Evenings can become the hardest part of the day
Why fussy evenings are common in the early weeks
By The Millie's Team · Parenting Notes
In the fifth week, many babies become noticeably fussier in the evening. If the end of the day suddenly feels harder or less predictable, you are not alone. This is one of the most common patterns at this age.
What is happening
By the evening, your baby has taken in a full day of sights, sounds, and feelings. Their nervous system is still learning how to process all of it. The fussiness you see is often a release of tension rather than a sign something is wrong.
Is this normal
Yes. Evening fussiness is so common that it is sometimes called the witching hour, although it can last much longer than an hour. It usually peaks somewhere between six and eight weeks and then gradually settles.
What you may notice
- Crying that is harder to soothe than earlier in the day
- Cluster feeds in the late afternoon and evening
- A baby who wants to be held constantly
- Short, broken naps before bedtime
What helps right now
- Keeping the evening calm, dim, and low stimulation
- Offering the breast or bottle often, even for comfort
- Movement, such as a sling, slow walks, or gentle rocking
- Tag teaming with a partner so no one carries the whole evening
What to expect next
This pattern usually eases over the next few weeks as your baby's nervous system matures. Evenings will start to feel more manageable, and many babies begin to settle into a longer first stretch of night sleep. For now, doing whatever helps you both get through the evening is exactly the right thing to do.