The Witching Hour: Evening Fussiness
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, Zero to Three guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed the witching hour: evening fussiness, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
The "witching hour" is a period of increased fussiness and crying that commonly occurs in the late afternoon or evening, typically between 5-11 PM. It is most common in newborns and young babies (2-12 weeks) and usually resolves by 3-4 months. It is thought to be related to overstimulation, fatigue, and immature nervous system regulation.
Key takeaways
- The "witching hour" is a period of increased fussiness and crying that commonly occurs in the late afternoon or evening, typically between 5-11 PM. It is most common in newborns and young babies (2-12 weeks) and usually resolves by 3-4 months. It is thought to be related to overstimulation, fatigue, and immature nervous system regulation.
- Usually normal when: Evening fussiness in a baby aged 2-12 weeks that follows a daily pattern
- Call your doctor if: Baby is inconsolable with a fever, vomiting, bloody stools, or seems in pain
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, Zero to Three guidelines, the "witching hour" is a period of increased fussiness and crying that commonly occurs in the late afternoon or evening, typically between 5-11 PM. It is most common in newborns and young babies (2-12 weeks) and usually resolves by 3-4 months. It is thought to be related to overstimulation, fatigue, and immature nervous system regulation. At 0-6 weeks, evening fussiness often starts around 2-3 weeks and intensifies through week 6. Your baby has been processing stimulation all day and their immature nervous system becomes overwhelmed by evening. Skin-to-skin contact, gentle motion, white noise, a dim quiet environment, and feeding on demand all help. It is generally considered normal when evening fussiness in a baby aged 2-12 weeks that follows a daily pattern. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if baby is inconsolable with a fever, vomiting, bloody stools, or seems in pain.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 weeks
Evening fussiness often starts around 2-3 weeks and intensifies through week 6. Your baby has been processing stimulation all day and their immature nervous system becomes overwhelmed by evening. Skin-to-skin contact, gentle motion, white noise, a dim quiet environment, and feeding on demand all help.
6-12 weeks
This is typically the peak of the witching hour. Crying may be intense and seem inconsolable. Try the 5 S's: swaddling, side-lying (in your arms), shushing, swinging, and sucking. Wearing your baby in a carrier can help. Take turns with a partner. This phase is temporary.
3-4 months
Evening fussiness usually decreases significantly by 12-16 weeks as your baby's nervous system matures and they develop better self-regulation. If evening crying continues to be severe past 4 months, discuss with your pediatrician.
4-12 months
If evening fussiness returns or persists, it may be related to overtiredness (check the nap schedule and bedtime), hunger, teething, or a need for earlier bedtime. Adjust the evening routine to include a calming wind-down period.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed the witching hour: evening fussiness and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if crying is extreme and lasts more than 3 hours per day, 3 days per week (meets colic criteria).
- Mention if you are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or having scary thoughts about your baby.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Evening fussiness in a baby aged 2-12 weeks that follows a daily pattern
- Baby is otherwise feeding well, gaining weight, and content at other times of day
- Fussiness improves with holding, motion, or feeding
- The pattern gradually improves and resolves by 3-4 months
- Crying is extreme and lasts more than 3 hours per day, 3 days per week (meets colic criteria)
- You are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or having scary thoughts about your baby
- Evening crying persists past 4-5 months without improvement
- Baby is inconsolable with a fever, vomiting, bloody stools, or seems in pain
- You feel you might lose control or harm your baby - put baby in a safe place and step away for a few minutes, then call for help
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice the witching hour: evening fussiness — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that evening fussiness in a baby aged 2-12 weeks that follows a daily pattern — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 weeks, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if baby is inconsolable with a fever, vomiting, bloody stools, or seems in pain.
Related Conditions
Baby Colic and Excessive Crying
Colic is defined by the Wessel criteria or "rule of 3s" - crying for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy, well-fed infant. It affects about 1 in 5 babies, typically begins around 2-3 weeks of age, peaks at 6-8 weeks, and almost always resolves by 3-4 months. It is not caused by anything you are doing wrong.
