6 Tips to Survive the Witching Hour with your Newborn
Let me start off by stating the obvious: the witching hour is torture!
This moment you are in right now, the one where nothing seems to help your baby calm down, the one where the crying and fussiness goes on for hours…I’ve been there. It’s hard mama. Trust me though, it’s not because of anything you did. You are not a bad parent and there is nothing wrong with your baby. The witching hour is a normal, although not fun, part of the journey. I remember just wanting to curl up and cry along with my babies because I could not figure out how to calm them down.
What exactly is the witching hour?
In folklore it was known as the Devil’s Hour and referred to a time of night associated with supernatural events like demons and ghosts.
Which is why nowadays we use the phrase ‘witching hour’ to describe that time of the day when our babies appear to be possessed by said demons and ghosts. I see you shaking your head mama, like oh yeah…that accurately describes what I am going through! I feel you.
The bad news: It’s more like witching hours, not hour.
The witching hour typically occurs around the same time every day between 4pm and midnight. It can begin between weeks 2 and 3, peaking at week 6.
The good news: It won’t last forever.
The witching hour will eventually taper off around 3 months of age.
During this time, you may notice this from your newborn:
• Increased fussiness
• Difficulty to soothe
• More tears
Consider the witching hour “survival mode” time. This phase won’t last forever. So you do what you gotta do to get through it. Remember, your baby is going through SO much developmentally right now. Because of this, we can’t make the witching hour go away. But we can make it more manageable.
Here are a six tips to help you navigate those stressful hour(s) and bring some more calm to you and your baby.
1.Baby wearing or skin-to-skin
The closeness or warmth of your skin can help to settle your baby, and even you! Try a contact nap or use a carrier to wear baby. If your partner is around, I’d opt for the contact nap and give yourself the chance to rest too. If you’re running solo for the evening, use a carrier so you can remain hands-free to take care of meal prep or anything else you have to get done.
2. Dim the lights and sounds
Bright lights can be overstimulating. Try dimming them throughout the house. Remember, your new baby spent nine months in a dark and calm environment. Now they are in this overwhelming world of bright lights and loud noises! A dim and quiet space can help prevent overstimulation.
3. Take turns
When you find yourself feeling stressed, tag your partner in so you can take a break. Your baby can pick up on your mood. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, it can make it harder for them to settle. Have your partner take over while you grab a few moments to yourself to practice some deep breathing or to take a quick shower.
4. Cluster feed
If you have the ability to, get cozy on the couch and give in to the cluster feeds. Don’t forget to take a bathroom break before starting, because you may be there for awhile! I also suggest creating yourself a little basket to keep nearby with water and snacks for yourself!
5. Earlier bedtime
Follow your baby’s cues. This is so important! As soon as you start to see those early sleep cues, begin the bedtime routine. An overtired baby is significantly harder to console and get to sleep. Your 0-5 week old has a max wake window of 60 minutes, but will more likely fall closer to 45 minutes.
6. Change the scenery
I love this one, because it can improve baby’s mood and yours! If the weather is good, head out for a little stroll. The fresh air and vitamin D can help to regulate your mood and decrease the risk of depression.
How to know if it’s more than just the witching hour:
If your baby is crying 3 or more hours, 3 or more days a week, for 3 or more weeks, it may be colic. Some of these tips may help with calming the colic baby. Give them a try, but also consult your pediatrician to ensure it isn’t something more, such as reflux.
If you are needing more guidance on the newborn stage, I have a FREE guide to help!
The newborn stage can be tough! Guides are great, but maybe you’d like to have an expert you can reach out to whenever you need. Are you shaking your head ‘yes’?
I offer free 30-minute calls to see if working together would be a good fit. I am here to be your go-to person, to answer your questions and support you, making the sleep training process easier on the whole family!
Sleep easy,
Yasmin Johnston
Your Pediatric Sleep Consultant
