Conquer Witching Hour With Our Expert Tips

Ever heard of the term “witching hour”? For many first-time Aussie mums and dads, it can sound a little spooky — but in reality, it’s just a nickname for that late afternoon or evening period, 5 PM to 11 PM, when a newborn’s fussiness kicks into overdrive. Suddenly, the calm you’ve enjoyed all day vanishes, and you’re left with a baby who seems impossible to soothe.

If you’re wondering whether this is just you, rest assured: countless Australian parents encounter the witching hour and often feel at a loss for practical, locally relevant solutions. Balancing dinner prep, household tasks, and your own need for rest while trying to comfort a crying infant can feel overwhelming.

That’s why having the right information and a few tried-and-true techniques up your sleeve can make all the difference. Understanding what’s behind the witching hour and planning ahead—such as ensuring you have a reliable stash of breast milk, whether fresh, frozen, or even freeze-dried—can ease some of the stress. It gives you options for extra feeds or top-ups when your little one is at their fussiest, and it provides the peace of mind every new parent craves. Let’s explore what the witching hour is, why it happens, and how to navigate it like a pro—so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your new role as Mum or Dad.

 

What Is the Baby “Witching Hour”?

Parents often use the term their baby’s “witching hour” to describe that daily stretch — usually late afternoon to evening — when their otherwise content little one suddenly becomes inconsolably fussy. For many Aussie families, this shift can happen right around the time everyone is winding down from work, school, or errands, making it feel especially overwhelming.

During the witching hour, babies might:

• Cry or fuss for prolonged periods, even if they’ve been fed and changed.
  
• Show signs of wanting to feed more often (this could be due to the cluster feeding phase).
  
• Resist settling techniques that worked earlier in the day.
  

The reason why the witching hour also feels so much worse is because you, as a parent, are also exhausted from a long day of work and caring for a baby, and this will make anyone feel overstimulated.  

Each baby is different, but if you notice a pattern of fussiness cropping up around the same time every evening, it’s likely the witching hour is in full swing.

Why It’s Called the Witching Hour?

The phrase “witching hour” has historical roots in old folklore (think Shakespeare’s Hamlet), where people believed supernatural events peaked late at night. Historically, this time is to be thought of as the hour right after midnight or between 3 AM and 4 AM.

In modern parenting circles—here in Australia and around the globe—it’s been adapted to describe the “bewitching” way babies suddenly become more unsettled during certain hours, between the hours 5 PM and 11 PM. There’s no real magic at play, of course, but it can sure feel like your sweet newborn transforms into a tiny, mighty force after the sun goes down!

You might also come across the term “purple crying”, which is closely related to the witching hour. PURPLE is an acronym that helps parents understand the different phases of normal infant crying patterns:

• Peak of crying
  
• Unexpected
  
• Resists soothing
  
• Pain-like face
  
• Long-lasting
  
• Evening

Many babies go through this stage of intense crying, and it typically lines up with the times parents identify as their baby’s witching hour. 

What Could Cause My Baby’s Witching Hour?

Ever wonder why your sweet bub suddenly morphs into a fussing, crying little bundle every late afternoon? Here’s a closer look at the major culprits behind the “witching hour” baby phenomenon—especially for Australian mums and dads.

1. Physical & Emotional Overload

Babies can only handle so much stimulation before they reach their limit. Throughout the day, they experience a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and interactions—all of which can accumulate by evening, leading to fussiness and irritability.

Overstimulation (Just Too Much Going On)
Think bright lights, background noise, or a parade of loving relatives wanting cuddles, all things that babies have never experienced before. Even positive attention can leave your little one feeling overstimulated.

Hunger or Cluster Feeding
As the sun starts to set, many newborns want to feed in quick succession, commonly known as cluster feeding. This doesn’t always mean your supply is low—it’s often just your baby’s way of fueling up for the night.

Gas & Digestive Discomfort
Excess gas can build up during the day, making some babies squirmy and unsettled. If your bub is arching their back or drawing up their legs, trapped wind could be part of the problem.

Tiredness or Missed Naps
An overtired baby can spiral into full-on witching hour mode. When naps are skipped, cut short or have inconsistent daytime sleep your baby can become overtired, and often struggle to wind down later.

Growth Spurts & Developmental Leaps
During your baby’s growth spurts, these developmental phases demand extra energy and nutrients, which means they might be hungrier, more clingy, and more prone to late-day crankiness.

2. The Aussie Lifestyle & Climate

Here in Australia, our sunny days and vibrant social culture can sometimes intensify the witching hour newborn stage. While it’s great to get out and about, keep these points in mind:

1. Busy Households: 
   Between visitors popping in for a cuppa and the daily rush of chores, babies can be bombarded with stimuli.
   