Is It Colic or Just Gas?
Gas causes temporary discomfort that improves when baby passes gas or poops, while colic involves intense, inconsolable crying for 3+ hours at a time, at least 3 days a week, often at the same time each day. Gas is extremely common; true colic affects about 1 in 5 babies and typically starts around 2-3 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months.
Reasons for Inconsolable Crying
When a baby cries inconsolably, the most common causes are hunger, overtiredness, gas/digestive discomfort, overstimulation, and needing a diaper change. Less common but important causes include hair tourniquet, illness, ear infection, or intussusception. If your baby cannot be consoled after addressing basic needs and the crying is unusual for them, trust your instincts and call your pediatrician.
Peak Fussiness: When Does It Get Better?
Baby fussiness and crying typically peak around 6-8 weeks of age and then gradually decrease. By 3-4 months, most babies cry significantly less. This pattern is universal across cultures and is described by the Period of PURPLE Crying framework. Understanding that this is temporary and normal can help you cope during the hardest weeks.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is the witching hour: evening fussiness normal?
When should I call the doctor about the witching hour: evening fussiness?
When is the witching hour: evening fussiness normal?
What causes the witching hour: evening fussiness?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about the witching hour: evening fussiness?
Is the witching hour: evening fussiness normal at 0-6 weeks?
Is the witching hour: evening fussiness normal at 6-12 weeks?
Should I go to the ER for the witching hour: evening fussiness?
Does the witching hour: evening fussiness go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Coping with Colic. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Wolke D et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis: fussing and crying durations in infancy. J Pediatr. 2017;185:55-61. NIH
- [3]Zero to Three. Understanding Your Baby's Cries. Zero to Three
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss The Witching Hour: Evening Fussiness.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed the witching hour: evening fussiness and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if crying is extreme and lasts more than 3 hours per day, 3 days per week (meets colic criteria).
- Mention if you are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or having scary thoughts about your baby.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Crying is extreme and lasts more than 3 hours per day, 3 days per week (meets colic criteria)
- You are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or having scary thoughts about your baby
- Evening crying persists past 4-5 months without improvement
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Baby is inconsolable with a fever, vomiting, bloody stools, or seems in pain
- You feel you might lose control or harm your baby - put baby in a safe place and step away for a few minutes, then call for help
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of the witching hour: evening fussiness are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if baby is inconsolable with a fever, vomiting, bloody stools, or seems in pain.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Behavior Concerns
Baby Colic and Excessive Crying
Colic is defined by the Wessel criteria or "rule of 3s" - crying for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy, well-fed infant. It affects about 1 in 5 babies, typically begins around 2-3 weeks of age, peaks at 6-8 weeks, and almost always resolves by 3-4 months. It is not caused by anything you are doing wrong.
Is It Colic or Just Gas?
Gas causes temporary discomfort that improves when baby passes gas or poops, while colic involves intense, inconsolable crying for 3+ hours at a time, at least 3 days a week, often at the same time each day. Gas is extremely common; true colic affects about 1 in 5 babies and typically starts around 2-3 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months.
Reasons for Inconsolable Crying
When a baby cries inconsolably, the most common causes are hunger, overtiredness, gas/digestive discomfort, overstimulation, and needing a diaper change. Less common but important causes include hair tourniquet, illness, ear infection, or intussusception. If your baby cannot be consoled after addressing basic needs and the crying is unusual for them, trust your instincts and call your pediatrician.
Peak Fussiness: When Does It Get Better?
Baby fussiness and crying typically peak around 6-8 weeks of age and then gradually decrease. By 3-4 months, most babies cry significantly less. This pattern is universal across cultures and is described by the Period of PURPLE Crying framework. Understanding that this is temporary and normal can help you cope during the hardest weeks.
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