If you are a mother or father of a newborn, you probably know very well that almost desperate moment at the end of the day when the baby starts crying non-stop… Yes, it is quite common for very young babies to cry a lot, after all, this is their way of communicating. However, there is a specific period when things seem to become even more complicated. From around 4 pm to 8 pm, the famous witching hour (arsenic hour) takes place.
How to identify the witching hour?
Despite the name being a little different, the witching hour is about, among other factors related to the organism of each individual, the accumulation of irritation at the end of the day. During the witching hour, the baby cries non-stop – and for no apparent reason – to vent and relieve the stress and tiredness accumulated during the whole day. At this moment, it is normal for adults to feel insecure and unsure of what to do. Is it colic? Hunger? It may be that, one day or another, the baby really is in some discomfort or pain. But it is also important to know how to differentiate the reasons for your little one’s crying. The witching hour cry, for example, is an inconsolable, tired and continuous cry that does not stop so easily.
What to do during the witching hour?
Strangely enough, the witching hour happens just when the mother is most exhausted. Because mother and baby are so closely linked, the mother’s tiredness may be absorbed by the baby, making this moment even more critical, for it is much more difficult for the mother to deal with her little one’s crying crisis when she herself is so tired and without energy.
However, it is important to understand that babies communicate by crying. That is, when they need to communicate their bad mood, tiredness, boredom or irritation, they simply cry. The solution to this, most of the time, is warmth, calm, cosiness and security. But some other tips can also help mums and dads get through this moment. Check them out:
Give lap
In many cases, skin-to-skin contact already helps calm the baby. So hug, cuddle and hold your little one. Remember that the child needs you to feel safe! To make this happen, you can bet on several cozy techniques, such as the use of baby slings.
Breastfeed
The moment your baby is crying for no apparent reason, offer him or her your breast. Although the crying is not necessarily a hunger cry, breastfeeding transmits comfort, making the little ones feel more secure and calmer.
Choose a quiet place
The quieter and more peaceful the environment, the less agitated the baby becomes. Therefore, a good tip is to turn down the lights, turn off the electronics and leave everything very quiet.
Give a bath
A warm bath can also be a great way to calm your child. Water always relaxes babies. Take advantage of this moment to massage, talk and sing softly to your little one.
Time to sleep
If your little one gets used to taking a nap at this time, this is a great idea!
Tell a story
Witching hour is not called witching hour for nothing! The little ones’ crying due to tiredness is certainly a stressful moment for adults too. In addition to the tips we listed above, how about counting on the support of books to interact and calm your son or daughter? Babies are very fragile, so cloth books are ideal for entertaining the smallest of the little ones!