Witching Hour Baby: Surviving the Witching Hour

Summary

In this video, Emma, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and mom of two, explains the common developmental phase known as the 'witching hour,' when babies experience increased fussiness, usually in the afternoons or evenings. She offers five soothing strategies to help calm babies during this period, including more frequent breastfeeding, using a pacifier, carrying the baby in a carrier, going for a car ride, and the flex and hold position. Emma also emphasizes the importance of using soothing techniques consistently and offers additional tips in a downloadable PDF for parents to try.

Takeaways

• 😀 The witching hour refers to a period of increased fussiness in newborn babies, usually occurring in the afternoons and evenings.
• 😀 This period typically starts around two weeks of age, peaks at six to eight weeks, and resolves by three to five months.
• 😀 Babies may cry unexpectedly, often appearing as though they are in pain, though this is part of normal development and not due to anything parents are doing wrong.
• 😀 Sucking is calming for babies, so offering more frequent breastfeeding during this period can be very helpful.
• 😀 A pacifier or clean finger can also provide comfort to babies, helping them self-soothe during the witching hour.
• 😀 Using a baby carrier can be very soothing as it provides security, comfort, and allows the baby to experience a change in view while hearing the parent's heartbeat.
• 😀 Going for a car ride offers additional soothing benefits, with the movement and white noise helping calm the baby.
• 😀 The 'flex and hold' position, where the baby is held in a flexed position, mimicking the fetal position, can also calm the baby during the witching hour.
• 😀 Continuing to use soothing strategies after the baby has calmed down reduces the chances of the baby starting to cry again.
• 😀 If parents feel frustrated, it’s okay to place the baby in a safe spot and take a break to calm down before re-engaging with them.

Q & A

What is the 'witching hour' in newborns?

The 'witching hour' refers to a period of increased fussiness and crying in newborn babies, typically occurring in the afternoons and evenings. It is a normal part of development and does not indicate any illness or distress.

At what age does the 'witching hour' begin, and when does it end?

The 'witching hour' usually starts at around two weeks of age, peaks at six to eight weeks, and gradually decreases, typically resolving by three to five months of age.

What are some other terms used for the 'witching hour'?

Other terms for the 'witching hour' include 'purple crying' and 'colic'. All refer to the same period of increased crying and fussiness in newborns.

How can breastfeeding help soothe a baby during the 'witching hour'?

Offering more frequent breastfeeding sessions can be soothing for the baby during the 'witching hour' because sucking is a calming activity for newborns.

What is the role of a pacifier during the 'witching hour'?

A pacifier or dummy can help soothe a baby by providing them with a way to self-soothe through sucking, which is calming for many newborns.

Is it okay to use a baby carrier during the 'witching hour'?

Yes, using a baby carrier during the 'witching hour' can be beneficial. It helps soothe the baby by offering security, a distraction through a change in perspective, and calming up-and-down motion.

What is the benefit of taking a car ride with a crying baby?

Taking a car ride can be soothing for a baby during the 'witching hour' because the motion of the car and the hum of the engine provide calming white noise, while the car seat offers a sense of security.

What is the 'flex and hold' position, and why is it helpful?

The 'flex and hold' position involves holding the baby against your chest with their legs bent in a flexed position. This position mimics the fetal position and, combined with vertical motion, is very calming for babies during this period of fussiness.

Why is it important to continue soothing a baby after they stop crying?

Continuing to soothe a baby after they stop crying helps prevent them from becoming upset again. Research shows that if soothing is maintained, the baby is less likely to start crying once more.

What should you do if you get frustrated during the 'witching hour'?

If you feel frustrated, it's important to take a break. You should safely place your baby in a safe place, step away, and calm down before re-engaging with your child.