The Witching Hour: Why Newborns Cry in the Evening (and What Helps)

The sun begins to set, the kettle is whistling, and just as you hope to sit down for a moment of respite, it begins: the rhythmic, persistent, and often inconsolable crying that marks the start of the evening. Known affectionately (and sometimes exhaustedly) by parents as the witching hour, this period of late-afternoon restlessness is a universal rite of passage for almost every Australian family with a newborn. While it can feel overwhelming and deeply personal in the quiet of your lounge room, it is a normal developmental phase that usually peaks around six weeks of age.

Understanding the evening peak

In the world of paediatric health, this phenomenon is often referred to as "period of purple crying" or normal infant distress. According to the Raising Children Network, it is common for babies to cry more frequently and intensely in the late afternoon and early evening hours. This isn't necessarily because they are in pain or hungry in the traditional sense, but rather a reflection of their developing nervous system trying to process a full day of new sensory input. By 5:00 pm, a newborn's brain has been bombarded with sights, sounds, and smells, leadings to a state of sensory overload that they simply don't have the tools to regulate yet.

It is important to remember that this behaviour is not a reflection of your parenting skills or your baby's temperament. During these hours, your baby might seem fussy, turn away from the breast or bottle, or pull their legs up to their tummy. While many parents worry about colic or reflux, the witching hour is often just a developmental "reset button." Understanding the patterns of your baby's day by using a baby tracker can help you identify if this peak occurs at the same time every day, allowing you to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the evening ahead.

The role of cluster feeding and growth

One of the most common features of the witching hour is cluster feeding. This is when a baby wants to feed every half hour or hour for a concentrated period. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) notes that this is a biologically normal behaviour designed to boost your milk supply for the coming day and to help the baby "tank up" before a longer stretch of sleep. If you are concerned about whether your baby is getting enough during these frantic sessions, you can use a breastfeeding milk supply checker to gain some peace of mind.

• Developmental Leaps: Periods of intense evening fussiness often coincide with major neurological milestones.
• Calorie Loading: Babies often drink smaller amounts more frequently in the evening to prepare for nighttime sleep.
• Comfort Seeking: Sucking is a natural self-soothing mechanism that releases hormones to help a baby relax.
• Hormonal Shifts: Some experts suggest that a mother's prolactin levels or milk flow may change slightly in the evening, prompting the baby to work harder to stimulate supply.

Responsive settling techniques

When the crying starts, the Australian approach focuses on responsive parenting—the practice of listening to your baby’s cues and responding with comfort. The goal during the witching hour isn't necessarily to stop the crying immediately (which may be impossible), but to ensure the baby feels safe and supported while they discharge that evening energy. Red Nose Australia recommends safe wrapping or swaddling as a way to provide a sense of security, mimicking the tight environment of the womb.

Rhythmic movement is often the "secret sauce" for surviving the late afternoon. Whether it is a gentle bounce on a fitball, a walk around the block in a baby carrier, or a slow dance in a darkened room, movement helps soothe the baby's vestibular system. If you find yourself struggling to find a rhythm that works, taking a baby sleep and settling quiz can offer tailored suggestions based on your baby's specific age and stage. Sometimes, a change of scenery—stepping outside into the cool evening air—is enough to "break the circuit" of a crying spell for both the parent and the infant.

Managing overstimulation and fatigue

By the time the evening rolls around, many newborns are overtired. A baby who has missed a nap earlier in the day will have higher levels of cortisol and adrenaline in their system, making it much harder for them to switch off and fall asleep. Creating a "low stimulation zone" from 4:00 pm onwards can make a significant difference. This might mean dimming the lights, turning off the television, and reducing the volume of household activities. If you are unsure why the tears won't stop despite your best efforts, reading about why is my baby crying can help you rule out other common causes of distress.

1. The Power of the Bath: A warm bath can be a wonderful sensory transition from the "busy" day to the "quiet" night.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact: This regulates the baby's heart rate and temperature while releasing oxytocin in both parent and child.
3. White Noise: Constant, low-frequency sound can mask household noise and mimic the sounds of the womb.
4. The "Passing of the Baton": If you have a partner or support person, the witching hour is the time to work as a team. Swapping out every 15 minutes can prevent parental burnout.

Looking after yourself during the storm

The witching hour is arguably the most testing time for a parent’s mental health. It often coincides with the time when your own energy reserves are lowest. It is vital to practise self-compassion. If the crying becomes overwhelming and you feel your frustration rising, it is okay to place your baby in a safe space like their cot, walk into another room, and take five deep breaths or drink a glass of water. A baby is safe in their cot for a few minutes while you regain your composure.

Preparing for the witching hour earlier in the day can also reduce stress. Small acts of organisation, such as prepping dinner at lunchtime or having a dedicated "survival station" with snacks and a water bottle near your nursing chair, can make the evening feel less chaotic. Remember, this is a season, not a forever state. Most babies outgrow this intense evening fussiness by the time they reach three to four months of age as their circadian rhythms mature and their nervous systems become more robust.

When to see a doctor / health professional

While evening fussing is normal, it is important to trust your parental intuition. If your baby's crying sounds like it is coming from a place of physical pain rather than just restlessness, a check-up is warranted. You should consult your GP, Maternal Child Health Nurse, or contact 13 HEALTH if your baby has a fever, is vomiting forcefully, has a change in bowel movements, or if the crying lasts for more than several hours without any pauses. Issues such as cow's milk protein allergy or silent reflux can sometimes mimic the witching hour but require specific medical management from a professional like those at the RCH Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions

Is the witching hour caused by gas?

While many babies pull up their legs and pass gas during these episodes, it is usually a secondary effect of crying (swallowing air) rather than the primary cause. Gentle tummy massage or "bicycle legs" can help move trapped air, but the root cause is usually neurological overstimulation.

When does the witching hour usually end?

For most Australian babies, the peak occurs around 6 to 8 weeks of age. You will likely notice a significant improvement by 12 weeks, and by 4 months, most babies have settled into a more predictable evening routine as their melatonin production increases.

Should I stop my baby from napping in the afternoon to help them sleep at night?

Actually, the opposite is true; "sleep breeds sleep." A baby who is well-rested during the day is less likely to experience an intense witching hour. Aim for age-appropriate awake windows to prevent your baby from becoming overtired by sundown.

Can formula-fed babies experience the witching hour too?

Yes, the witching hour is related to brain development and sensory processing, not just the type of milk a baby receives. Both breastfed and formula-fed babies experience this phase, though breastfed babies may use the time for more frequent "snacking" or cluster feeding.

Does "controlled crying" work for the witching hour?

Australian health guidelines, including those from the Raising Children Network, do not recommend any form of "crying it out" or sleep training for newborns. During the witching hour, your baby needs your presence and comfort to help them regulate their overwhelmed nervous system.

The bottom line

The witching hour is a challenging but temporary chapter in your baby’s first year. It is a sign that your little one is taking in the world at a rapid pace and simply needs your calm presence to help them process the day's events. By staying responsive, lowering your expectations for evening productivity, and leaning on your support network, you will navigate through these sunset storms. Before you know it, these fussy evenings will be replaced by quiet bedtimes and the sweet, steady breath of a sleeping infant.

Related reading: guidance on weaning from breastfeeding

Related reading: when your baby only sleeps on you