   
2. Warm Weather Woes:
   Hot, humid days can leave your baby thirstier and more easily irritated. Offering extra feeds or cool, quiet spaces during the day can help reduce late-evening meltdowns.
   
   
3. Nap & Feed Adjustments:
   In warmer climates, babies might feed more frequently for hydration and cool off with shorter naps—leading to a more unsettled evening.
   
   

3. Breastfeeding & Busting the “Low Supply” Myth

It’s easy to assume that a fussy, “witching hour baby” must be hungry because mum’s milk supply is running low. In many cases, that’s simply not true—evening fussiness often correlates with normal cluster feeding or a need for comfort patterns rather than low supply.

• Know Your Options: Having breast milk on standby—whether freshly expressed, frozen, or freeze-dried—can help you handle those marathon feeding sessions without feeling tied down. This stash can be a game-changer if you’re feeling touched out or just need a breather.
  
  
• Shorter, More Frequent Feeds: Offering smaller, more regular feeds can satisfy baby’s evening hunger surges. It also gives you a chance to rest between sessions.
  
  
• Boosting & Protecting Your Supply: Staying hydrated, getting enough rest (whenever possible), and feeding on demand are tried-and-true ways to keep your milk flowing. Consider expressing milk after morning feeds, when supply tends to be higher, to build a backup stash.

Extra Tip on Breast Milk Supply:
If you’re worried about meeting your baby’s demand, try “power pumping” for a few days or simply feed more frequently to signal your body to produce more milk. Some mums also find it helpful to rotate between breasts multiple times in a single feeding session—this can keep your baby actively sucking and stimulate additional let-downs.

Recognising Witching Hour Symptoms

 

Even if you’ve noticed these hints already, it’s useful to collect all the common signs in one spot. Here are some common signs to look out for.

 

1. Consistent Crying or Fussiness: Appears around the same time each day (often late afternoon or early evening). You can try to track this in a notes app or just check your clock when it happens so that spot a pattern and prepare for it. Remember, sometimes crying that starts mildly can escalate quickly.
   
   
2. Difficulty Soothing: Your usual go-to methods (rocking, swaddling, a favourite lullaby) suddenly stop working. Maybe your baby might resist being held, and then cry louder when put down.
   
   
3. Physical Cues of Discomfort: Your baby has arching the back, pulling legs up, or clenching fists—often indicating gas or tummy troubles. Gassiness and frequent hiccups can accompany the fussiness.
   
   
4. Restlessness & Irritability: Squirming, whining, or rapid mood swings (clingy one moment, pushing away the next). It can even be hard to find a comfortable hold or position.
   
   
5. Frequent Rooting: Your baby keeps turning their head, as if perpetually hungry.
   
   
6. High-Pitched Cries: Your baby's cries are more urgent than usual, or even piercing wails.
   
   
7. Possible Overstimulation: Baby may rub their eyes or look away from lights and sounds.

When you see these symptoms lining up, there’s a good chance your bub is in the thick of the witching hour. Don’t worry—knowing the signs is half the battle. When you know the signs, you can plan ahead and keep the fussiness to a minimum.

When Does the Baby Witching Hour Start and Stop?

Typical Daily Time For The Witching Hour

For many Aussie families, the witching hour tends to strike for about an hour (sometimes longer) anywhere between 5 pm and 11 pm, turning what’s meant to be wind-down time into a whirlwind. Of course, every baby is unique—some might kick off their fussiness earlier in the afternoon, while others hold off until nighttime really sets in.

Quick Tip: Try noting down when your baby starts getting antsy. You might spot a daily pattern, which can help you prepare—whether that’s getting dinner organised earlier or scheduling a short walk outside before the meltdowns begin.

How Long Does It Last Each Evening?

The length of each witching-hour spell can vary significantly:

• Some babies fuss for 30 minutes and then settle.
  
• Others may continue for several hours, especially during periods of rapid growth or extra cluster feeding.

Keep in mind, there’s no hard-and-fast rule here. If you’re noticing your little one’s witching hour stretching on longer than usual, look for potential triggers like overstimulation or missed naps. On calmer days, you might find the fussiness is shorter—and that small victories can feel huge when it comes to bedtime bliss!

What Age Does Baby Witching Hour Start and Stop?

Many parents notice the witching hour starting to crop up around 2–3 weeks after birth.
It often becomes more predictable a few weeks in, once babies begin settling into day-night rhythms (albeit loosely!).

