Baby clenched fists when feeding

Baby Clenching Fists? There's Probably a Simple Explanation

From nighttime jitters and twitches to having (near-constant) hiccups, babies do a lot of strange things. After all, they’re still developing. When infants are born, they can’t see well, burp easily, or control their head.

They also can’t control their reflexes, which is why many newborns engage in seemingly spastic movements and clench their fists. This might worry you, but is it really cause for concern?

Here’s everything we know about fist clenching.

Babies clench their first for numerous reasons. In fact, this behavior is both common and normal, according to Dr. Ariana Witkin, a board-certified pediatrician and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“Newborns clench their fists due to a neurologic reflex called palmar grasp. This reflex is activated when something is pushed into a newborn’s palm, like a caregiver’s finger,” Witkin explains.

Baby fist clenching is also instinctual. It mirrors the curled position they had in the womb.

In addition, sometimes fist clenching can be a sign of hunger or stress.

“When newborns are hungry, their whole bodies tend to be clenched,” Witkin says. “This includes their fists. However, as they eat and become full, their fists will open and hands relax.”

If you are worried about your baby or their behavior, know this: Fist clenching doesn’t last long.

The palmar reflex usually disappears between 3 and 4 months. What’s more, you’ll likely see changes before the 4-month mark. Your baby may begin to relax their hands as their nervous system develops.

As for when your little one will start using their hands, this change usually occurs around 5 or 6 months, when babies gain the ability to grasp and release objects.

However, your baby may learn to reach for objects of their desire — such as toys, rattles, or bottles — before they’re able to hold them.

For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics actually suggests introducing spoons and sippy cups starting at 6 months. They also recommend letting your baby use their hands to feed themselves.

In most cases, baby fist clenching isn’t cause for concern.

However, if your baby continues to clench their fists longer than expected and also seems rigid and stiff, it could be a sign something more is happening. Cerebral palsy, for example, is a condition that affects a person’s ability to move.

“If fist clenching lasts longer than 3 months, it can be a sign of a potential neurological problem,” says Dr. Gina Posner, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.

And Dr. Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician and the vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, agrees: “Babies who clench their fists may have neurologic problems, such as hypertonicity [or an increased state of muscle contraction].”

That said, it’s important to note that these conditions are uncommon. Approximately 2 out of every 1,000 babies are born with cerebral palsy each year globally.

However, if you feel something is wrong or are worried about your baby’s development, you should trust your gut and consult your pediatrician. It’s important to keep your baby’s scheduled well visits to monitor their growth and development.

“Parents should feel comfortable enough to discuss their concerns with their child’s pediatrician,” Posner says.

“A thorough exam can and will reveal any problems,” Fisher adds. “Your pediatrician will refer you to a neurologist if there are concerns.”

While fist clenching is normal, at least in most cases, it never hurts to get a second thought or opinion. After all, that’s what your child’s doctor is there for.

But try not to stress. In most cases, fist clenching is a completely typical part of your baby’s behavior and development.

Clenched fists in babies: What is clenched fist syndrome?

A clenched fist is just one of several newborn reflexes you'll notice in the early weeks after your baby's birth. But this fist clench is a normal infant reaction, one of several motions that help to develop your baby's future fine motor skills. Here's more about why your baby clenches their fists and the other common infant behaviors you might spy.

What are some of the behaviors I can expect in my newborn?

As your baby learns to adjust to their new surroundings after birth, you might be amazed (and even startled) by how your infant moves in reaction to sights, sounds and touches. But keep in mind that your baby is experiencing a huge change from their previous environment in the dark and cozy womb – so with their arrival comes a variety of physical responses.

One of the reflexes you'll notice is a tightly clenched fist or two. This primitive motion is also called the palmar grasp and you can trigger it by softly stroking your baby's open palm with your finger. You'll see your baby's fist clench right away in response. This natural tendency is one of many involuntary motions that many babies do. Others include:

Rooting: This important reflex helps your baby find the nipple you're giving and it starts at birth. You can see it in action by touching your infant's cheek to get them to turn their head toward the breast or bottle.

