The “Witching Hour”
As Halloween approaches, we are here to talk about one of the spookiest things that many new parents experience, the witching hour! While the witching hour has nothing to do with witches themselves, this can be one of the most dreaded times for new parents. We are here to help! Let’s dive into this week’s blog, the “witching hour.”
What is the witching hour?
The witching hour is a time, often at night, where a baby cries for 1-3 hours at the same time each day or a few times a week. During this time, babies are harder to soothe and can be inconsolable.
Do all families experience the witching hour?
The witching hour is common, but it doesn’t happen with every baby, and some babies are milder about their upset during this time than others.
Is there anything that we can do to prevent it?
While there isn’t any way to 100% guarantee prevention of the witching hour, there are some things that you can try to reduce this phenomenon.
1). Consider trying to have a good daytime routine, to help ensure that your baby isn’t overly tired or hungry in the evening.
2). You may try a bedtime routine so that close to when the witching hour happens, the baby’s environment is dimmed and quiet.
How long does the witching hour last?
While, unfortunately, there isn’t a direct timeline for how long the witching hour can last, babies typically have an easier time self-soothing at ages two to four months. So many families will see a reduction in this evening upset around that age.
Tips for soothing during the “witching hour.”
We know that the witching hour is frustrating, but luckily many soothing methods will help! You may want to try:
- Cluster feeding
- Follow the same bedtime routine every night
- The five S’s for soothing, which are swaddling, shushing, sucking, swaying, and side-lying position.
- Try a sound machine
- Aim for your baby to be in dim lighting and a quiet environment to help prevent them becoming more overstimulated.
- Try going for a walk. Sometimes getting outside can help
- Check for gas
- Try skin to skin
Taking Cara Babies Newborn Course
Oftentimes, babies experience the witching hour because they are overtired and overstimulated at the end of the day. The Taking Cara babies newborn sleep course can be a great resource for families who are looking to get their baby on a routine but are unsure how. Because it is believed that nighttime and daytime sleep is connected, this course may be beneficial for combatting the witching hour!
Ask for help.
There is no way to sugarcoat that the witching hour is rough! Try to be gentle with yourself, your partner, and your baby during this time. If you need additional help, be sure to ask for it. Postpartum doulas, friends, and family are all resources you may want to try and utilize during this time. Thank you for reading this week’s blog, “The Witching hour.” For more helpful tips on all things pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood visit our weekly blog.
