Newborn Night Fuss: What's Normal And What's Not?

It is not uncommon for newborns to be fussy at night, and this can be distressing for parents. This phenomenon is often referred to as the witching hour, a period of fussiness that usually happens at the same time each day, typically in the late afternoon or evening. During this time, babies may be especially fussy, cry more, and be difficult to console. While the exact cause of the witching hour is unknown, it is believed to be related to developmental changes, overstimulation, and changes in sleep patterns. It is important to note that this phase is usually harmless and temporary, typically lasting a few weeks to a few months.

Overstimulation

Signs of Overstimulation in Newborns

Newborns who are overstimulated might:

• Be irritable or tired
• Seem upset or turn their heads away
• Clench their fists, wave their arms or kick
• Cry, especially if the overstimulation has gone on for a long time

Causes of Overstimulation in Newborns

Some of the things that could overwhelm a newborn include:

• Environment: Noisy, crowded, brightly lit, or colorful places
• Excessive screen use: TVs, phones, and other devices can be too much for a baby’s brain to process
• Too much activity: A long day at the park or a birthday party can overwhelm their senses
• Missing a nap or going to bed late: Being overly tired can quickly overwhelm a baby
• Disruption in routine: A change in schedule can make them cranky
• Too many people: A newborn might get quickly overwhelmed by new faces or crowds
• Temperature: Getting too cold or warm can play a role in overstimulation

How to Soothe an Overstimulated Newborn

• Remove them from the situation: Take your baby somewhere quiet and less bright, such as their cot or a stroller with a light wrap or blanket over it. Just make sure to leave a gap for airflow.
• Swaddle your baby: Swaddling applies steady pressure and mimics the coziness of the womb, which some babies find soothing.
• White noise: Play soft music or turn on a white noise machine. Avoid TVs or phones, as these can be too stimulating for children under 2 years old.
• Hold your baby: Some babies want to be held or touched, but many don't, especially if they are in the purple crying phase of their development (between 2 weeks and 4 months old). If your baby seems to pull away from your touch, lay them down on their back in a safe space, like their crib, and sit nearby until they calm down.

Overtiredness

Babies need a lot of sleep, especially newborns, who will spend more time asleep than awake during their first couple of months. Help them get plenty of shut-eye during the day, as an overtired baby will have a harder time falling asleep at night.

If your baby is overtired, try taking them to a quiet, dark room. Reducing stimulation will make it easier for them to calm down. A white noise machine or app may also help.

Discomfort

• Swaddling: Swaddling is a technique that involves snugly wrapping your baby in a blanket to provide a sense of security and comfort. It mimics the snugness of the womb and can help your baby feel calm and relaxed. Make sure to use a lightweight blanket and avoid swaddling too tightly to prevent overheating.
• White Noise: White noise, such as soft whispers, gentle music, or the sound of a fan, can help block out other noises that may be overstimulating for your baby. It creates a consistent and calming auditory environment, promoting better sleep.
• Rocking and Motion: Gentle rocking or slow dancing with your baby in your arms can be soothing. The rhythmic motion helps stimulate the calming reflex and may help your baby relax. You can also try using a baby carrier or stroller for a gentle walk.
• Massage: Gently massaging your baby's tummy in a clockwise direction may help ease digestive discomfort and gas. You can also try bicycle movements with their legs to help relieve gas and constipation.
• Burping: Spend extra time burping your baby after feedings to release any trapped air. You can gently pat or rub their back or hold them in an upright position to encourage burping.
• Temperature Control: Ensure your baby is dressed appropriately for the temperature of their room. Overheating or being too cold can cause discomfort. Use lightweight layers that can be easily adjusted, and avoid excessive bundling, especially during sleep.
• Diaper Changes: Frequent diaper changes are crucial to prevent discomfort from wet or soiled diapers. If your baby cries during diaper changes due to the cold, try using a wipe warmer or placing a heating pad on a low setting under them.
• Pacifier: Offering a pacifier can help soothe your baby by providing a source of comfort and promoting non-nutritive sucking. This can be especially helpful if your baby is not hungry but craves the sucking motion.
• Bath Time: A warm bath can be calming and relaxing for your baby. It can help soothe their senses and distract them from any mild discomfort they may be experiencing.
• Gas Relief: If your baby is struggling with gas, you can try over-the-counter options like gripe water or gas drops, but always consult your paediatrician first. Adjusting your diet if you're breastfeeding or switching formula types may also help reduce gas.
• Feeding Position: Experiment with different breastfeeding or bottle-feeding positions. Simple changes in position can impact milk flow and your baby's comfort during feedings.
• Vitamin D and Melatonin Production: Expose your baby to natural daylight during the day to promote vitamin D and melatonin production, which can aid in regulating their sleep-wake cycles.
• Consistent Routine: Establish a consistent bedtime routine to help your baby distinguish between day and night. This can include activities such as a warm bath, soft music, and dim lighting to signal that it's time to relax and prepare for sleep.

Hunger

Growth spurts, which typically occur at 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, can also cause hunger-related fussiness at night. During these times, your baby may get frustrated at the breast and want to feed again almost as soon as they've finished. This is their way of driving up your milk supply to meet their demands, and if you follow their cue, your milk supply will increase, and they will settle.

If your baby is formula-fed, you may want to consider talking to a healthcare provider about changing the type of formula you are using.

If you are breastfeeding and your baby is still fussy, you might consider eliminating ingredients like cow's milk, soy, egg whites, and any processed foods that could be triggering sensitivities in your infant.

Colic

• Lasts for more than 3 hours a day
• Happens more than 3 days a week
• Occurs for more than 3 weeks

Symptoms

Babies with colic are often fussy, gassy, and don't sleep well. They may show symptoms such as:

• Burping often or passing a lot of gas
• Having a bright red (flushed) face
• Having a tight belly
• Curling up their legs toward their belly when crying
• Clenching their fists when crying

Causes

Experts don’t know for sure what causes colic. There are several theories about why it happens:

• Some babies are sensitive and have trouble adjusting to the world. After birth, newborns must get used to lights, loud noises, and other new things around them.
• Some babies are unable to calm themselves. Their nervous system is still developing and they can’t self-soothe. As babies get older, they are better able to control their nervous system, and colic goes away.
• Some babies may be sensitive to gas, although there isn’t much proof to support this.
• Some babies may have a milk allergy or intolerance, although there is no proof that changing to a non-dairy formula has any effect on colic.

Treatment

There is no treatment to make colic go away, but there are ways to help:

• Make sure your baby isn’t hungry.
• Make sure your baby has a clean diaper.
• Try burping your baby more often during feedings.
• If you are bottle-feeding, try other bottles to see if they help your baby swallow less air.
• Ask your doctor if changing formula could help.
• If you are breastfeeding, your doctor may suggest that you cut out caffeine, dairy, soy, egg, nuts, or wheat from your diet.
• Rock or walk with the baby.
• Sing or talk to your baby.
• Offer the baby a pacifier.
• Take the baby for a ride in a stroller or car.
• Hold your baby close against your body and take calm, slow breaths.
• Give the baby a warm bath.
• Pat or rub the baby's back.
• Place your baby across your lap on their belly and rub their back.
• Put your baby in a swing or vibrating seat.
• Play music — some babies calm down with sound as well as movement.
• Some babies need less stimulation. Babies 2 months and younger may do well swaddled, lying on their back in the crib with the lights very dim or dark.

Frequently asked questions