Sucking: Even before your baby is born they're practicing how to suckle. This instinct to suck at whatever is placed in their mouth is a skill you and your baby will hone during many feedings in the early weeks.

Moro reflex: Also called the startle response, this reflex appears at birth and causes your baby to flail their arms in a sudden motion when they're surprised by a glaring light, loud noise or even a sensation of falling.

Tonic neck reflex This one's funny as it looks like your baby is saying "en garde!" With this at-birth "fencing" posture, your infant's head turns to one side and then the same side's arm straightens out while the other arm bends, as if they're wielding a sword and jousting.

Why might my baby clench their fists?

Clenched fists are a neurologic response that occur as your baby's nervous system continues to develop. Your infant's tightly squeezed fists, along with bent elbows, arms and legs, are also a leftover in-utero habit when they were folded into a tight fetal ball. Hungry babies will also clench their fists – and if your baby has a case of colic, watch for this same motion.

How can I get my baby to relax their clenched hands?

You usually don't need to get your baby to relax a clenched fist because this reflex will naturally fade away around five to six months of age. If your baby is clenching fists because of stress or colic, try to soothe with some swaddling, singing and shushing. And, of course, if it's feeding time, offer the breast or bottle. As soon as you start, you should see their hands open up and relax.

You can play around with the palmar grasp by placing your finger in your baby's hand and watching it close (you'll be surprised how strong their grip is!). A similar motion occurs on infant feet (it's called the plantar grasp). Stroke the sole and watch those tiny toes curl into themselves.

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Should I ever worry if my baby clenches their fists?

It's normal to worry about your baby's development from time to time or to compare their progress to other babies in your family and friend circle. But remember, at your baby's regular well-visits, your child's provider is checking every reflex as part of a thorough medical exam to be sure each one is responding appropriately to various kinds of stimuli.

But if you or your baby's healthcare provider notices that a particular reflex like clenched fists is hanging on for longer than normal, it could signal a problem with your baby's nervous system. In rare cases, exaggerated reflexes could point to cerebral palsy or hypertonia, which is stiff muscle tone. You can always ask your baby's pediatrician about reflexes and your baby's development if you're concerned about anything.

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What does it mean when a baby clenches his fists and jerks his legs

Parenting

“So, I'm a mother. And now what? .. ”- many women face this feeling of confusion when they have their first child. “I look at my baby and understand that I have no idea what to do now, from which side to approach her,” the mothers’ stories are like a carbon copy. Then it becomes relatively clear what to do: feed, bathe, change the diaper. But here's what the child wants at this particular moment - this usually remains a secret with seven seals until he learns to speak or at least gesticulate. We have seven key points by which you can understand what your baby is trying to say with body language.

1. Legs kicking

If a baby kicks space, that's great. In his body language, this means that he is happy and having a great time. Pinky is your baby's way of expressing pleasure. Please note that often children begin to jerk their legs when you play with him or during water procedures. And if at this time you take the baby in your arms and sing a song to him, he will become even happier.

Photo: GettyImages

2. Arches back

Usually in response to pain or discomfort. Children often arch their backs when they have colic or heartburn. If your baby arches while you feed, it could be a sign of reflux. Try to avoid stress while breastfeeding - mom's worries affect the baby.

3. Head shaking

Sometimes babies may jerk their head violently against the bottom of the crib or its sides. This is again a sign of discomfort or pain. Motion sickness usually helps, but if the child continues to shake his head, this is an occasion to show the baby to the pediatrician.

4. Grabs his ears

Do not immediately panic if the baby pulls his ears. He has fun and learns in this way - the surrounding sounds become quieter, then louder again. In addition, babies often grab their ears when they are teething. But if the child is crying at the same time, you need to run to the doctor and check if the baby has caught an ear infection.