“Why so soon?”, you might be wondering. Newborns are rapidly adjusting to life outside the womb—juggling new sights, sounds, and feeding patterns. This overload can easily peak in the late afternoon or evening.

When Do Babies Outgrow the Witching Hour?

Most babies see a significant drop in evening fussiness by 3–4 months, as their nervous systems mature and they adapt to a more stable feeding and sleeping routine.
You might hear parents talk about the worst witching hour for their baby was at 3 or 4 months. Some little ones do still fuss around this age, but it often eases up as they move past the early newborn stage.

Individual Factors

Remember, every baby is different. Some babies will breeze through the witching hour phase quickly, while others may need a bit more time.
If your baby’s evening meltdowns persist well beyond 4 months or become extremely difficult to manage, consider checking in with a local GP or maternal child health nurse. They can offer personalised tips and check for any underlying issues.

The Big Takeaway

Don’t worry if your timeframe doesn’t match your neighbour’s or friend’s experience—your baby will gradually grow out of this phase in their own sweet time. In the meantime, having a few soothing tricks up your sleeve can help everyone get through those challenging evenings more peacefully.

How to Calm a Baby During the Witching Hour

The witching hour can feel like a marathon of crying and restlessness, but a few well-chosen strategies can make a world of difference. From soothing techniques to feeding approaches, here’s how you can help your little one (and yourself!) get through the evening fuss.

 

1. Soothing Techniques

Swaddle, Rock, & Roll

• A gentle swaddle can recreate the snugness of the womb.
  
• Rocking or slowly bouncing helps lull your baby into a calmer state.
  
• White noise (like a fan or a dedicated machine) can mask household sounds and soothe frazzled nerves.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

• Placing your baby against your chest helps regulate their heartbeat and breathing.
  
• This intimate bonding often reduces stress for both mum and bub.

Stretch Their Legs—Literally

• If it’s not too hot outside, a short walk in the pram can do wonders.
  
• In warmer climates, opt for cooler times of the day or a well-shaded path.

Consider a Pacifier

• If you’re comfortable and it suits your feeding plan, a pacifier can help babies settle. Always check age recommendations and guidelines for introduction to a pacifier.

2. Environmental Adjustments

Dim the Lights & Reduce Noise

• Creating a calm ambience signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down.
  
• Turning off the TV, lowering voices, or playing soft music can set a soothing mood.

Babywearing

• A comfortable carrier keeps your little one close to you while you get a few things done.
  
• The gentle swaying of your movement can soothe your baby into a more restful state.

3. Feeding Approaches

Offer Frequent Feeds or Top-Ups

• Babies often cluster feed during the witching hour, seeking both nutrition and comfort. Short, frequent feeds can keep fussiness at bay.

Burp More Often

• A little trapped wind can lead to big tears. Try burping mid-feed and after feeds to prevent gas buildup.

Have a Backup Stash of Breast Milk

• Whether it’s freshly expressed, frozen, or even freeze-dried, having an on-hand breast milk stash can be a lifesaver. If you have limited space for your frozen stash, Nourishy’s freeze-drying pouches provide a convenient option that doesn’t take up valuable freezer space. It can be a lifesaver during the witching hour when you need that extra feed ready to go without the stress of expressing or defrosting.
  
• If you need a short break or some help from a partner, a reliable stash ensures your baby still gets breast milk without the pressure solely on mum.
  
  

How to Avoid Baby Witching Hour (Prevention Tips)

Sometimes the best way to tackle the witching hour is to get ahead of it. By creating a more predictable routine and spotting your baby’s cues early, you can help stave off that evening fuss before it gains momentum.

Create a “Witching Hour Toolkit”. Jot down a go-to list of soothing methods you know work for your baby—like swaddling, rocking, or a favourite lullaby. Having these on hand saves time (and nerves).

Set the Scene with Routine & Environment

• Consistent Nap Schedule: Overtired babies are more prone to prolonged crying. Aim for naps at regular intervals based on your little one’s age and cues.
  
• Regular Feeding Times: If possible, feed on a steady routine (though newborns may still need on-demand feeds). A well-fed baby is less likely to spiral into fussiness later.
  
• Limit Overstimulation Late in the Day: Dim lights, reduce noise, and consider kindly postponing visits or household chaos until your baby has had their evening wind-down time.
  
• Try Babywearing: A comfortable carrier keeps baby close, offering warmth and security—while freeing up your hands for small tasks.
  Offer a Calming Bath: The warm water and gentle splashing often relax babies (and you might find it soothing, too).
  
  

Identify Early Cues

• Hunger vs. Tiredness vs. Comfort: A small whimper could mean, “Hey, I’m ready for a feed!” or “I’m getting drowsy.” Responding early can prevent a full-blown meltdown.
  
