The witching hour! A lot of babies fall into a a predictable pattern during a certain hour of the evening (usually falling somewhere between 5pm-11pm) where they will get VERY upset. We're talking inconsolable no matter what you do. Who has experienced this???? 🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️ You're not alone!
This period is also know as the purple crying period. It is so common that there is actually an acronym for it!
P - Peak of crying.
U - Unexpected. Crying can come and go and you don't know why.
R - Resists soothing.
P - Pain like face. A crying baby may look like they're in pain, even when they are not.
L - Long lasting. Crying can last as long as 1-5 hours.
E - Evening. Baby may cry more in the evening.
The witching hour/purple crying period usually starts around 2-3 weeks, peaking around 6-7 weeks. Parents usually see it resolve anywhere between 2-3 months. Yes, we promise! It will resolve!
But...WHY does this happen!? Our little ones are brand new to this life, and both their bodies and brains 🧠 have so much to learn! Newborns have not yet matured neurotically, therefore there is a limit to how much stimulation they can handle in one day. Let's think💡 about it. They are learning how to eat, sleep, regulate body temperature....the list goes on! It is exhausting being so tiny, and can be very easy for them to get overwhelmed! Cue baby witching hour 😭.
A few tips to help/avoid the witching hour:
1. Avoid getting overtired.
2. Decrease external stimulation.
3. Get that baby moving! Bouncing on a large yoga ball while cradling baby is a GAME CHANGER for some parents.
4. Get some fresh air. Assuming it isn't 11pm - take baby outside. Maybe a walk?
5. Water! Try taking a bath with your little one, or streaming warm water from the faucet over their forehead.
8. Ask for help and step away :)
The PURPLE Crying period is the new witching hour
May 2, 2022
Your Lovebug Team
The witching hour is the peak of baby crying between 5 pm and 11 pm every day. Learn why this happens and how to make it easier.
Lovebug, LLC
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