Is your little one very calm and relaxed all day, starting at the same time every evening and crying non-stop? Are you tired and unable to get up no matter what you do? When your baby, who used to sleep around the clock when he was a newborn, now cries for hours on end after a few weeks, it is very normal for you as a mother or father to feel very worried and exhausted. This period of time when your baby is fussy and crying at the same time of the day, especially in the evening, is what we call the 'Baby Witching Hour'. Don't be afraid of this name, there is nothing mysterious about it. This period can last for an hour, sometimes up to 3 hours.
Why do little ones cry like this in the evening?
In fact, doctors have not yet found a specific reason for this. It is normal for all babies to cry. But some babies, especially about 20% of babies, cry for hours on end for no apparent reason. We call this medically ``Colic``. This can usually start when the baby is 2-4 weeks old.
The main reason is that their little brains can't handle the stimuli (noises, lights, people) that they get throughout the day, and they get tired in the evening. Also, they don't yet know how to calm down on their own and control themselves. Because of this, they get upset and start crying in the evening.
The important thing is, no matter how stressful this may be for you, it will not cause any long-term harm or illness to the baby's health. This is just a temporary condition.
For most babies, this constant crying will go away on its own by about 3 months of age. For some babies, it may last a little longer, perhaps even until they are 4-5 months old.
How do you comfort a crying baby?
Not all babies are the same. So what works for one baby may not work for another. Over time, you will find out what comforting method works best for your baby. But in the meantime, you can try these methods.
| Soothing method | How and why is it done? |
|---|---|
| Swaddling the baby | Wrapping your baby tightly in a thin cloth will help them feel as secure as if they were in their mother's womb. If you don't know how to do this exactly, ask your doctor or family health worker to help you learn. |
| White Noise sounds | We call continuous sounds, such as the sound of a fan, the sound of rain, or a recorded heartbeat, ``White Noise.'' These sounds are similar to the sounds babies hear in the womb, so they are calm. |
| Changing posture | Hold your baby on your lap, on your left side or on your stomach. This will help your baby digest food and may help reduce any stomach upset. But remember, if your baby is sleeping, you should definitely place your baby face up in the crib or bed. |
| Swinging or walking | Walking or rocking your baby while holding them close to you (you can also use a baby sling) helps them feel calmer, as they feel like they were in the womb. |
| Giving a pacifier | If it's not time to breastfeed, let your baby suck on a pacifier or your well-cleaned finger. Sucking is a natural way for babies to calm down. |
| Taking care of feeding | Feeding your baby when you are full can be uncomfortable. Also, if you are breastfeeding, your doctor may advise you to stop taking things like cow's milk and coffee for a while. Some babies may have a milk protein intolerance. If you are feeding formula, talk to your doctor about switching to another type of formula. |
Are there other common reasons why a baby cries?
Sometimes a baby's crying isn't just because of colic. It could also be because one of his basic needs isn't being met. So, check these things before trying to soothe your baby.
- Hungry? - Watch for early signs of hunger, such as wringing hands and putting them in the mouth.
- Is it cold? Is it hot? - Dress your baby in the same amount of clothing as you are wearing.
- Is the diaper wet? - Check to see if it's time to change the diaper.
- Are you vomiting a lot? - Some babies may have a condition called ``Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease'' (GERD) that causes persistent discomfort. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Is there too much stimulation from the environment? - Dim the lights, reduce the noise level, and create a calm environment.
- Is he sick? - Check your baby's temperature. If a baby under 2 months old has a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, call your doctor right away. Also check for other signs of illness.
- Feeling bored? - Sing a song to the baby, talk to him, take him outside for a walk.
Mom, Dad, you need to take care of yourself too!
It goes without saying how stressful it can be to take care of a crying baby. It's normal to feel overwhelmed and angry.
When you feel like this, call a trusted friend or relative and ask them to take care of the baby for a while, so you can take a break.
If no one is there, put the baby in a safe place, like a crib , close the door, and take a 10-minute break. During that time, do something that calms you down. This is very important for the safety of both you and the baby.
When should I see a doctor?
Most of the time, a baby's crying is not a medical problem. However, it is important to make sure there is no underlying medical cause. If your baby has any of the following symptoms, see your pediatrician immediately.
| When to seek immediate medical advice | |
|---|---|
| 🌡️ | If the fever is 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. |
| 😴 | If the baby is not as active as usual and is constantly sleepy. |
| ⚖️ | If you are losing weight or not gaining weight. |
| 🤮 | If vomiting continues. |
| 💩 | If the stomach is distended or if there is blood in the stool. |
| 🍼 | If you refuse to drink milk or have difficulty sucking. |
| 😭 | If no matter what you do, you can't comfort the baby in any way. |
Take-Home Message
- 'Baby W Itching Hour' is a very common condition in babies, and is usually temporary. It's not your fault.
- Try different methods to soothe your baby (swaddling, white noise, rocking). Over time, you will find the method that works best for you.
- When the baby cries, be sure to check on his basic needs (hunger, diaper, warmth).
- If you have any doubts or concerns about your baby's crying, especially if there are symptoms like fever, never hesitate to call your doctor.
- It's very important to take care of your mental health and get some rest during this time. A happy mother and father can raise a happy baby.
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