Behavior & Social

Evening Fussiness (The Witching Hour)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed evening fussiness (the witching hour), here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Many babies have a predictable period of increased fussiness in the late afternoon or evening, often called the "witching hour." This is very common, typically peaks around 6 weeks, and usually resolves by 3-4 months. It is not caused by anything you are doing wrong and does not mean something is wrong with your baby.

Key takeaways

  • Many babies have a predictable period of increased fussiness in the late afternoon or evening, often called the "witching hour." This is very common, typically peaks around 6 weeks, and usually resolves by 3-4 months. It is not caused by anything you are doing wrong and does not mean something is wrong with your baby.
  • Usually normal when: Predictable fussy period in the late afternoon or evening
  • Call your doctor if: Crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stool, or poor feeding suggesting illness
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines, many babies have a predictable period of increased fussiness in the late afternoon or evening, often called the "witching hour." This is very common, typically peaks around 6 weeks, and usually resolves by 3-4 months. It is not caused by anything you are doing wrong and does not mean something is wrong with your baby. At 0-1 month, the witching hour typically begins in the late afternoon or early evening (often 5-11 PM) and involves prolonged crying or fussiness that is difficult to soothe. This is one of the most common and exhausting experiences for new parents. The cause is not fully understood but may relate to nervous system overstimulation from the day, normal developmental crying that peaks at this age, and a natural low point in maternal milk supply in the evening. Strategies that may help: skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, white noise or shushing, gentle motion (rocking, swinging, walking), cluster feeding (offering the breast frequently), dimming lights and reducing stimulation, and babywearing. It is okay to take a break: put baby safely in their crib and step away for a few minutes if you feel overwhelmed. It is generally considered normal when predictable fussy period in the late afternoon or evening. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stool, or poor feeding suggesting illness.

Sources: [1], [2]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Predictable fussy period in the late afternoon or evening
Crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stool, or poor feeding suggesting illness
Fussiness that peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3-4 months
You feel you might lose control or hurt your baby: call for help or put baby down safely and step away
Baby is otherwise healthy, feeding well, and gaining weight
Baby is inconsolable and shows signs of acute distress: high-pitched scream, bulging fontanelle, or lethargy
Some soothing techniques work at least partially
Fussiness lasts more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week

By Age

What to expect by age

0-1 month

The witching hour typically begins in the late afternoon or early evening (often 5-11 PM) and involves prolonged crying or fussiness that is difficult to soothe. This is one of the most common and exhausting experiences for new parents. The cause is not fully understood but may relate to nervous system overstimulation from the day, normal developmental crying that peaks at this age, and a natural low point in maternal milk supply in the evening. Strategies that may help: skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, white noise or shushing, gentle motion (rocking, swinging, walking), cluster feeding (offering the breast frequently), dimming lights and reducing stimulation, and babywearing. It is okay to take a break: put baby safely in their crib and step away for a few minutes if you feel overwhelmed.

1-3 months

Evening fussiness typically peaks around 6 weeks of age and can last 2-3 hours per evening. This is a difficult period but it is temporary. By 3 months, most babies show significant improvement. If the crying is intense, lasts more than 3 hours a day for more than 3 days a week for more than 3 weeks, it may meet the criteria for colic, which is still normal but may benefit from discussion with your pediatrician. Remember that this phase passes.

3-6 months

Evening fussiness typically resolves or greatly improves by 3-4 months. If it persists, consider whether baby may be overtired (watch wake windows and nap schedules), overstimulated, or hungry. Some fussiness around developmental leaps is normal.

6-12 months

The classic witching hour should be resolved. Evening fussiness at this age is more likely related to overtiredness, teething, hunger, or separation anxiety. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine helps.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed evening fussiness (the witching hour) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if fussiness lasts more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week.
  • Mention if you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to cope with the crying.
  • 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

Probably normal when...
  • Predictable fussy period in the late afternoon or evening
  • Fussiness that peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3-4 months
  • Baby is otherwise healthy, feeding well, and gaining weight
  • Some soothing techniques work at least partially
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Fussiness lasts more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week
  • You are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to cope with the crying
  • Baby seems to be in pain: arching back, pulling up legs, turning red
Act now when...
  • Crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stool, or poor feeding suggesting illness
  • You feel you might lose control or hurt your baby: call for help or put baby down safely and step away
  • Baby is inconsolable and shows signs of acute distress: high-pitched scream, bulging fontanelle, or lethargy

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice evening fussiness (the witching hour) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that predictable fussy period in the late afternoon or evening — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-1 month, 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 crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stool, or poor feeding suggesting illness.

