How to Calm Baby During the Witching Hour
How to Calm Your Baby During Evening Fussiness
The witching hour—you know, that dreaded late afternoon or early evening stretch when your baby suddenly goes from calm to fussy, and nothing seems to soothe them. It can feel like you're doing everything right, but your baby’s still upset, and it’s exhausting. It can be one of the hardest parts of the day for parents. You’re tired, dinner’s probably still in the works, and your baby is inconsolable for reasons that seem beyond your control. It’s not uncommon for babies to have this stretch of fussiness, but the good news is that there are strategies you can use to make this time easier on both you and your baby. First of all, you’re not alone—this phase is completely normal for babies. But the good news? There are practical things you can do to help calm your little one and make these hours a bit easier on everyone.
1. Keep Note of Sleep Schedules
Overtiredness is the #1 reason for fussiness in those early evening hours. For babies under 6 months, make sure you’re keeping track of awake windows and that you aren’t pushing baby too far past their comfortable awake window.
Once your baby is 6 months or older, they transition to a set nap schedule. The transition usually takes 3-6 weeks to acclimate and fussiness/overtiredness can happen as they adjust.
Quick tip: In most instances, it’s better to have an earlier bedtime that a strangely timed dinner time nap! Babies can have a bedtime as early as 6pm (or as late as 8pm—generally reserved for working parents who are getting home late). Ideally baby is in bed between 6-7pm!
2. Embrace Babywearing
Babies love being close to you—especially when they’re fussy. Wearing your baby in a soft carrier can help soothe them almost instantly. The warmth of your body, the rhythm of your movements, and the familiar sound of your heartbeat all make them feel secure.
Just make sure that if you’ve start sleep training, you’re not having your 3-4 month old (and older) fall asleep in the baby carrier.
Pop your baby in a wrap or carrier and walk around the house, lightly bouncing as you go. You can also step outside for a quick walk. The fresh air and movement can be incredibly calming. Plus, you’re hands-free, so you can still get things done (or at least pour yourself a cup of coffee).
Quick Tip: If your baby feels overstimulated, stick to quiet areas of your home or head outside to avoid adding to their stress. Low stimulation, paired with the movement, works wonders.
3. Create a Calming Environment
Late in the day, babies can become overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, and too much activity. If your house is bustling with energy, try creating a more peaceful environment to help them settle down.
About 30 minutes before the witching hour typically starts, dim some of the lights in your living room or bedroom. Turn off the TV and keep conversations at a low volume. You can even add soft music.
But again, this calm environment should not be getting your little one drowsy, just helping to remove any over-stimulation.
Quick Tip: Apps like Spotify have playlists for calming sounds.
4. Try Baby Massage
If your baby is fussy and overstimulated, a gentle massage might help them relax. The sensation of your hands on their skin, combined with slow, rhythmic movements, can soothe a fussy baby surprisingly quickly. Plus, it's a great way to bond.
Lay your baby on a soft surface and rub a little baby-safe lotion on your hands. Use gentle strokes down their arms and legs, and softly rub their back and tummy. If your baby struggles with gas or colic, focus on gentle tummy circles or bicycle leg movements to help release trapped air, which might be contributing to their discomfort.
Quick Tip: Set a regular time for these massages, even when they’re not fussy. It can also become part of your bedtime routine, helping them associate touch with calm.
5. Use Rhythmic Motion
Babies love rhythm—it reminds them of being in the womb. The key is to keep the movements slow and repetitive. Whether it’s rocking them in your arms, gently bouncing on a yoga ball, or walking with them in a carrier, the motion helps calm their nervous system.
Hold your baby close and rock them back and forth. If that’s not working, switch to bouncing—either in your arms or while sitting on an exercise ball. Another option is a baby swing or a vibrating chair if you need a break. The key is finding what motion works best for your baby.
Quick Tip: Make sure your movements are slow and predictable—quick, erratic movements can actually overstimulate them more.
6. Swaddle Your Baby
Swaddling helps mimic the feeling of being in the womb, where your baby felt snug and secure. If your baby is younger than 3 months and isn’t rolling yet, swaddling can help calm them down during periods of fussiness.
Use a soft swaddle blanket and wrap your baby snugly with their arms tucked inside. Make sure it’s tight enough to feel secure but not so tight that it restricts their legs or hips. If your baby fights the swaddle, leave one arm out or try a different type of swaddle, like one with Velcro closures for ease.
Quick Tip: If your baby still resists, it could be they’re just outgrowing swaddling—every baby is different. Try other comfort strategies alongside swaddling to see what sticks.
7. Offer a Pacifier
Newborns have a strong need to suck, and it doesn’t always mean they’re hungry. A pacifier can be a great way to calm them down when they’re fussy but not necessarily hungry. It satisfies their suck reflex and can help them self-soothe.
If your baby (3-4 months and younger) is showing signs of fussiness, try offering a pacifier. If they keep spitting it out, gently hold it in place for a few seconds until they get the hang of it. Some babies need a bit of practice before they’re able to keep it in.
Quick Tip: Don’t force the pacifier if your baby seems uninterested. Not every baby loves pacifiers, and that’s okay!
8. Try a Change of Scenery
Sometimes a change of environment can work wonders when your baby is inconsolable. If you’ve been stuck in the same room for too long, your baby might just need a different visual stimulus or some fresh air.
Take a quick step outside—even if it’s just for a walk around the block or to sit on your front porch for a few minutes. The fresh air and change in scenery can help break the cycle of fussiness. If the weather isn’t great, try moving to a different room in the house, especially one with softer lighting or fewer distractions.
Quick Tip: Let your baby feel the outdoor environment. The sights, smells, and sounds of nature can be fascinating and calming for little ones.
9. Keep Your Emotions in Check
This one is tough, but so important—babies are super sensitive to your mood. If you’re stressed, frazzled, or frustrated, they can pick up on that and it may make them even more unsettled. Staying calm helps you handle the situation better, and it often has a calming effect on your baby too.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath (or several). (Box breathing is a technique that is helpful to calm feelings of stress and anxiety.) If you need a moment to reset, place your baby in a safe space and step away for a minute. It’s okay to take a break. Grab a glass of water, take a few deep breaths, and then go back in with a calm mindset.
Quick Tip: If you can, tag in your partner or a family member to help give you a break. A fresh set of hands and a calm demeanor can sometimes change the whole mood for both you and your baby.
10. End the Day With a Bath
A warm bath can be incredibly soothing for both you and your baby. The warm water can help relax their muscles and calm their fussiness. Try adding a little lavender-scented baby soap for an extra calming touch. The bath can the first step of their bedtime routine to wind-down, helping to signal that bedtime is approaching.
Quick Tip: After the bath, follow up with a baby massage to help your baby transition smoothly from fussy time to bedtime.
Final Thoughts
The witching hour can feel overwhelming, but with a little creativity and patience, you can make it through with your sanity intact. Whether you’re trying babywearing, experimenting with calming techniques, or taking a quick walk around the block, the key is to find what works best for your baby. Every baby is different, so don’t be afraid to try new things or switch up your routine.
Ultimately, this phase is temporary—and with a few of these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be better equipped to handle your baby’s fussy evenings and come out the other side feeling a bit more confident (and maybe even a little more rested).
Surviving the Witching Hour
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This post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you, your child and/or your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your child’s physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
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