The “witching hour” is a common name for a baby's predictable late-afternoon or evening fussy period. It is not a diagnosis, and it may last longer than an hour. Many young babies cry more in the early months, but timing alone cannot tell you whether the cause is hunger, tiredness, overstimulation, discomfort or illness.
First, look for a pattern—not one perfect explanation
A baby who becomes unsettled around the same time each evening, feeds and wakes normally, and seems comfortable between episodes may be going through a common fussy period. An overtired day, closely spaced feeds or a busy environment can make the evening harder. Sometimes there is no single cause to find.
The pattern matters more than the label. Notice when the crying starts, what happened before it, whether feeding changes, how your baby settles and whether anything feels different from the usual episode.
| What you notice | What to check next |
|---|---|
| Rooting, hands to mouth or eager sucking | Offer a feed and watch for active swallowing and fullness cues. |
| Yawning, looking away or frantic movement | Reduce light and noise and begin a calm wind-down. |
| Crying during or just after feeds | Pause to burp and note coughing, choking, pain or repeated vomiting. |
| A cry that is suddenly different | Check temperature and contact the pediatrician rather than assuming it is the witching hour. |
Is the witching hour the same as colic?
Not necessarily. “Witching hour” describes when fussiness tends to happen. Colic is a clinical label used for repeated, prolonged crying in an otherwise healthy infant when another cause is not found. Neither term explains the cause by itself.
Do not diagnose colic from an online checklist. A pediatrician may need to review feeding, growth and the physical examination, especially when crying is new, escalating or present through much of the day. Gas drops and gripe water are often marketed for this period, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that research has not shown these products to solve infant crying.
A simple sequence to try
Check whether your baby is hungry, needs a diaper change, is too warm or cold, or has clothing or a strand of hair causing discomfort. Then try one calming action at a time: hold them close, walk or rock gently, talk or sing softly, dim the room, or offer a warm bath if your baby enjoys it. Give each attempt a little time instead of rapidly switching between ten different things.
Feed responsively, but remember that every cry is not hunger. If a bottle is used, do not pressure your baby to finish it. Keep sleep safety unchanged: when your baby falls asleep, place them on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface with no pillows, loose blankets, positioners or toys.
Protect the caregiver as well as the baby
Long crying can make a loving caregiver feel angry, panicked or helpless. If you feel close to losing control, put your baby on their back in an empty crib or bassinet, step away briefly and call someone who can help. Check back when you are calmer. Never shake or hit a baby.
Plan the handoff before the hardest part of the evening when possible. Tell every caregiver that it is acceptable to ask for relief and that a safe pause is better than trying to push through escalating frustration.
When should you call the pediatrician?
For a baby three months old or younger, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher means calling your pediatrician immediately. Call promptly for a weak, high-pitched or suddenly unusual cry; a clear drop in feeding or wet diapers; repeated forceful or green vomit; a swollen belly; blood in the stool; marked sleepiness; or crying that is steadily worsening or cannot be soothed.
Call 911 now for trouble breathing, blue or gray lips or skin, a seizure, collapse, or a baby who cannot be awakened. Do not wait for the usual evening episode to pass when your baby also looks or acts ill.
Related United States guides
Use the two-month guide and the eight-week article to place evening crying alongside feeding, sleep, growth and development.
View references and primary sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Responding to Your Baby's Cries20 February 2025 · accessed September 2026
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Colic Relief Tips for Parents22 April 2024 · accessed September 2026
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Fever and Your Babyaccessed September 2026
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Milestones by 2 Months15 May 2026 · accessed September 2026
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Providing Care for Babies to Sleep Safely17 September 2024 · accessed September 2026