Baby Only Sleeps When Held

It is biologically normal for newborns to want to be held and to sleep best when close to a caregiver. This does not mean you have created bad habits. Babies are hardwired to seek closeness for safety and comfort. While holding a sleeping baby is not recommended for safe sleep, there are strategies to help transition baby to a safe sleep surface.

cluster feeding normal

Irregular Newborn Sleep Patterns

Newborn sleep is naturally irregular and unpredictable. Babies are not born with a circadian rhythm and cannot distinguish day from night. Sleep gradually becomes more organized over the first 3-4 months. This is biologically normal and not something you are doing wrong.

Triage

Excessive Crying Triage

Determine whether crying patterns need medical attention.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is evening fussiness (the witching hour) normal?
Many babies have a predictable period of increased fussiness in the late afternoon or evening, often called the "witching hour." This is very common, typically peaks around 6 weeks, and usually resolves by 3-4 months. It is not caused by anything you are doing wrong and does not mean something is wrong with your baby.
When should I call the doctor about evening fussiness (the witching hour)?
Crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stool, or poor feeding suggesting illness You feel you might lose control or hurt your baby: call for help or put baby down safely and step away Baby is inconsolable and shows signs of acute distress: high-pitched scream, bulging fontanelle, or lethargy
When is evening fussiness (the witching hour) normal?
Predictable fussy period in the late afternoon or evening Fussiness that peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3-4 months Baby is otherwise healthy, feeding well, and gaining weight
What causes evening fussiness (the witching hour)?
Many babies have a predictable period of increased fussiness in the late afternoon or evening, often called the "witching hour." This is very common, typically peaks around 6 weeks, and usually resolves by 3-4 months. It is not caused by anything you are doing wrong and does not mean something is wrong with your baby. Common explanations include: Predictable fussy period in the late afternoon or evening. Fussiness that peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3-4 months.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about evening fussiness (the witching hour)?
You should mention evening fussiness (the witching hour) at your next visit if: Fussiness lasts more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week. You are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to cope with the crying. Baby seems to be in pain: arching back, pulling up legs, turning red.
Is evening fussiness (the witching hour) normal at 0-1 month?
The witching hour typically begins in the late afternoon or early evening (often 5-11 PM) and involves prolonged crying or fussiness that is difficult to soothe. This is one of the most common and exhausting experiences for new parents. The cause is not fully understood but may relate to nervous system overstimulation from the day, normal developmental crying that peaks at this age, and a natural low point in maternal milk supply in the evening. Strategies that may help: skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, white noise or shushing, gentle motion (rocking, swinging, walking), cluster feeding (offering the breast frequently), dimming lights and reducing stimulation, and babywearing. It is okay to take a break: put baby safely in their crib and step away for a few minutes if you feel overwhelmed.
Is evening fussiness (the witching hour) normal at 1-3 months?
Evening fussiness typically peaks around 6 weeks of age and can last 2-3 hours per evening. This is a difficult period but it is temporary. By 3 months, most babies show significant improvement. If the crying is intense, lasts more than 3 hours a day for more than 3 days a week for more than 3 weeks, it may meet the criteria for colic, which is still normal but may benefit from discussion with your pediatrician. Remember that this phase passes.
Should I go to the ER for evening fussiness (the witching hour)?
Seek emergency care if crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stool, or poor feeding suggesting illness, or if you feel you might lose control or hurt your baby: call for help or put baby down safely and step away. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does evening fussiness (the witching hour) go away on its own?
In many cases, evening fussiness (the witching hour) resolves on its own, especially when predictable fussy period in the late afternoon or evening. By 6-12 months, the classic witching hour should be resolved. Evening fussiness at this age is more likely related to overtiredness, teething, hunger, or separation anxiety. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine helps.
AAPMAYO CLINIC

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Coping with Colic. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Mayo Clinic. Colic: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Evening Fussiness (The Witching Hour).

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed evening fussiness (the witching hour) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if fussiness lasts more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week.
  • Mention if you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to cope with the crying.
  • 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

  • Fussiness lasts more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week
  • You are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to cope with the crying
  • Baby seems to be in pain: arching back, pulling up legs, turning red

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stool, or poor feeding suggesting illness
  • You feel you might lose control or hurt your baby: call for help or put baby down safely and step away
  • Baby is inconsolable and shows signs of acute distress: high-pitched scream, bulging fontanelle, or lethargy

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

Crying TriageEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of evening fussiness (the witching hour) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stool, or poor feeding suggesting illness.

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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