Home » Misc » Baby shudders when feeding

Baby shudders when feeding


What Is Infant Shudder Syndrome?

in Birth Injury

Following a difficult birth, many parents closely monitor their babies to check whether they are okay. One condition some parents might see involves their infants rapidly shivering in the upper chest, shoulders, neck, and head. This condition is called infant shudder syndrome. Babies who have this condition might show symptoms several times per day. In some cases, infants might suffer shuddering attacks up to 100 times per day. While the attacks might only last a few seconds, they can be very unnerving for parents. Here is some information you should know about infant shudder syndrome from the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys at Raynes & Lawn.

 

Understanding Infant Shudder Syndrome

It’s difficult for most doctors to determine the etiology of infant shudder syndrome. Some doctors believe that shivering isn’t a sign of a serious condition and instead think that it is a normal thing that some babies do. However, if an infant has other conditions, shivering can be a sign of an illness or brain disorder. Parents who witness their infants shuddering should videotape the incidents to show their doctors. One reason why an infant might appear to shiver or shudder could be cerebral palsy caused by a birth injury. When a child is injured during or shortly after birth, they might suffer oxygen deprivation.

 

You should have a doctor evaluate your baby to identify whether they might have cerebral palsy and contact a birth injury attorney at Raynes & Lawn if cerebral palsy is diagnosed and is believed to be caused by a birth injury. A pediatrician might refer your baby to a neurologist after observing a shuddering spell. A neurological exam might determine that your baby does not have any significant health concerns that require treatment. In many of these types of cases, babies will stop having symptoms of infant shudder syndrome after a few months or years without further problems.

 

Shuddering and Seizures

In some cases, a child might be experiencing seizures instead of shudders. When this happens, the child will require medical care. Seizures can be a symptom of a brain injury or illness. They might appear similar to shuddering spells and last for a few seconds with only slight tremors in the baby’s upper body. In other cases, seizures can last for a minute or longer and cause violent shaking. When this happens, it indicates there is something more going on besides shuddering syndrome.

When a child has a seizure, they might stare straight ahead without showing any emotion. An infant who is shuddering typically will not lose their ability to interact with others and will not feel tired or groggy after a shuddering spell. With a seizure, a child might be unresponsive while the seizure occurs and might seem excessively tired once it is over.

 

Causes of Seizures

If you think your baby might be having seizures, you should contact your doctor.

Many different conditions can cause babies to experience seizures, including the following:

 

  • Brain injury
  • Infection
  • Head injury
  • High fever
  • Epilepsy
  • Neurodevelopmental issues

If you had a difficult birth, your baby might have suffered a brain or head injury during delivery because of the negligence of the doctor or medical staff. For example, improperly using assistive birth devices could cause head injuries and nerve or brain injuries that can cause seizures. Children who suffer traumatic brain injuries during birth can later be diagnosed with epilepsy. Epilepsy and traumatic brain injuries at birth are strongly linked.

 

Reducing Shudder Incidents

There are some things you can do at home to try to reduce an infant’s shudder incidents. Try feeding your baby. Some researchers believe that shuddering can be caused by low blood sugar levels. Babies might also have shuddering spells when they experience a surge in adrenaline. To help, you can try to calm your infant to try to lower their heart rate. Take your child out of a stressful situation if they need to be put at ease to reduce stress. Make sure to keep your baby warm by wrapping them securely so that you can be sure that they are not simply shivering from being cold. Let your baby rest when necessary.

 

Prognosis of Children With Infant Shudder Syndrome and Spasms

Children who experience infantile spasms have a higher risk of developing seizures as they grow older. They might also be at risk for cognitive delays or autism. Early diagnosis and treatment might help to reduce the risk. While most babies outgrow infant shudder syndrome after a few months or years, it can also be a symptom of a more serious condition. You should promptly see your pediatrician to express your concerns if you witness a shuddering incident.

 

If you learn that your baby has been experiencing seizures caused by a birth injury that resulted from the negligence of your obstetrician or the labor and delivery staff, you might be entitled to pursue compensation through a birth injury lawsuit. You should speak with the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys at Raynes & Lawn to learn about your rights and the viability of your claim. We have more than five decades of experience helping medical malpractice victims recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. Call us today to schedule a free consultation at 1-800-535-1797.

 

For the general public:  This Blog/Website is made available by the law firm publisher, Raynes & Lawn, for educational purposes. It provides general information and a general understanding of the law but does not provide specific legal advice. By using this site, commenting on posts, or sending inquiries through the site or contact email, you confirm that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Website publisher. The Blog/Website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

 

For attorneys:  This Blog/Website is informational in nature and is not a substitute for legal research or a consultation on specific matters pertaining to your clients.  Due to the dynamic nature of legal doctrines, what might be accurate one day may be inaccurate the next. As such, the contents of this blog must not be relied upon as a basis for arguments to a court or for your advice to clients without, again, further research or a consultation with our professionals.

