When Does Infant Fussiness End? A Month-by-Month Guide

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If you’re reading this, you’re probably running on no sleep (or very little sleep). In the midst of it all, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And in the middle of the night, you might be wondering: Is this just my life now? When does infant fussiness end?

Hang in there, mama. From experience, I can tell you that it gets better, and there’s even a predictable timeline. For most babies, fussiness peaks around 6 weeks and eases a lot by 3 to 4 months. Below, I outline the month-by-month breakdown, the 6-week peak, what’s normal vs. what to watch for, and the newborn care basics that helped me get through it.

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First, Know This: Infant Fussiness Has a Peak

When I dealt with fussiness with my firstborn, all I could ponder late at night was: When does baby fussiness peak? When are we finally over the hump?

Typically, fussiness peaks around 6 to 8 weeks of age, then gradually improves. So rest assured, this phase doesn’t last forever.

And you’re not alone in this. Not even close. The PURPLE crying period is a well-known phase of development, and PURPLE is an acronym that describes what’s happening:

P: Peak of crying
U: Unexpected
R: Resists soothing
P: Pain-like face
L: Long-lasting
E: Evening

Developmental pediatrician Dr. Ronald G. Barr created this framework with the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome to help parents understand that this surge of crying is a normal part of newborn development. Every baby goes through some version of it. Some cry more and some cry less, but this fussiness is generally a sign of a healthy, developing baby. (You aren’t doing anything wrong.)

When Does Infant Fussiness End? Newborn Fussiness by Month

Infant fussiness changes a lot with age. Even a few weeks this early in a baby’s life can make a big difference. Here’s what you can expect, month by month.

Weeks 1–2: The “Fourth Trimester” Begins

Your baby just spent nine months in a warm, dark, snug, always-fed environment… and now there’s air and light and hunger and space. It’s a lot to get used to. During those first two weeks, most fussiness is the basic stuff, such as hunger, discomfort, gas, or simply needing you to hold them close.

Your baby is still adjusting to life outside the womb, and being close to you is what feels familiar. You don’t need to worry about spoiling your little one by holding them. Those snuggles are very much needed.

Weeks 3–4: First Growth Spurt

Around 3 weeks, many babies hit their first growth spurt. This means increased hunger and fussiness, and many mamas (me included) notice cluster feeding around this time.

Suddenly, your baby wants to eat constantly, sleep gets weird, and the fussiness ramps up. It can feel like something changed overnight (because it did). The good news is that growth spurts are brief, usually lasting just a few days.

Weeks 5–8: The Peak (This Is the Hardest Part)

This is usually the hardest stretch. But you’ve got this.

Around 6 weeks, infant fussiness tends to peak, and the evening witching hour often kicks in around this time too. This is when PURPLE crying is most pronounced, and many babies have another growth spurt right around 6 weeks.

Yes, this week or two will be hard. Reminding yourself it’s temporary can help. So can asking your village for help, looping your partner in on what’s going on, and putting the baby down somewhere safe (like their crib) and stepping away for a few minutes if you need to. We all need this sometimes.

Months 2–3: The Gradual Turn

Here’s the light at the end of the tunnel. After the 6-week peak, most babies slowly start to settle. And somewhere in here comes the thing that changes everything: that first real smile.

After weeks of pouring yourself into a tiny person who mostly cries and sleeps, they look at you and grin. There’s nothing quite like it! There’s often another small growth spurt around 3 months, but it’s usually less intense. In other words, you’re through the worst of it, mama.

Months 3–4: Noticeable Improvement

Many parents (me included) notice a turning point around this infant fussiness age. Fussiness drops significantly. The witching hour shortens or disappears (thank goodness). Your baby’s sleep starts to consolidate into longer, more predictable chunks (hallelujah) as they learn to self-soothe.

Your baby also becomes more interactive, which is so much fun for parents and grandparents alike.

Months 5–6: A Different Baby

By months 5 to 6, most babies are far less fussy and fall into a more predictable pattern. New spurts of crankiness may pop up here or there, such as when teething begins or during another growth spurt around 6 months. This is completely normal.

By now, you know your baby a little better. You probably know how to soothe them, and you get to have a lot more fun as they become more and more expressive.

What Is the Witching Hour? And When Does It End?

If there’s one phrase every new parent learns fast, it’s the witching hour. And no, it’s not a myth. The witching hour is a stretch of intense fussing or crying that usually shows up in the late afternoon or evening, most often somewhere between 5 pm and 11 pm. Your baby may cry harder and be much more difficult to soothe, so it can feel like you’ve tried everything.

