Making it Through the Witching Hour - Part 1: Tips & Tricks

Witching hour or as we call it in our house, “Unhappy Hour,” is that time when parental exhaustion meets baby’s desire to list all of the wrongs of the universe at the loudest possible volume.  Baby standard time dictates when this will occur.

With my oldest, her wind up began around 4:30 p.m. so that by the time my spouse returned from work, I was in desperate need of a hand off and hot shower.  With my middle guy, 6:00 p.m. marked the beginning of unhappy hour, meaning bedtime for the oldest was often a juggling act of bouncing an unhappy baby and corralling a overtired toddler.  

Whether it occurs at 4 or 8 p.m., this tricky hour (or three) requires a basket of tricks and Nested Mama’s got a basket ready for you.  In this three part series, I’ll share with you my favorite resources, tips, and sanity promoting approaches to surviving unhappy hour.

Part I: 7 Tips & Tricks to Survive the Witching Hour

1. Get ahead of it - Make note of the cues your little one demonstrates before getting really wound up.  Maybe it always strikes at the same hour on the clock or after a certain length of time awake from the previous nap.  Once you know it is coming, you can gather your supplies - water, snacks you can eat with one hand, a baby carrier, etc. and have them all right where you need them.
2. Get Shushed - Some babies like the sound of “shushing,” but making that sound yourself for hours on end can be exhausting. I’m a big fan of a good white noise app on my phone or youtube link.  You can even experiment with different kinds of white noise - my middle kiddo wasn’t impressed with most relaxing sounds (waves, rain, etc.) but LOVED a (terrible sounding, to me) vacuum sound on my white noise app.  If I turned it on right around 6 p.m. he would giggle and drift to sleep with a minimal amount of bouncing.
3. Get Moving - Many babies find movement soothing.  A glider rocker can offer support for you and nice smooth motion.  An exercise ball can offer a soothing bounce and a bit of a workout for the caregiver.  A wrap or sling can allow you to do the bounce and shush on the go as you tend to older siblings, make a sandwich, or just walk some laps around the house.
4. Get Snug -  The womb is a cozy home, and many babies find a snug swaddle or wrap calming once they get earthside.  While there are many different swaddle products on the market, a large muslin swaddle blanket will give you lots of mileage in that you can try different swaddles and find one that your baby likes best.  The double swaddle found HERE is one I like to share with clients as it leaves babies legs and hips free to move. (I prefer to just use a muslin blanket, but the sleep sack over top may be appropriate depending on season and room temperature.)  Woven or stretchy wrap carriers also provide a reassuringly snug feeling for baby and are great for the witching hour tool basket.
5. Get Settled -  Sometimes the witching hours comes with epic nursing sessions or contentment only in arms.  In that case, make a nest and get settled with what brings you joy and helps pass the time. Checking out ebooks from the library or binge watching your favorite series may make it easier for you to settle in and rest during this time.  While it may be hard to take this time to slow down, in reality these quiet moments may be few and far between as baby moves through different stages, so if you can check some of your favorite books and shows off your list, that’s great.
6. Get Out - Many babies find fresh air calming.  Snuggling baby in a wrap or stroller and walking the neighborhood or a nearby trail can make an enjoyable habit for the whole family. It wasn’t until my second was born that I discovered all the fantastic trails in my area.  If I could go back and do it all again, I would have spent as much time outside exploring and moving when my first was teeny and happily portable.
7. Get Support - If you can zero in on the trickiest point of your day, this is the PERFECT time to line up outside support.  As a postpartum doula, I prioritize evening shifts as this is often when caregiver exhaustion peaks and a hot shower, a good meal eaten with both hands, and some adult conversation can make a huge difference. Whether a family member, a friend, or a doula, find that support to lift you up and carry you through the witching hour.​

Next week in The Witching Hour - Part 2, I’ll share some affirmations and relaxation tips to help keep you calm and your oxytocin flowing.

Got any witching hour tips? Share them in the comments below. Looking for postpartum support? Learn more about Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Support.