• Feed Before the Crying Escalates: Offering a “top-up” with expressed or even freeze-dried breast milk can help keep your bub content.
  
• Learn Baby’s Unique Signals: The quicker you recognise those tiny signs—like rooting or subtle yawns—the easier it is to address their needs proactively.
  
  

Tap into Breastfeeding Support

• Practice Self-Care: Remember, even a five-minute pause can help you recharge. Taking a moment to catch your breath or sip some water can do wonders for your energy levels.
  
• Tag-Team If You Can: Another pair of hands can be a lifesaver. Hand the baby off to your partner for a few minutes while you step outside or make a quick cuppa.
  
• Storage Made Simple: Check out Our Ultimate Guide to Storing Breast Milk For Aussie Mums & Dads guide for stress-free ways to preserve your milk supply.
  
• Know Your Feeding Durations: If you’re unsure how long your baby should nurse, our article How Long Should a Breastfeeding Session Last? offers helpful guidelines.
  

By combining a calm environment, well-timed feeds, and a dash of flexibility, you can often outsmart the witching hour before it even begins.

Newborn Witching Hour Tips

1. Start with Swaddling: Newborns crave a sense of security. Wrapping them up in a soft swaddle can calm their startle reflex and mimic the coziness of the womb.
   
2. Embrace Skin-to-Skin: Holding your baby directly against your chest (mum or dad!) helps regulate their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing—all promoting relaxation.
   
3. Rocking & Swaying: Whether in your arms, a gentle baby swing, or a rocking chair, rhythmic motion can work wonders for an overstimulated newborn.
   
4. Low-Key Environment: Dim the lights, lower the volume, and keep visitors to a minimum—especially if your bub is particularly sensitive to noise and activity.
   
5. Smaller, More Frequent Feedings: Offering several short feeds throughout the day (and especially before the witching hour) can help prevent hunger-triggered meltdowns.
   
6. Burp, Burp, and Burp Again: Tiny tummies can get gassy fast. Pausing to burp mid-feed and after feeding helps release trapped air that might otherwise spark an evening cry-fest.
   
7. Got Extra Milk? If you’re producing more than your bub can drink right now, look into What to Do With My Excess Breast Milk: Exploring Your Options to learn about all the ways you can use your excess milk. freeze-drying. 
   

Remember: these first few weeks are a period of rapid change for both you and your baby. Mix and match what works best, and don’t be afraid to try new approaches. With a bit of patience and creativity, you’ll soon discover the perfect blend of strategies to navigate the newborn witching hour—and beyond.

Wrapping Up the Witching Hour

The witching hour can test your patience, but remember—this phase is both common and temporary. Every day with a newborn is a chance to learn more about what makes them so unique and how to soothe them effectively. Try different methods, keep an eye on your baby’s cues, and know that there’s no single “right” approach. You’re doing the best you can, and that counts for a lot.

Looking for extra backup? Having a reliable stash of breast milk—whether fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried—can be a real comfort when you’re juggling those fussy evenings. A quick top-up might be all it takes to help your baby settle down, giving you a much-needed breather.

Finally, don’t forget to explore the other articles in our library. By staying informed and flexible, you’ll be well on your way to calmer nights and a more confident parenting journey.

Frequently Asked Questions of the Witching Hour

Is the witching hour real?

A: Yes, in the sense that many babies become extra fussy in the late afternoon or evening. It’s not a medically defined term, but countless parents experience it.

Do formula-fed babies have a witching hour?

A: Yes, the witching hour can affect all babies, regardless of feeding method—it’s often tied to overstimulation or tiredness, not just feeding.

What is the difference between colic and witching hour?

A: Colic typically involves intense crying for at least three hours a day, three days a week, over three weeks. Witching hour fussiness is usually confined to a specific time in the evening.

How to cope with my baby’s witching hour?

A: Try soothing techniques (swaddling, rocking, feeding), reduce stimulation (dim lights, turn down noise), and, if possible, tag-team with a partner for breaks.

Does baby-wearing help witching hour?

A: Many parents find it helpful. Being held close in a carrier often calms babies, while giving you a bit more freedom to move around.

How do I stop my baby’s witching hour?

A: You might not stop it entirely, but you can often shorten or ease fussiness by catching early hunger/sleep cues, offering extra feeds, and reducing overstimulation.

At what time is the witching hour?

A: A baby’s “witching hour” can vary for each baby, but commonly starts between 5 PM and 11 PM. Observing your little one’s routine can help you prepare for their peak fussy period.