Fussy Baby at Night? How to Help Your Baby Settle More Easily
When Your Baby Gets Fussy at Night
If your baby becomes increasingly fussy as the evening goes on, you are not alone.
Many parents notice that their baby is harder to settle at night. They may cry more, resist being put down, or seem uncomfortable no matter what you try. It can feel overwhelming when nothing seems to help.
These evening hours are often called the “witching hour,” and while it can be exhausting, it is also very common in the early months.
Why Babies Get More Fussy in the Evening
Fussiness at night is not random. It is usually the result of several things building up throughout the day. In the early months, Baby’s nervous system is still developing. They are still learning how to move from active to calm, and that transition can be difficult (1).
By the end of the day, Baby may be experiencing:
Overstimulation from a full day of sounds, lights, and interaction
Fatigue from being awake for longer stretches
Digestive discomfort, especially after feeds
Difficulty settling without the support that they need
When these factors combine, Baby may cry more and have a harder time calming down.
Understanding why Baby can be fussy at night can help shift the question from “What am I doing wrong?” to “How can I support Baby through this time of day?”
If your baby won’t settle at night, you can learn more about how baby massage supports sleep here.
How Gentle Touch Helps a Fussy Baby Settle
When Baby is fussy, their body is often tense and overstimulated. One meaningful way to help relax and calm a fussy baby is through gentle touch. One of the most effective types of gentle touch that can help Baby relax is baby massage.
Baby massage gives Baby consistent, gentle signals that it is safe to relax. Baby massage can help by:
Reducing physical tension so Baby feels more comfortable
Supporting digestion, which may ease discomfort
Calming the nervous system and lowering stress responses (2)
Creating a sense of predictability that helps Baby settle
Over time, these simple, repeated experiences help Baby learn how to relax more easily.
A Simple Way to Help Your Baby Settle at Night
You do not need a long or complicated routine to begin.
Start with a few minutes of calm, intentional touch during the evening, when Baby is beginning to slow down. This might look like:
Gentle leg and foot massage
Slow, rhythmic strokes using warm hands
A quiet, dim environment
Watching Baby’s cues and pausing when needed
Consistency is what helps Baby feel safe and supported, and a complete baby massage routine can help Baby relax more fully before sleep (3).
👉 Learn a simple step-by-step routine you can follow at home
Baby Massage Can Help Calm Fussiness
There is no single solution for evening fussiness, but small, consistent routines can make a meaningful difference.
Baby massage provides a simple, practical way for you to support Baby when they need it most. It creates moments of calm, closeness, and connection while helping Baby relax physically. Over time, many parents notice that evenings begin to feel calmer, and settling becomes a little easier.
Learn More Through Best Beginnings
If you are looking for gentle, practical ways to help your baby settle, the Best Beginnings Infant Massage and Movement Program teaches you exactly how to do this.
You will learn:
Step-by-step baby massage techniques you can follow at home
How to create calming routines that support sleep and regulation
Gentle movements that support comfort and body awareness
How to read Baby’s cues and respond with confidence
These simple techniques help you feel more confident supporting your baby, especially during those harder moments in the evening.
👉 Explore the full program here
References
1. Mindell, J. A., & Williamson, A. A. (2018). Benefits of a bedtime routine in young children: Sleep, development, and beyond. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 40, 93–108.
2. Field, T. (2019). Pediatric massage therapy research: A narrative review. Children, 6(6), 78.
3. Ferber, S. G., Laudon, M., Kuint, J., Weller, A., & Zisapel, N. (2002). Massage therapy by mothers enhances the adjustment of circadian rhythms to the nocturnal period in full-term infants. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 23(6), 410–415.