Witching Hour vs Colic
Originally published on May 22, 2014; Revised March 28, 2025
Author: Robin Kaplan, M.Ed, IBCLC, FNC
Welcoming a new baby into your life is an incredible experience, but it can also come with challenges—especially when it comes to fussiness and crying. One of the most confusing and exhausting parts of early parenthood is dealing with periods of intense crying, sometimes called “colic” or the “witching hours.” While both involve periods of crying and discomfort, colic tends to be more prolonged and difficult to soothe compared to the witching hours. While it can be overwhelming, understanding these behaviors can make it easier to navigate and find ways to soothe your little one.
ABOUT SDBFC
The San Diego Breastfeeding Center was established in 2009 by Robin Kaplan, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Functional Nutritionist, and parent. Her vision was to create a judgment-free, inclusive support system for families navigating infant feeding challenges. SDBFC offers a wide range of one-on-one breastfeeding, infant feeding, and nutrition consultations - as well as classes, support groups, online articles, and social media - making it your one-stop-shop for all things infant feeding!
What Are the Witching Hours?
The witching hours are a period of increased fussiness that almost all babies experience, usually occurring in the late afternoon and evening. It often begins around 2 to 3 weeks of age, peaks around 6 weeks, and typically fades by 3 months. During this time, your baby may want to cluster feed—feeding frequently for short periods and seeming fussier than usual. It might feel like your baby doesn’t know what they want: they may latch on to nurse for a few minutes, fall asleep, and then wake up shortly after, wanting to feed again. It’s also common for babies to give hunger cues but then pull off the breast and cry.
Why Do the Witching Hours Happen?
While we can’t know for sure why babies have these fussy periods, there are a few theories that may explain it:
Lower Milk Supply: Many parents notice that their milk supply naturally decreases a bit as the day goes on. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean you aren’t producing enough milk. However, a slower milk flow can make babies feel frustrated and want to nurse more frequently.
Overstimulation: After a long day full of new sights, sounds, and experiences, your baby may feel overwhelmed and unable to settle. This can be especially true if your household gets busier in the evening, with partners coming home, older siblings returning from school, and dinner being prepared.
Normal Developmental Phases: Babies are constantly growing and changing, and some developmental leaps may make them a bit fussier as they adjust.
What Can You Do to Help Your Baby During the Witching Hours?
While you may not be able to eliminate fussiness completely, there are plenty of strategies to make this period easier for both you and your baby:
Feed Frequently: Offer the chest/breast often, even if it feels like they just ate. Cluster feeding is normal and sucking helps to calm your baby’s nervous system.
Babywearing: Learning to nurse in a carrier can be a game changer. Wearing your baby keeps them close and soothed while giving you the freedom to move around and get things done (ie feed yourself!)
Prepare Ahead of Time: Consider making dinner earlier in the day or having easy meals ready to go, so you’re not stressed about cooking during your baby’s fussy period.
Fresh Air and Movement: Taking a walk with your baby in a carrier or stroller can help both of you reset. The fresh air and gentle motion can be incredibly calming.
Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to let your partner or support person step in. Sometimes you need a break to recharge, and that’s okay!
What Is Colic?
Colic is different from the witching hours and is typically defined as crying that lasts off and on for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for three weeks or longer. Colicky crying is often more intense and harder to soothe, and babies may show signs of physical discomfort like arching their back, tensing their legs, or appearing gassy. Colic usually starts in the first few weeks and resolves once the root cause(s) has been identified.
What Causes Colic?
There’s no definitive answer to what causes colic, but some possible factors include:
Oversupply or Forceful Letdown: An abundant milk supply or fast flow can cause a baby to gulp air, leading to gas and discomfort.
Foremilk-Hindmilk Imbalance: Too much lower-calorie foremilk and not enough higher-calorie hindmilk can upset a baby’s stomach, causing gassiness.
Oral Ties: Tongue-tie or lip-tie can make it difficult for a baby to latch well, leading to swallowing air during feedings and difficulties getting enough at each feeding session.
Dietary Sensitivities: Sometimes, something in the parent’s diet (like dairy, soy, gluten, or egg) might affect the baby’s digestion.
Antibiotic Use and Gut Inflammation: If the baby or lactating parent has recently taken antibiotics, it may disrupt the baby’s gut microbiome, leading to digestive discomfort and increased fussiness.
How Can You Help a Colicky Baby?
Adjust Chest/Breastfeeding Positions: Try laid-back chest/breastfeeding to slow down your milk flow and help your baby pace themselves more effectively while feeding.
Keep a Food Journal: Track your diet and your baby’s symptoms to see if any specific foods seem to trigger fussiness. We can help identify trigger foods or root causes of gut inflammation and discomfort during a functional nutrition appointment. (Click here to find out more information about these functional nutrition appointments)
Seek Support: An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help identify potential issues like oversupply, oral ties, or feeding challenges. (Click here for more details on the types of lactation appointments we offer!)
Most importantly, remember that this phase will pass. The witching hour typically resolves by 3 months as babies become less sensitive to their environments. Colic can often be remedied as soon as the root cause(s) is identified and addressed. It’s completely normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out for support from your partner, family, friends, and professionals who can help you navigate this challenging time.
If you’re feeling unsure about your baby’s feeding patterns, fussiness, or gut discomfort, know that you’re not alone—we’re here to help! Our team of experienced lactation consultants and functional nutrition experts is ready to support you. Whether you need guidance on soothing techniques, feeding adjustments, or identifying root causes of discomfort, we’re here to provide personalized care. Schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of our lactation consultants or functional nutrition counselors for expert advice tailored to your baby’s unique needs.
SDBFC is committed to providing high-quality lactation and functional nutrition consultations to parents in San Diego and beyond. Explore our postpartum, prenatal, and functional nutrition consultations, take a breastfeeding class or attend a workshop.
About the Author
Robin Kaplan has been an IBCLC since 2009, the same year that she opened up the San Diego Breastfeeding Center. Robin was the founding host of the Boob Group podcast and published her first book, Latch: a Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage in 2018. Melding her passions for supporting lactating parents and holistic health, Robin finished her Functional Nutrition Certification in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her two teenage boys, hiking, traveling, weaving, cooking, and searching for the best chai latte.
