Surviving the Witching Hours: My Best Tips from 11 Years of Parenting

Firstly, whoever coined it witching hour (singular) clearly never experienced it!! There is most definitely an ‘s’ needed on that hour!

Evenings with little ones can feel utterly overwhelming—depending on their age, perhaps its crying non stop as a newborn from 5pm onwards, or for toddlers, the almighty crashes when you cut the banana they asked you to cut, or the older children, and big emotions, and what feels like everyone needing something at the same time. The so-called “witching hours” can test even the most patient parents. From my 11 years of parenting experience, I can say that these challenging hours don’t just happen in the early weeks—they continue right through to the teenage years!

A mantra I picked up from a fellow mum and now carry personally and pass on is “Put them in or take them out,” meaning put them in the bath/shower or take them outside for fresh air to help with the relentlessness of these hours.

Below are some of my tips from over the years, but as we know this isn’t a magic wand to make those hours become calm, but hopefully some tips may support to make them less intense:

1. Meet Their Needs Before it Kicks Off (where possible!)

• When babies are going through the witching hours, this can be incredibly tough for parents. Babies can’t tell us what they need. And it can feel like an absolute guessing game, which it often is. Babies cluster feed (non stop really) in the evening. They need more input from us and connection, food, nurturing. Lean in to what you need for this time when it comes to managing the witching hours with baby.
• For toddlers and older kids, offer a snack before they become ‘hangry’—something with protein to keep blood sugar stable. That goes for adults too!
• Ensure they’re hydrated; water or milk.
• If possible, plan a calm transition from childcare/school to home with some moments of connection, cuddling, reading, or a few minutes of undivided attention. When they come in from childcare/school, this is often when they release all they have held in for the day. You are their safe space, which gives them comfort to do this.

2. Shift the Energy

• If emotions are running high, take them outside for fresh air, even for five minutes. Pop baby in sling or pram and have some air together.
• Have a quick dance party or let them jump on a cushion to shake off excess energy. This is a favourite here in our kitchen! Baby in high chair, toddler in arms and dancing around like no one is watching!
• Try dimming the lights and playing soft music to help calm the atmosphere. Light a candle for yourself. Something that helps your calm.
• A warm bath can work wonders. Or even allow them to play with a basin of water can diffuse the emotions.

3. Prep in Advance Where You Can

• Have dinner prepped or partially ready so you’re not trying to cook with crying kids at your feet. Their needs tend to increase 10 fold just as you are trying to prep food for the family. Big fans of batch cooking here! Cook once for 2 dinners.
• Use a snack box with pre-cut fruit, cheese, or crackers to tide them over.
• For toddlers or young kids, set up a  basket with books, stickers, or puzzles they only use at this time of day. Something that doesn’t increase their upset or frustrations.
• Have a safe space (playpen, highchair with snacks) to give yourself a few hands-free minutes. Slings from newborns up are a life saver. particularly when your baby adores your arms.

4. Keep Routines Predictable

• A visual routine chart can help toddlers know what’s coming next.
• Use the same cues each evening—bath time, PJs, bedtime story—to provide a sense of security.
• Offer choices within limits e.g., “Do you want to put your PJs on before or after the story?”. “For dinner, do you want the blue plate or green plate?”

5. Fill Their Connection Cup (and yours)

• A 5-minute snuggle or 1 to 1 play before dinner can help them feel seen. This also helps yours and theirs oxytocin, through connection.
• Try a ‘helping hands’ approach—give them small kitchen tasks like stirring or setting the table. Lean in to the tasks they may enjoy doing. (and deep breaths if its toddlers!!)
• Use playful distraction to shift the mood (e.g., silly voices, a race to the bathroom for handwashing).

6. Be Kind to Yourself

• Some hours/days will feel smoother than others—that’s okay.
• A simple dinner is fine. Start an omelette Wednesday or toast and scrambled eggs once a week.
• If things go off track, reset and focus on connection over perfection. There is no such thing as perfection.

When it comes to babies/toddlers or older children, there is no manual. Or least no-one has shown me it yet! Parenting is full of ups and downs, calm and then chaos, or both at once.  With a few small shifts, the witching hours can feel more manageable, less intense.

I’d love to know what works in your house? Send me a DM on instagram 

For more tips, resources, supports check out all my blog posts.

Looking for more support? If you would like to know more about my online membership for mum’s returning to work after maternity leave, check out The Circle, a supportive community where you can connect with other parents and access a host of mini masterclasses filled with expert advice, tools, and resources helping you navigate this transition smoothly.