-free, and suitable from birth when used as directed.
- Learn more: Colic & Wind Oral Liquid
- See how to use Infants’ Friend for dosage by age and mixing tips
(AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.)
An Easy Evening Wind-Down Blueprint
Try this 20–30 minute flow and adjust to your baby:
- Move to a quiet, dim room.
- Feed (paced if using a bottle).
- Burp mid-feed and after.
Swaddle or sleeping bag (season-appropriate TOG). - White noise on, lights low.
- Upright cuddle for 10–20 minutes, then gently lay in bed on their back.
Perfection isn’t the goal—predictability is.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Call your GP or child health nurse if you notice:
- Fever, poor feeding, or fewer than 6 wet nappies/day after day 5
- Green/bilious vomit, persistent blood/mucus in stools
- Poor weight gain, repetitive projectile vomiting
- Baby is very lethargic or inconsolable despite soothing
- Your instincts say something isn’t right
Product questions? Contact us. Unsure if it’s colic? See signs your baby might have colic.
Final Thoughts
The witching hour is temporary. As your baby’s digestion and sleep systems mature, evenings usually settle. Meanwhile, consistent small steps—calmer feeds, good burping, gentle holds, and a predictable wind-down—can make a real difference. You’re doing a great job, even on the hard nights.
