How to Support Your Baby Through the “Witching Hour” Without Feeling Defeated

The witching hour—those late afternoon or evening stretches of nonstop fussiness—can make even the calmest parent feel drained. Babies are often overstimulated by evening. They’ve spent the day processing sounds, lights, feeds, and movements, and their nervous system reaches its limit. Add digestive slowdown at night and cluster feeding, and evenings become overwhelming for many newborns.

This fussiness doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It means your baby needs more regulation. During the witching hour, lower stimulation as much as possible. Dim the lights, decrease household activity, limit screen noise, and use slow, intentional movements when holding your baby.

Skin-to-skin, babywearing, warm baths, or upright soothing holds can help. Feeding more frequently in the evenings is normal because babies use feeding to regulate. This doesn’t mean they’re starving—it means they’re stabilizing.

The witching hour passes with time, but supportive care makes it easier for both of you. And if you want a deeper understanding of newborn emotional regulation, evening rhythms, and soothing strategies, The Baby Playbook gives you everything you need for calmer nights.