Newborn Fussy at Night but Peaceful During Day? Here’s Why
I remember those early days with my first baby, feeling confused and exhausted when my sweet, calm little one would turn into a crying bundle of energy every evening.
If you’re wondering why your newborn is fussy at night but peaceful during the day, you’re not alone. This pattern affects most families and often leaves parents feeling helpless and tired.
Nighttime fussiness is completely normal in early infancy. Your baby isn’t broken, and you’re not doing anything wrong.
In this post, I’ll explain what causes this challenging phase, including the famous “witching hour,” and share practical strategies that helped me and countless other parents find peace during those long evenings.
What Is the Witching Hour and Why Is My Newborn Fussy at Night?
The witching hour isn’t just a term from scary movies; it’s a real phenomenon that affects many newborns.
This refers to a period, typically between 5 PM and 11 PM, when babies become unusually fussy and cry for extended periods without an apparent reason.
With my second child, this happened like clockwork every evening around 7 PM. Most babies start experiencing the witching hour around 2 to 3 weeks of age. It typically peaks between 6 and 8 weeks, then gradually fades by 3 months.
Not every baby goes through this phase, but it’s so common that pediatricians consider it a normal part of infant development.
During the witching hour, your baby might cry inconsolably despite being fed, changed, and comforted. This can be heartbreaking for parents, but remember that it’s temporary.
Why Newborns Are Fussy at Night
Understanding why your baby becomes fussy at night can help you feel less frustrated and more prepared to handle these challenging moments.
Here are the most common reasons behind evening fussiness that I’ve learned about through my own parenting experience and research.
1. Immature Sleep Cycles
Your newborn’s sleep patterns are still developing. They wake frequently throughout the night, spending more time in light sleep phases. This means they’re easily disturbed by sounds, movement, or internal sensations that wouldn’t bother an older child or adult.
2. Day-Night Confusion
Many babies have their days and nights mixed up. They might sleep peacefully during busy, noisy daytime hours, but become alert and fussy when the house quiets down for evening.
3. Overtiredness
When babies stay awake too long or miss important naps, they become overtired. This triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which actually makes it harder for them to fall asleep. By evening, this overtiredness can build up into serious fussiness.
4. Overstimulation
Evenings are often the busiest time in households. Older siblings come home from school, parents return from work, and dinner preparations begin. All this activity can overwhelm your newborn’s developing nervous system, leading to fussiness as they try to process everything.
5. Cluster Feeding and Hunger
Many babies naturally cluster feed in the evenings, wanting to nurse or bottle-feed more frequently. This behavior helps them stock up on calories before longer sleep stretches.
6. Digestive Discomfort
Gas, trapped air, or reflux can build up throughout the day, causing discomfort by evening. Your baby’s digestive system is still learning to work efficiently, and the horizontal position they spend most of their time in can contribute to these issues.
7. Environmental Factors
Changes in room temperature, lighting, and household noise levels between day and night can affect your baby’s comfort.
They might be sensitive to factors you haven’t even considered, like the difference in air circulation or the sounds of evening activities.
Ways to Calm a Fussy Newborn at Night
Finding the right combination of soothing techniques for your fussy newborn often requires patience and experimentation.
These strategies helped me calm my babies during those challenging evening hours and may work for your little one, too.
- Establish a Calming Bedtime Routine – Start a gentle routine 30 minutes before your child typically becomes fussy. Try warm baths, dim lights, soft music, or white noise to help your baby prepare for sleep.
- Prevent Overtiredness and Overstimulation – Watch for sleepy cues, such as yawning or eye rubbing. Newborns need sleep after 45-90 minutes awake, so limit evening visitors and keep activities calm.
- Swaddling and Safe Sleep Practices – Swaddle snugly but safely, ensuring hip movement. Always place your swaddled baby on their back on a firm, flat surface without loose bedding.
- Feeding Strategies for Nighttime Fussiness – Feed on demand during evening hours, ensuring full feeds rather than snacking. Burp thoroughly during and after feeds to prevent gas buildup.
- Support Digestive Comfort – Burp frequently during feeds and try gentle tummy time when your baby is awake. Bicycle leg movements can help release trapped gas and ease discomfort.
- Creating a Sleep-Friendly Night Environment – Keep your baby’s room cool, dark, and quiet at night. Expose them to natural light and normal sounds during the day to establish day-night patterns.
When to Be Concerned About Newborn Nighttime Fussiness
While nighttime fussiness is usually normal, certain signs indicate you should contact your pediatrician.
As a mom, I’ve learned to trust my instincts when something feels different from typical fussiness. Here’s a helpful guide to know when professional medical advice is needed.
| Contact Your Pediatrician If Your Baby Has: | What This Might Indicate |
|---|---|
| Fever (100.4°F or higher) | Possible infection requiring immediate attention |
| Persistent crying for 3+ hours despite comfort attempts | Possible colic or underlying medical issue |
| Difficulty breathing or unusual breathing patterns | Respiratory distress needing urgent care |
| Frequent vomiting or projectile vomiting | Possible reflux, feeding issues, or illness |
| Refuses to feed for several hours | Dehydration risk or underlying problem |
| High-pitched, shrill crying that sounds different | Potential pain or neurological concern |
| Rigid body or drawing legs up repeatedly | Possible digestive pain or discomfort |
| Extreme lethargy or difficulty waking | Possible illness or feeding problems |
| Changes in skin color (pale, blue, or mottled) | Circulation or breathing concerns |
Trust your parental instincts above all else. You know your baby better than anyone, and if something feels wrong beyond normal fussiness, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
Parental Coping Strategies
Caring for a fussy newborn during evening hours can be emotionally and physically draining. Here are practical strategies that helped me survive those challenging weeks and protect my own well-being.
- Remember This Is Temporary – Nearly every parent experiences difficult evening hours with their newborn. This phase typically peaks around 6-8 weeks and gradually improves by 3-4 months as your baby’s nervous system matures.
- Tag Team With Your Partner – Take turns handling the evening fussiness so neither of you becomes completely overwhelmed. Set up a schedule where one person takes the first shift while the other rests or eats dinner.
- Accept Help From Others – Say yes when family and friends offer to hold the baby, bring meals, or help with household tasks. Even a 20-minute break can help you recharge during this demanding time.
- Practice Self-Care – Take care of your basic needs like eating, showering, and resting when possible. The emotional toll of a crying baby is significant, and caring for yourself helps you better care for your baby.
- Connect With Other Parents – Join local mom groups or online communities where you can share experiences and get support from parents who understand what you’re going through.
Conclusion
Those difficult evening hours with a fussy newborn can feel overwhelming, but they’re a normal part of your baby’s development.
Every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient with yourself and your little one as you both learn and grow together.
Trust your parenting instincts while trying the strategies that feel right for your family. Remember that seeking help from your pediatrician, family, or friends isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s smart parenting.
Most importantly, know that calmer evenings and better sleep are on the way. This challenging phase is temporary, and you’re doing better than you think.
What soothing techniques worked best for your fussy newborn? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below; your story might be exactly what another exhausted parent needs to hear tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding Affect Nighttime Fussiness?
Breastfed babies may cluster feed more intensely in the evenings, which can seem like increased fussiness but is normal feeding behavior.
Can White Noise Make My Baby Dependent on Sound to Sleep?
Most babies naturally outgrow the need for white noise as their sleep patterns mature, typically by 6 to 12 months of age.
Should I Wake My Baby During the Day to Prevent Night Fussiness?
If your baby sleeps for very long stretches during the day (more than 3-4 hours), gently waking them can help establish better day-night patterns.
