Written and Reviewed by Cara Dumaplin RN, BSN, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant (and member of Nara’s advisory board)
Is your newborn fussy all evening?
Does your newborn become fussier in the evenings? If so, you’re not alone. We often see babies become fussy in the evenings during these early months. This fussiness typically begins around 2-3 weeks, peaks between 6-8 weeks, and resolves by around 3-4 months.
Wondering what this is? Well, truly it’s a normal part of newborn development, often without a specific reason. You may hear people refer to this as newborn fussiness, colic, PURPLE crying, or the witching hour. Each term has a slightly different definition, but the way we address any kind of fussiness is actually the same.
4 tips to help your baby (and you) with fussiness in the evenings
1. Go outside
In the hectic evening hours, sometimes just going outside can make a huge difference. That change in environment and fresh air can be just what your baby needs. It can also be just what you need. And did you know that your emotions and energy directly impact your baby’s emotions? Babies truly mirror our emotional state. If we are stressed and frazzled, they feel it. If we are calm, they often relax into our arms. That calmness that fills you when you go outside — your slower heartbeat, deep breaths, and clear head — can calm your baby as well.
2. Use motion
Inside the womb, your baby was rocked and swayed anytime you were walking. This was so soothing to your little one! Try babywearing or using a baby swing. That motion may be exactly what they need to get through those fussy evening hours. (Be sure to use the buckle as directed and always keep an eye on your baby in the swing.)
3. Try water
Warm water can be so calming for a fussy baby. (Who can blame them?! A good bubble bath always calms me down too.) Try this: swaddle your baby and take them to the sink. Get warm water (not too hot, not too cold). Use your hand to guide the water onto the top of your baby’s head like you’re washing their hair.
You can also get in the bath together! Grab a washcloth, strip yourself and your baby, and hop in the tub. The sound of running water can instantly calm some fussy babies. Place your baby on your tummy/chest and lay a warm washcloth on top of the baby’s back. Make sure the water is high enough to keep your baby warm. This is a trick I used all the time with my babies. I could feel myself AND my baby relax. Try it. You both may love it.
4. Darken the room and turn on a sound machine
Overstimulation is a common culprit of fussiness in the evening for newborns. They’ve had a long day learning about the world, and there’s often lots of activity in those evening hours. Truthfully, many adults experience this too — you’ve had a busy day, and you just need time to decompress! Moving to a dark room or darkening the room and adding the consistent hum of a sound machine can help.
Keep this in mind: If it seems like your baby frequently struggles to settle, seems uncomfortable, or is never calm, please talk with your pediatrician.
I know how difficult it can be when your baby is fussing and crying. I want to reassure you that with a few tricks and some time, it will get better.
With love,
Cara - Taking Cara Babies
