Does your baby seem to get fussy at the same time every day? If so, you’re not alone. This fussy period babies experience is often referred to as the witching hour. While crying is normal for babies, this particular crying spell happens around the same time every day and is most often in the evenings.

Is a baby’s witching hour real?

While your baby will make it out of this stage around three months of age, it doesn’t change that it can be stressful to deal with while it’s happening. No one truly knows what causes the baby witching hour, but 20% of babies develop colic at two to four weeks old. Your baby could also be sensitive to stimulation and not be able to self-soothe yet.

No matter what causes it, the baby witching hour is real, and it’s important to figure out what works best to soothe your baby. Some techniques include:

• Swaddle your baby. Wrapping your baby snugly in a blanket can help your baby feel secure and may make them a little calmer.
• Use white noise. Another thing that may calm your baby is using a white noise machine. This machine will remind your baby of being in the womb, and it can be relaxing as well.
• Go with the flow. It’s tempting to stay on a tight schedule, but when this period of your baby’s development starts, it’s best to relax and take things as they come. This may mean carrying your baby around for hours or cluster feeding them to keep them calm.
• Evaluate your diet. Finally, the witching hour could result from tummy issues, and if you are breastfeeding, evaluating your diet can be helpful. Milk, caffeine, or spicy foods can cause tummy upsets.

When you first bring your baby home, they may be calm, but two weeks later, they may be crying all evening. This is referred to as the witching hour, and it happens to most babies. There are many reasons why your baby may be fussy, and if you suspect something is amiss, don’t hesitate to visit the pediatrician.