No recent scientific study out there proves that babies are especially fussy between 4 and 6 p.m. But parents and pediatricians use vivid language to describe this period, such as "the witching hours," "the arsenic hours," or in Emma's case, "sundowners"—because Emma got agitated promptly at sunset.

What causes the witching hour in babies?

If your baby has missed a nap or two over the previous days, this can lead to exhaustion which can quickly lead to fussing at the end of the day. #3 Stomach Discomfort: Gas or acid reflux can certainly contribute to the witching hour, and this is especially true for very young babies with immature digestive systems.

How do I calm my baby during witching hour?

Try using a pacifier to calm your baby instead of offering your breast or a bottle. Cluster feeding may contribute to the challenges of the witching hour because it can overload your baby's digestive system. Using a pacifier gives you a second advantage.