Why does my baby cry in the evening?

Evening crying in babies is very common and is often called the “witching hour.” It usually happens in the late afternoon or evening and is often a mix of things, not just one cause.

Common reasons:

• Overtiredness after a long day
• Overstimulation from lights, noise, and activity
• Hunger or cluster feeding in the evening
• Gas or tummy discomfort
• Normal fussiness or colic

It often peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3 to 4 months.

What can help:

• Swaddle, shush/white noise, gentle rocking, and sucking
• Dim lights and keep things calm
• Watch for early sleep cues
• Try burping, bicycle legs, or a gentle tummy massage
• A walk, stroller ride, or warm bath can sometimes reset things

Call your pediatrician if your baby has a fever of 100.4°F/38°C or higher, is vomiting, not gaining weight, has trouble breathing, seems very sleepy, or seems to be in pain.