New parents know that once 5 pm rolls around, their newborns start to enter the dreaded "witching hour" that can last until 11 pm. Research shows that this inconsolable crying begins two to three weeks after birth and there is a science behind this.
Now, pediatricians and sleep experts work together to help new parents in navigating the witching hour of newborns and offered some tips on how to soothe their babies.
What Is Witching Hour? Experts Explain the Science Behind It, Offer Tips on Comforting Newborns
Witching Hour Explained
According to Pediatric Sleep Coach Desiree Baird, the witching hour starts late in the afternoon and lasts up to 11 pm. It is characterized by newborn fussing that turns to crying and screaming. This can go on for hours that can sometimes be soothed by eating or being held or sometimes inconsolable. The witching hour is usually resolved in three to four months.
Although some parents may interchange this with colic, they are different. Whereas colic is defined as episodes of crying for more than three hours a day for more than three days a week, the witching hour is an intense case.
Some new parents may discover that their infant is colicky and also participates in the witching hour. Understanding why the witching hour occurs, according to pediatric sleep coaches and medical specialists, is the key to controlling it later.
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Science Behind Witching Hour
Baird said the number reason for the witching hour is overstimulation. Babies overstimulated throughout the day may result in fussiness and irritability because they can only handle so much stimulation at one time. Too much noise or light can make the witching hour worse.
Secondly, newborns may be overtired. At the end of the day, newborns may be completely overtired or if they missed a nap or two over the previous days, it could lead to exhaustion that leads to fussing.
Third, they might be experiencing stomach discomfort. It is when gas or acid reflux can contribute to the witching hour, especially because babies have immature digestive systems.
Fourth, newborns tend to cluster feed at night which may also cause their fussiness during the evening as they demand more. Although this might be a frustrating phase, it is also temporary.
Lastly, busy evening routines that take away the attention of their parents from them may make babies feel like he or she needs to demand more attention from their parents which leads to fussy behavior.
How To Care for Newborns During Witching Hour
For overstimulation, Baird recommends eliminating background noise to help newborns relax. Meanwhile, MailOnline reports that mothers can check if their diet could contribute to the factors of why newborns have stomach discomfort. WebMD suggests that breastfeeding moms should eliminate spicy foods, and sugary drinks, as well as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
Moreover, add white noise to the mix, which simulates the noises the baby experiences when growing in the womb and can transfer them back to their familiar environment.
Finally, doctors also recommend establishing a nighttime routine that includes washing them for five minutes, feeding them for the next 15 minutes, reading a book, and then turning off the lights.
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