The sound of your baby crying - at any time of the day but especially at night - can make you stressed and anxious. However, it’s good to remember that you’re not alone - newborns getting fussy at night is a common phenomenon, thus having led to many solutions for the same! But before you delve into the tricks of calming down a fussy baby, you must understand what makes babies fussy at night. While the hours may vary, it generally refers to a few hours of continuous crying or fussing, sometime in the late evening or in the wee hours of the morning (between 3 AM - 4 AM), thus earning the name of the “witching hour”.
Let’s understand a bit more about why babies get fussy at night!
Growth Spurt Hunger
During the ages of 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months, babies undergo a growth spurt, which results in cluster feeding. In the late evenings, breastfeeding mothers may also be on the lower side of milk supply, thus resulting in partially hungry babies. And this is the time they may need to feed more often, thus earning the term cluster feeding.
Gas
Another leading cause of fussiness among babies at night is due to the formation of gas. Feeding too fast, gas inducing foods in the mother’s diet etc. can cause gas formation in the baby which can cause discomfort. They may be trying to expel the same and you can notice this by observing if their faces show visible signs of pushing or if their legs are pulled towards the stomach.
Colic
Digestive problems can also lead to colic pain in babies, thus making them fussy for hours. If they have colic, they will likely be uncomfortable for hours during the night.
Overtired baby
Yes, there is such a thing as an overtired baby - although it may seem not as plausible. As babies need aid in falling asleep and the right ambience - many things can keep them up. Another common belief is that keeping a baby awake for a longer time can lead to deeper and longer naps later at night. However, this will only make your baby overtired and fussy, as they may struggle to fall asleep during this stage.
Overstimulated baby
A baby’s nervous system is not as developed as adults and they are more sensitive to stimulants like lights, sounds and movement. Loud noises, too much movement around the baby and even too many bright lights can overstimulate the baby and overwhelm them. This sensation can be uncomfortable for them and make it difficult for them to fall asleep.
Wetness in diaper
If their diaper is not very absorbent, it can feel wet on the baby’s skin, causing them discomfort. These wet diapers can also cause rashes and skin irritation thus making the baby fussy.
What can you do to calm a fussy baby?
Fortunately, there are some ways to calm down a fussy baby during the night. Simply follow these tips to ensure that your baby is comfortable at all times. Even if they are fussy, you can use these tips to calm them down:
- Feed more during growth spurts: Look for signs of hunger and feed your baby a little more during the late evening to make sure that their tummy is full before they fall asleep.
- Reduce the stimulants: Dim the lights, reduce the noise and swaddle your baby to calm their mind and help them relax. This can also help them sleep better.
- Massage & bathtime: A lukewarm bath or a massage can also help calm your baby - the skin-to-skin touch is a great way to relax your baby. You can include this in the nighttime routine for better sleep.
- Baby wearing: Wearing your baby or carrying them in your arms and holding them close can help calm them down. Baby wearing also keeps them warm and comfortable.
- Avoid spicy food: Caffeine, oily foods, excess sugar etc. can cause colic and gas in babies so it’s best to avoid these if you are breastfeeding your baby.
- Burp after feeding: Hold your baby upright on your chest and rub your palms on their back - from bottom to top - this can help release any extra air that may have gone in during the feed. This burping technique can help reduce and release gas in babies.
- Choose an absorbent diaper: An absorbent diaper like MamyPoko Pants can help keep your baby dry through the night, and thus reduce fussiness.
- Bicycle legs: Bicycle legs or holding up their little legs over the stomach can help gas expulsion, thus easing the discomfort.
- Consult your doctor: If your baby is still uncomfortable or uneasy and fussy, consult your doctor for medication for gas and colic.
Usually fussiness in babies at night goes away by the time they are 3-4 months of age, so keep your spirits and hopes up!
FAQ's
Q. Why do babies get fussy at night?
Ans.Babies often get fussy at night due to hunger from growth spurts, gas, colic, or overstimulation. They may also be overtired or uncomfortable from a wet diaper. Since their systems are still developing, even small discomforts can make them restless during late evening or early morning hours.
Q. What is the “witching hour” for babies?
Ans.The “witching hour” usually refers to periods of fussiness that occur in the late evening or early morning, often between 3–4 AM. Babies may cry for hours during this time due to hunger, tiredness, or discomfort, making it a challenging period for new parents.
Q. Can growth spurts make babies fussy at night?
Ans.Yes. Growth spurts at 2–3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months often cause cluster feeding. Babies may feed more frequently during late evenings, and if milk supply is lower at night, they might feel hungrier and fussier. Extra feeding sessions during growth spurts usually help soothe them.
Q. How can gas make a baby fussy?
Ans.Gas is a common reason for nighttime fussiness. It can happen if babies swallow air while feeding or if mothers consume gas-inducing foods while breastfeeding. Signs include pulled-up legs, visible strain on the face, or crying in discomfort. Burping and bicycle leg exercises often provide relief.
Q. What is colic, and how does it affect babies?
Ans.Colic refers to excessive crying in babies, often linked to digestive discomfort. Babies with colic may cry for hours, especially at night, and are difficult to soothe. Though it usually improves by 3–4 months, consulting a pediatrician and using gentle soothing techniques can help manage colic symptoms.
Q. Can overtiredness make babies cry more?
Ans.Yes. Babies need help to fall asleep, and keeping them awake for too long often backfires. Instead of sleeping deeply, they become overtired and restless. Contrary to belief, skipping naps won’t make them sleep better at night—it usually leads to more fussiness and difficulty falling asleep.
Q. How does overstimulation affect babies at night?
Ans.Babies have underdeveloped nervous systems, making them sensitive to noise, bright lights, and excessive activity. Overstimulation overwhelms them, leading to fussiness and difficulty falling asleep. Creating a calm environment by dimming lights, reducing sounds, and swaddling helps soothe them and prepares them for restful nighttime sleep.
Q. Can diapers cause nighttime fussiness?
Ans.Yes. A wet or poorly absorbent diaper can cause discomfort, skin irritation, or even rashes, leading to fussiness. Using a highly absorbent diaper like MamyPoko Pants keeps babies dry for longer, reduces the chances of wetness-related discomfort, and helps them sleep better through the night without interruption.
Q. What are effective ways to calm a fussy baby?
Ans.Several methods help: feeding during growth spurts, dimming lights, swaddling, or baby wearing. A gentle massage or warm bath before bedtime can relax them. Burping after feeds and using bicycle leg movements can reduce gas. Keeping diapers dry and maintaining a soothing bedtime routine also works.
Q. When should I consult a doctor about my baby’s fussiness?
Ans.If your baby cries excessively despite trying soothing methods, consult a pediatrician. Persistent fussiness could signal colic, reflux, or another underlying issue. Always seek advice if crying is accompanied by fever, poor feeding, or difficulty breathing. Medical guidance ensures your baby’s health and your peace of mind.
