If your newborn seems fussy at night but calm during the day, you’re in good company—this is such a common challenge for so many new parents! Those early weeks can feel overwhelming, with lots of adjustment (for both of you). Newborns are still getting used to the world outside the womb, and settling them at night, especially during the witching hours, can be tough.
Why is my newborn fussy at night but not during the day?
Many newborns are content during the day but become more unsettled at night. If you're looking for reasons a newborn is fussy during certain times, especially in the evenings, here are some common explanations for this pattern:
1. Overtiredness:
When young babies become overtired, they can get really upset and struggle to feed well. But to sleep well, newborns need to be calm and have a full tummy. If your baby misses naps or only takes short, fragmented naps, sleep pressure builds up, making it harder for them to settle. Babies are also ready for bedtime about 12 hours after their day starts, so if they stay awake too long, it can be really hard to get them to sleep.
Solution: Follow an age-appropriate baby nap schedule to help make sure they get enough day sleep, and great feeds, which makes bedtime easier.
2. Overstimulation:
The world is new to your baby, and after a day of sights, sounds, and interactions, they can have a hard time winding down at night.
Solution: Keep screens off 1-2 hours before bedtime and move to a dark, quiet room to help them relax. Babies pick up on our emotions, so it’s important to stay calm yourself—it gives them the best chance to calm down, too.
3. Hunger or Cluster Feeding:
In the early weeks, newborns often cluster feed in the evenings, taking several small feeds close together. This is normal in the beginning and helps them get the calories they need for a longer sleep stretch.
Solution: To avoid this pattern sticking around longer than necessary, wake your baby during the day for feeds if they’ve been napping too long. Babies are great at regulated their own calorie intake, so if they miss a daytime feed, they’ll want to catch up before falling asleep for the night.
4. Temperature Sensitivity:
Newborns are sensitive to being too hot or too cold, which can make them unsettled.
Solution: Check out our free sleepwear and room temperature guide for tips to get this just right.
5. Developmental Immaturity:
Newborns don’t have a circadian rhythm yet, so it’s harder for them to distinguish day from night.
Solution: Spend lots of time in well-lit spaces during the day and keep things dark and quiet at night to help them adjust.
Knowing that newborn fussiness at night is normal can be reassuring. With the right approach, you can support your baby through it and start turning your nights around asap.
Is it normal for a 5 week newborn to be extra fussy?
Research shows that an increase in crying often follows a predictable pattern called the Crying Curve. For many babies unexplained bouts of crying can increase from 3 weeks, and peak around 5 to 6 weeks old. A crying episode might start and end without warning, last a few minutes to a few hours, and often happens in the late afternoon or evening. Babies might also pull their legs up as if in pain, though there’s no evidence that tummy discomfort is the cause.
After the 6-week mark, you should start to notice things naturally settling down. If not, read on for tips to soothe your baby at night.
Tips for soothing a fussy newborn at night
When your baby is unsettled at night, these tried-and-tested strategies can help:
- Swaddling: A snug swaddle keeps their arms from flailing and startling themselves and mimics the comforting feel of the womb.
- Offer a Dummy (or Clean Pinky): Sucking can soothe your baby, but overfeeding may cause discomfort. If they’re not hungry, a dummy or offering a pinky to suck can help.
- Bath or Shower: If your baby is too unsettled for a regular bath, try a shower or bath together. Skin-to-skin contact is calming, and running water acts as great white noise.
- White Noise: Babies are used to constant noise in the womb, so white noise or shushing sounds can help. Start with the noise louder than their cry to help grab their attention, then lower it as they calm down. Some parents use creative solutions like kitchen exhaust fans or hair dryers—just make sure they’re not too close to your baby’s ears.
- Swaying or Bouncing: Gently sway or bounce your baby while supporting their head and neck. Rhythmic movement reminds them of being in the womb and can help them settle.
- Side-Settling: Holding your baby on their side can trigger a calming inner ear response. Always place them on their back on a firm, flat surface for sleep to ensure sleep safety.
- Dim the Lights: A dark, calm environment signals it’s time to rest, making it easier for them to wind down.
- Fresh Air: A walk outside in the carrier can do wonders for both of you, helping to regulate your baby’s nervous system.
Need more support? Our Newborn Sleep Guide can help!
The early weeks are tough—especially when your newborn is fussy at night and you’re running on very little sleep. But there are ways to make things easier.
Our Newborn Sleep Guide offers age-appropriate routines and practical tips to help you navigate your baby’s first few months and set the stage for better nights. You’ll learn how to manage fussy periods, encourage better sleep, and support your baby as they grow.
Here’s what other parents have said:
“After implementing the routines in this guide, my baby’s evenings were so much calmer, and we were finally getting some longer stretches of sleep.” – Carly
“Following the Newborn Sleep Guide was a total lifesaver. Our son went from waking every 2 hours to sleeping 7pm–7am with only one or two feeds.” – Kiara
You’re doing an amazing job! These early weeks are hard, but they don’t last forever—and restful nights are just around the corner.
