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Evening Crying Hour in Babies Explained
The evening crying hour is a common phenomenon in infants where babies cry intensely and regularly in the evening, often without an obvious cause.
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The evening crying hour is a common phenomenon in infants where babies cry intensely and regularly in the evening, often without an obvious cause.
What Is the Evening Crying Hour?
The evening crying hour refers to a very common pattern seen in newborns and young infants: babies cry or scream intensely during the evening hours, often at the same time each day and without a clearly identifiable reason. Parents frequently find these episodes especially challenging, as the baby is difficult to comfort and neither feeding, changing, nor rocking brings immediate relief.
The crying typically occurs between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. In most cases, the evening crying hour is a temporary phase and not a sign of a serious medical condition.
Causes
The exact causes of the evening crying hour are not yet fully understood. Experts discuss several possible explanations:
- Immature nervous system: The infant's brain is still developing, and the accumulation of sensory stimulation throughout the day can lead to a state of overload in the evening.
- Underdeveloped circadian rhythm: The baby's internal clock is not yet fully established, which can result in increased restlessness during evening hours.
- Feeding patterns: Some infants feed very frequently toward the end of the day (known as cluster feeding), which may lead to gas or digestive discomfort.
- Gas and intestinal cramps: The digestive tract of a newborn is still immature, making it prone to painful gas accumulation.
- Overtiredness: Babies who have not slept enough during the day often become overstimulated and cry more intensely in the evening.
When Does It Occur?
The evening crying hour typically begins in the second to third week of life, peaks around the sixth week, and generally resolves by the end of the third or fourth month. In premature infants, this timeline shifts according to the corrected gestational age.
Difference from Colic
The evening crying hour is often confused with or equated with infantile colic. Colic is defined by the so-called rule of threes: crying for more than three hours per day, more than three days per week, for more than three weeks. The evening crying hour is a milder, shorter phenomenon and does not necessarily meet the criteria for colic. However, both conditions can coexist.
What Can Parents Do?
There is no single approach that works for every baby. Parents can try various strategies to help soothe their infant:
- Physical contact: Carrying the baby in a sling or holding them close to the body can have a calming effect.
- Rhythmic movement: Rocking, gentle bouncing, or a ride in a pram helps some infants relax.
- White noise: Steady background sounds (e.g., a fan, running water) can help regulate the baby's nervous system.
- Warmth: A warm bath or carefully applied warm compress may ease discomfort caused by gas.
- Tummy massage: Gentle clockwise circular massages on the abdomen can promote digestion and relieve trapped gas.
- Parental relief: It is essential for caregivers to take turns and rest regularly. Placing the baby safely in the cot and taking a short break is completely acceptable.
When to See a Doctor
Although the evening crying hour is usually harmless, parents should consult a pediatrician if:
- the crying suddenly becomes much more intense or changes significantly in character,
- the baby also shows signs of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea,
- the child is not gaining adequate weight or is feeding poorly,
- parents feel significantly overwhelmed and need additional support.
References
- Wolke, D. & Bilgin, A. (2017). Infant crying, sleeping and feeding problems and toddler development. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 59(12), 1270-1277.
- Barr, R. G. (1990). The normal crying curve: what do we really know? Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 32(4), 356-362.
- NHS (2023). Colic. National Health Service. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/
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