Why does it happen at the worst possible time? Everyone’s tired, maybe a little hungry… then throw a crying baby into the mix. Your baby may be overtired from a day of naps that didn’t go to plan, overstimulated by all the sights and sounds they’ve been soaking in, or genuinely hungry, since many babies cluster feed in the evenings.

So, when does the witching hour end? (I know this is what you really came to this section for.) For most babies, it ends between 3 and 4 months of age. Some little ones hang onto it a bit longer, closer to 6 months, but for the majority, that dreaded dinnertime meltdown gets shorter and softer. Then one evening you realize it just didn’t happen, and you got to eat dinner with two hands. (Wild, I know.)

Is It Colic or Normal Fussiness?

You’ve likely heard of colic, and it’s easy to wonder whether the fussiness you’re dealing with is normal or something more. Let’s clear this up.

Colic is often described as crying for 3 or more hours a day, 3 or more days a week, for 3 weeks or longer in a baby who’s otherwise healthy and growing well. If your baby’s crying doesn’t hit that mark, it’s very likely normal newborn fussiness. And even colic, as brutal as it is, usually winds down on its own by around 3 to 4 months.

But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Call your pediatrician if:

The crying seems pain-related
Your baby isn’t gaining weight or feeding well
Your baby under 3 months has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (call right away)
Something just feels wrong (trust your gut, mama)

You know your baby better than anyone, even at three weeks in. If something feels off, it’s 110% worth a call to your pediatrician.

How to Survive the Fussy Stage (Without Losing Your Mind)

Alright, we have a timeline. But you still have to get through this phase right now. Here’s what helped me the most:

Contact napping: Your baby may only settle on you, and that’s okay. Wear them in a carrier or ring sling, hold them on your chest while you’re awake, or do the sway-shuffle around the kitchen. The closeness, warmth, and motion mimic the womb. If you start to feel sleepy, move your baby to their crib on their back.
White noise: This is a lifesaver. White noise re-creates the whooshing sound your baby heard in the womb, so it can really help them settle.
Giving in to cluster feeding: It’s likely going to happen. Grab a snack, throw on a show, and settle in.
Taking shifts with my partner: Handing the baby off gives you a moment’s peace to just be, or even simply wash your hair. They’re a parent too.
Calling in more help: There’s no shame in asking for help. I had my mom over for an extra set of hands during the height of my first’s fussiness, and it was the exact relief both my husband and I needed.

And if the crying ever pushes you to your limit, it’s always okay to put your baby down safely in their crib and take a few minutes to breathe. Never shake a baby. Stepping away for a moment is the safe, loving choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a newborn to be fussy all day?

Some babies are fussier than others, and a few really rough days, especially during a growth spurt, can be normal. But if your baby seems unhappy nearly all the time, isn’t feeding well, or you just can’t find anything that soothes them, check in with your pediatrician. They can rule out things like reflux, feeding issues, or illness.

Does fussiness come back at 4 months?

It can. Many babies go through a sleep shake-up around 3 to 4 months (often called the 4-month sleep regression) as their sleep patterns mature. It can bring back some night waking and crankiness for a couple of weeks, but it’s usually shorter and easier to handle than the 6-week peak.

Is my 3-month-old fussy because of teething?

Probably not yet. Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though some start earlier. Lots of drooling and chewing on hands at 3 months is common and doesn’t always mean a tooth is on the way. Growth spurts and developmental leaps are more likely culprits at this age.

Do premature babies follow the same fussiness timeline?

Preemies tend to follow the timeline based on their adjusted age (counted from their due date) rather than their birth date. So a baby born 4 weeks early may hit the fussiness peak closer to 10 weeks after birth. Your pediatrician can help you know what to expect for your little one.

Is it okay to let my baby cry for a few minutes?

Yes. If your baby is fed, changed, and safe, it’s okay to set them down in their crib and take a few minutes for yourself when you feel overwhelmed. A few minutes of crying won’t harm your baby, and taking a breather helps you come back calmer. This is one of the key messages of the PURPLE crying program.

You’re Doing an Incredible Job

I really want you to hear this, mama: you’re doing an incredible job. The fact that you’re up at some ungodly hour reading about how to help your baby says everything about the kind of parent you are. This stage is so hard and so short. You’ve got this, and it’s going to get better. I promise.

When Does Infant Fussiness End? A Month-by-Month Guide for Exhausted Parents