#asktheexperts my child becomes cranky all of a sudden in the evening only. She cries inconsolably. Throughout the day she is calm. what could be the reason.

Question

Accepted Answer

It can be really stressful when your baby is calm all day and suddenly becomes cranky and inconsolable in the evening — you’re not alone, and many parents experience this exact pattern, especially with young babies.

This is most likely due to a very common phenomenon called:

🌆 Evening Fussiness or “Witching Hour” 👶 What It Is: A period (usually in the late afternoon or evening) when babies — especially under 3–4 months — become very fussy, irritable, or cry excessively, even if all their needs are met. It’s not a disease — it’s a developmental phase. 🧠 Why Does It Happen?

Here are some common reasons:

1. 💤 Overstimulation By evening, baby’s senses are tired — lights, sounds, touch, new faces — it all adds up. Babies can’t “shut it down” like adults, so they cry to release it. 2. 😫 Overtiredness Even if she naps during the day, by evening she may become too tired to fall asleep, leading to crankiness. 3. 🍼 Cluster Feeding Some babies demand frequent feeds in the evening to “tank up” before nighttime sleep — making them restless and hungry often. 4. 🌡️ Colic or Gas Evening gas pain is common in young babies. If she pulls her legs up, passes gas, or seems bloated — this could be a sign. 5. 👩‍🍼 Separation Anxiety or Need for Comfort Babies feel the shift in energy when people return home from work — they crave closeness and may cry for attention or comfort. ✅ What You Can Do to Help: 💖 1. Hold Skin-to-Skin or in a Baby Carrier Works wonders — she feels your warmth, heartbeat, and gets comforted. 🕯️ 2. Create a Calm Evening Routine Dim lights, reduce noise, soft lullabies or white noise — signal to baby that it’s time to wind down. 🤱 3. Offer Breastfeeding for Comfort Even if she’s not very hungry, sucking may calm her nerves and help her settle. 🚼 4. Burp Well After Feeds Gas buildup is worse in the evening — thorough burping can prevent fussiness. 💤 5. Earlier Nap or Bedtime Try adjusting her last nap or bedtime earlier if she’s overtired. 🩺 When to See a Doctor:

Consult your pediatrician if:

She cries for more than 3 hours daily, more than 3 days a week (possible colic), There’s fever, vomiting, refusal to feed, or if she seems in pain, You notice signs like a bulging belly, rash, or high-pitched cries. 🧘‍♀️ Remember:

This evening fussiness phase is temporary — most babies outgrow it by 3 to 4 months. You're doing the best you can by observing her pattern and trying to soothe her.

Would you like a sample calming bedtime routine for your baby?