The term “witching hour” is one you might not come across until you become a parent. Before you experience it, you might find it charming or eerily intriguing, similar to a scene from a supernatural show. But once you encounter this phenomenon, you’ll soon realize that for a new (and understandably frazzled) parent, it’s far more daunting than any horror movie. As the clock strikes 5 PM, you might notice your little one becoming inexplicably fussy and restless. Oh, and let’s not forget the wave of uncertainty that hits new moms during this time.
Naturally, it’s common to share your concerns with fellow parents, who will likely share their own tales from the witching hour trenches. This camaraderie can help ease feelings of isolation, yet the nagging question remains: Am I doing something wrong? And what exactly is this witching hour all about? Let’s delve deeper.
What is the witching hour?
As you may have guessed, the witching hour isn’t a medical term. Instead, it’s a colloquial phrase used to describe a timeframe later in the day when your baby might be particularly fussy and hard to console.
When does it occur?
Typically, the witching hour kicks off around 5 PM and can last until 11 PM—sometimes even stretching past midnight! Yes, the term “hour” is a bit misleading; it often feels like it lasts an eternity. But rest assured, you will get through it.
What causes the witching hour?
Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer to what triggers the witching hour. It’s one of those parenting enigmas you just have to navigate. However, some likely explanations include:
- Your baby may be overtired. It can be a challenge to ensure your little one gets the right amount of sleep in those early months.
- Your baby might be overstimulated. The later hours of the day can be bustling, with household activities ramping up as people finish work, prepare dinner, or engage in other tasks.
What can I do to help my baby through this?
Now that you understand the witching hour, you’re probably eager to know how to manage it. Fortunately, there are several strategies that may help ease the situation:
- Allow your baby to cluster feed. Just like adults, babies sometimes feed for comfort, and that’s perfectly fine.
- Help them release gas with burping.
- Encourage self-soothing with a pacifier or their fingers.
- Ensure your baby gets ample rest. It’s tempting to engage and play, but they need plenty of sleep, especially in the early weeks.
- Cuddle them as much as possible. Holding them or using a baby carrier can help soothe them through warmth and gentle movement.
- Keep moving! A walk in a carrier or stroller, or even a drive, can provide comfort and a much-needed change of scenery. The motion from a baby swing might also help.
- Don’t forget about your self-care, too. If you need a moment to breathe, it’s okay to let your baby cry for a few minutes while you regroup.
Is the witching hour the same as colic?
While both colic and the witching hour involve similar symptoms, they are not synonymous. Colic is more severe, characterized by prolonged periods of intense crying—often three or more hours a day—while the witching hour is a more common, temporary phase.
What is a puppy witching hour?
Interestingly, our furry friends can experience their own witching hour, usually between 5 PM and 8 PM, when puppies become hyperactive and mischievous. Providing them with plenty of chew toys can help keep them entertained during this time.
What is the history of the witching hour?
The term “witching hour” has its origins in 18th-century Christianity, where it referred to the “Devil’s hour,” beginning at 3 AM—a time associated with supernatural activities and frights. Much like dealing with a crying infant, it can feel quite daunting.
When does the witching hour end?
Good news! Most sleep experts agree that babies typically outgrow the witching hour by around three to four months of age. So, take heart—there is light at the end of the tunnel. As they grow, the witching hour may arise in the late afternoon, but it won’t last long.
If you’re curious for more insights, check out this additional blog post related to parenting challenges. Additionally, for more information on fertility, visit Make a Mom, who are experts in this area, and see Wikipedia’s page on In Vitro Fertilization for a comprehensive resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary
The baby witching hour is a colloquial term describing a time, often around 5 PM to 11 PM, when babies tend to be particularly fussy and inconsolable. While the exact causes remain unclear, factors like overtiredness and overstimulation may contribute. Parents can adopt various strategies to help soothe their babies during this period. Unlike colic, which is a more intense condition, the witching hour is a common phase most babies will outgrow by three to four months.
Keyphrase: baby witching hour
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