Ep 17: The Witching Hour Explained: What Mums Need to Know

This episode serves as a survival guide for parents experiencing the daily stress of the witching hour. We begin by defining what the witching hour is for babies, explaining that it’s a normal developmental phase, typically occurring between 2 weeks and 4 months of age. We then explore the reasons why it happens, including the development of the circadian rhythm, sensory overload, and natural dips in parental cortisol levels in the evening. The discussion extends to how the witching hour evolves in toddlers and preschoolers, manifesting as tantrums and meltdowns. We provide a comprehensive set of strategies for managing this period, from baby-wearing and white noise for infants to "power hour" boxes and reset routines for older children. The episode also emphasizes the importance of parental self-care, offering practical tips for creating support systems and managing your own well-being during these intense hours.

Key Insights

• The witching hour is a normal developmental phase in babies, typically resolving by 3-4 months.
• Biological factors like circadian rhythm development, sensory overload, and hunger contribute to evening fussiness.
• The witching hour evolves with age, presenting as tantrums and meltdowns in toddlers and preschoolers.
• Practical strategies for babies include baby-wearing, white noise, and getting outdoors.
• For older children, creating special activity boxes and implementing reset routines can be effective.
• Parental self-care is crucial; creating a support system and practicing self-compassion are key.
• Communicating with your partner and creating a 'tap out' system can help manage stress and preserve your relationship.

‍