5. Clenches his fists

In general, this is one of the first meaningful body movements that a newborn masters. In addition, a clenched fist can be a sign of hunger or stress - both of which cause the baby's muscles to tense up. If the habit of tightly clenching fists persists in a child when he is already more than three months old, it is better to show the baby to a doctor. This may be a sign of a neurological disorder.

Photo: GettyImages

6. Twisting, pressing knees to chest

This movement is most often a sign of digestive problems. Maybe it's colic, maybe constipation or gas. If you are breastfeeding, watch your diet: something in your diet is causing your baby to produce gas. And do not forget to hold the baby in a column after feeding so that he burps the air. In case of constipation, consult your doctor.

7. Throws up his arms

This is the child's first reaction to the environment, a sign of alertness. As a rule, the baby throws up his arms when he hears a sudden sound or when a bright light turns on. Sometimes babies do this when you put them in the crib: they feel the loss of support. This reflex usually disappears four months after birth. Until then, it is worth remembering that the movement is unconscious, and the child may inadvertently scratch himself. Therefore, children are advised to swaddle or put special mittens on their hands during sleep.

Natalya Evgenyeva

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Budgetary healthcare institution of the Omsk region "Regional Children's Clinical Hospital"

Colic is a typical problem in the first weeks of a child's life and a serious test of the nervous system of young parents. About a third of all newborn babies suffer from colic from time to time before the age of four months.

If this problem is not caused by serious diseases, it does not prevent children from growing and developing normally. What you need to know about infantile colic in order to exclude the possibility of developing gastrointestinal diseases, allergies and other ailments?

When does colic start?

Colic usually begins around three weeks and reaches its peak between the fourth and sixth weeks of a baby's life. By the age of about three months , the discomfort in the abdomen, as a rule, leaves the child.

Attention: if after 12 weeks of life the baby has severe colic, a thorough examination is necessary to rule out a serious gastrointestinal disease!

Just the facts

Elena Baibarina, chief neonatologist at the Russian Ministry of Health, shares some facts about babies.

Signs of colic

Baby cries continuously for one to four hours. Crying is loud, high pitched.
The kid stretches, pulls his legs to his stomach and tightly clenching his fists.
The child periodically holds his breath and wrinkles his face in a grimace.
Attacks of crying often begin towards evening.

Causes of colic

Doctors still cannot clearly identify the causes of infantile colic. However, a number of factors are known that increase the likelihood of unpleasant symptoms:

the baby eats very quickly,
baby regularly overeats,
the baby takes the breast or nipple incorrectly and swallows a lot of air when sucking,
baby badly spit up swallowed air,
the baby has increased gas formation.

Pediatricians also emphasize that negative emotional background, conflicts in the family, insecurity and anxiety of parents can increase the symptoms of colic.

Important! At the first sign of colic, see your pediatrician to rule out serious health problems for your baby, such as ear infections, allergies, and bowel problems.

A sharp rise in temperature, vomiting or diarrhea is a reason to urgently see a doctor!

How to help your baby if you are breastfeeding

Eliminate caffeinated foods such as tea, chocolate, cocoa and cola.
Reduce your intake of foods that increase gas formation: cabbage and other cruciferous plants, beans, onions.
Eliminate dairy products from your diet for a week to see how your baby's body reacts to the milk protein you consume.
Drink herbal teas that improve digestion. Ask your pediatrician for advice on a collection.
Check if the baby takes the breast correctly: if he swallows excess air when sucking.
When feeding, hold your baby so that the upper part of his body is elevated. This will reduce the chance of swallowing air.
After feeding, raise your baby to an upright position so that he can burp the swallowed air.
Change the type of water you are mixing with. It may be worth buying a special filter or using bottled water.
Consult your pediatrician about choosing or changing formula.
Make sure the baby does not overeat. Check if he is comfortable with a bottle and get another pacifier if needed.
Hold the baby in the same position as when breastfeeding. Help your child spit up after eating.