Why Is My Baby Crying Nonstop? The Witching Hour & How To Survive It!

You feed, change, and comfort your baby as the sun sets. They start to cry nonstop, and not one bit of bouncing, shushing, or rocking seems to help. Why is My Baby Crying Nonstop?

Welcome to the witching hour, a late afternoon or evening period when infants cry too much for no apparent reason.

This stage can be physically demanding, perplexing, and emotionally taxing for new parents. Whether you have experienced this previously or are a first-time parent, knowing why your child goes through this disturbed stage can help you relax and devise strategies.

In this blog, we will discuss the science behind the witching hour and provide calming strategies and sensible parenting guidance to help you boldly negotiate this difficult period.

Understanding the Witching Hour and Fussy Periods – Why Is My Baby Crying NonStop?

The witching hour in babies usually lasts from minutes to many hours. It starts in the early evening between five and eleven PM. During this period, babies become inconsolable even if their most basic requirements are satisfied. The peak of the cry is usually around six weeks of age and evening hours. Common in neonates, this phase usually peaks two to three months before getting better; babies outgrow this phase.

Watch this video to learn more about the witching hour.

Why Does the Hour of Witching Occur? Why is My Baby Crying?

Although the exact reason is unknown, scientists think the following elements lead to evening agitation (why witching hour occurs):

• Babies absorb excessive sensory input throughout the day. Their developing nervous system battles to process it all by nightfall, causing tears and agitation. Babies don’t like to be overstimulated.
• Stomach discomfort: A newborn’s digestive tract is still growing. Babies uncomfortable from gas, reflux, or colic may set off the witching hour.
• Many infants cluster feed, seeking to breastfeed or bottle-feed more often in the evening. This is natural and thus settles them and helps control milk output.

If your baby has not slept well during the day, they could be overtired by evening, and the baby may find it more difficult to settle down.

How to Get Through the Witching Hour: Calming Strategies That Work For a Crying Baby

Remember, you are not alone if you are going through the witching hour. Although many first-time parents find this phase upsetting, there are techniques to calm your unhappy child and get them through it. Most babies go through the witching hour.

1. Establish Calm Surroundings- Overtired Baby

Dimming the lights, cutting domestic noise, and establishing a calm environment helps reduce outside stimuli. Some parents discover that quiet lullabies or white noise devices soothe their children.

2. Comfortable Swaddle- Calm a Fussy Baby

Swaddling gives security and replays the sensation of the womb. Many first-time parents discover that tightly wrapping their newborn in a nice swaddling blanket improves sleep and helps to lessen fussing.

3. Offer a comfort or pacifier- fussy baby at night

Babies self-soothe by their strong sucking reflex. Offering a pacifier or letting your infant nurse will help if she is not hungry but still wants comfort. At times, your little one is looking for comfort.

4. Try the five S’s technique developed by Dr. Harvey Karp

Many first-time parents find great relief from Dr. Harvey Karp’s five S’s approach:

• Swaddle – Wrap your baby snugly. Stop swaddling around the four months of age or when they start to roll.
• Side/Stomach Position – Hold them on their side or stomach (only while being held, not for sleep).
• Shush – Use white noise or gentle shushing sounds.
• Swing – Rock or bounce gently.
• Suck – Offer a pacifier or comfort feeding.

5. Walk or ride in a car – Colic and The Witching Hour

Often, motion calms an upset infant. Strolling in a stroller or a quick vehicle trip will help calm your infant. The peak of the cry is normally around 6 weeks and evening hours.

6. Change the eating and burping schedule- The withing hour

Gas accumulation can contribute to fussiness. If your infant screams after meals, try burping her more regularly. Consider anti-colic bottles, which cut air intake for newborns fed bottles.

7. Look after yourselves, moms and dads

The witching hour wears parents equally as much as it does on children. Ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed. Burnout can be avoided by alternately working with a partner or caretaker. You can call on relatives for assistance.

When should one ask for medical advice? Why is my baby crying nonstop?

Although many babies go through a typical phase during the witching hour, some signs could point to an underlying problem. See a pediatrician  depending on whether:

• Your infant’s crying lasts more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, or more than possible colic. The baby is crying most time of day.
• Signs of disease abound: fever, nausea, or a refusal to eat.
• Your child is either not gaining weight suitably or is losing weight.
• Along with the crying, there is arching of the back, too much gas, or indicators of discomfort following meals.

Parenting Genie developed a Parenting Live Expert 24/7 tool to assist parents anytime. They also offer extensive parenting advice for new parents.

Final Thoughts- Why Is My Baby Crying Nonstop? Infant Witching Hour

Though it can seem endless, the witching hour is only a phase and will pass. Your child learns life outside the womb, and weeping is only their means of communication. You will overcome this challenging period by applying calming strategies, designing peaceful surroundings, and looking after yourself. Remember, reduce stimulation around your baby!

Consider joining online parenting communities if you need more parenting advice or support. In these groups, first-time parents and experienced caregivers share their journeys. For more tips and insights, check out the Parenting Genie Facebook page. 

♛ You have this, and lucky for your baby is you! 😆 

The Raising Children website has more insights on soothing a fussy baby.