how to survive the witching hour
Does it seem like your house becomes chaotic in the afternoon? Does your baby become extra fussy or unhappy? Does your toddler start bouncing off the walls (more than usual?) It might be the witching hour. Read more to learn about what the witching hour and how to make the afternoon or evening more enjoyable.
What is the witching hour?
The witching hour is when, in the afternoon or evening, your baby or other children become extra fussy, irritable, or frenetic. It doesn’t have an exact start time or length and looks different in every household, but it’ll seem like the children can’t be calmed no matter what. Parents might feel like they can’t get a minute to themselves and like time simply drags. (I definitely know that feeling from personal experience.)
How can you make the witching hour easier?
The afternoon and early evening is the busiest time for most families: picking kiddos up from daycare or school, coming home from work, being home with kids all day, making and serving dinner, and just, you know, life. These things can make the witching hour(s) feel endless. Here are some tips:
Take a deep breath. This won’t fix it, but it will center you. Try stating an affirmation like “when I’m calm, my baby will be calm” or “only 3 hours until bedtime”
Get outside. When children start fighting and falling over and crying at the same time, my first thought is, “we need to get outside.” Once we get out, they almost always calm down.
Try baby wearing or skin-to-skin. With my first, I spent most afternoons with him in a wrap because he was so fussy. As I’ve said, skin-to-skin is great for regulating heart rate and strengthening the bond with baby.
Remove stimulation. This one’s tough. Turning on a show can feel like the easiest thing when all your kids are screaming (and there’s nothing wrong with that! #nojudgment . If you can, limit the screen time. Instead, dim the lights, open the windows, put on some calm music (Taylor Swift, obviously,) and create a calmer environment.
Lower expectations for that time. Another tough one. I have to stop myself over and over from folding laundry or cleaning up during that time; I make a lot of basic dinners that are prepped beforehand. And I tell myself this is just a season. Then, I sit with my kids (take another deep breath,) and just talk to them or play with them.
What do you do to survive the witching hour? DM me and let me know!
Hi! I'm Gigi; I'm a postpartum doula, mother to three toddlers, including twins, and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I love YA novels and Taylor Swift.
As a former teacher, I bring realistic, evidence-based, and actionable advice (and LOTS of handouts.) I help families get all the tools they need to prepare, so once baby arrives, they can focus on resting and bonding instead of researching or stressing. I’m here to streamline the newborn learning curve and help birth parents, partners, and other family members. There isn’t ONE way to have and raise a little human. I’m here to guide parents to find THEIR way so that they can thrive in the fourth trimester and beyond.
Ready to learn how to create an actionable postpartum plan?
Ready to get the support you need in the fourth trimester?
Then learn about my prenatal planning services here!