Newborn Reflexes and Behavior

Is this your child's symptom?

  • Normal reflexes, noises and behavior questions in newborns
  • These are normal and not signs of illness
  • Flying and mountain travel with newborns is also covered

Newborn Reflexes - Topics Covered

These harmless behaviors fall into 11 general groups. If your baby is healthy, skip the "What to Do" section. Go directly to the topic number that relates to your question for advice.

  1. Normal primitive reflexes from immature nervous system
  2. Normal jitteriness when crying
  3. Normal sleep movements
  4. Normal breathing sounds and noises
  5. Normal irregular breathing patterns
  6. Normal GI sounds and noises
  7. Normal sleep sounds and noises
  8. Normal feeding reflexes
  9. Normal protective reflexes
  10. Flying with newborns, safety of
  11. Mountain travel with newborns, safety of

When to Call for Newborn Reflexes and Behavior

Call 911 Now

  • Can't wake up
  • Not moving or very weak
  • Weak or absent cry and new onset
  • Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath)
  • New moaning or grunting noises with each breath
  • Bluish (or gray) lips, tongue or face now
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Age less than 1 month old and looks or acts abnormal in any way. Examples are a poor suck or poor color.
  • Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
  • Breathing stopped for more than 10 seconds and now it's normal
  • Trouble breathing, but not severe
  • Seizure suspected
  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Normal newborn reflexes and behavior
  • Flying or mountain travel with a newborn

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

  • Bellevue
  • Everett
  • Federal Way
  • Seattle
  • Virtual Urgent Care

Care Advice for Newborn Reflexes and Behavior

  1. Normal Primitive Reflexes From Immature Nervous System:
    • Startle Reflex (Moro or embrace reflex). Brief stiffening of the body, straightening of arms and opening of hands. Follows noise or abrupt movements. Frequent at birth. Slowly resolves by 4 months of age.
    • Tonic-Neck Reflex (Fencer's Reflex). When head is turned to 1 side, the arm and leg on that side straightens. The opposite arm and leg flexes. Goes away by 4 months of age.
    • Chin Trembling
    • Lower Lip Quivering
    • Jitters or Trembling (see Topic 2)
  2. Normal Jitters or Trembling when Crying:
    • Jitters or trembling of the arms and legs during crying is normal in newborns. It should stop by 1 to 2 months of age.
    • If your baby is jittery when not crying, it could be abnormal. Give her something to suck on. (Reason: Normal trembling should stop with sucking.)
    • Seizures are rare. During seizures, newborns are more than jittery. They have muscle jerking and blinking of the eyes. Babies can also make sucking movements of the mouth. They don't cry during seizures.
    • Call Your Doctor If:
    • The jitters get worse
    • The jitters occur when your baby is calm
  3. Normal Sleep Movements:
    • Sleep is not quiet. Expect some of the following:
    • Sudden jerks or twitches of the arms, hands or legs. If they only occur during sleep, they are most likely normal.
    • How Long: last a few seconds, but can recur
    • Timing: soon after falling asleep
    • Normal at all ages, not just in newborns
    • Suspect a seizure if: jerking occurs when awake or lasts more than 10 seconds
  4. Normal Breathing Sounds and Noises:
    • Throat Noises. Caused by air passing through normal saliva or refluxed milk. These gurgling noises are likely to build up during sleep. Slowly, the newborn learns to swallow more often.
    • Nasal Noises are usually caused by dried mucus in the nose. Your baby most likely doesn't have a cold. A blocked or stuffy nose can interfere with feeding. This is because your baby can't breathe when the mouth is closed with feeding. Therefore, babies need help opening the nasal passages.
    • Nasal Saline. Clean out the nose with saline (salt water) nose drops (such as store brand). If not available, can use bottled water. Use 1 drop at a time and do 1 side at a time. Repeat this several times. This will loosen up the dried mucus. Then, it can be sneezed out or swallowed. If needed, use a suction bulb. Avoid Q-tips which can injure the lining of the nose. Saline nose drops or spray can be bought in any drugstore. No prescription is needed.
    • Tobacco Smoke. Avoid tobacco smoke which can cause nasal congestion or sneezing. Avoid dust or any strong odors for the same reason.
    • Call Your Doctor If:
    • Nasal washes don't work
    • Breathing becomes hard
  5. Normal Irregular Breathing Patterns:
    • Transient Breathing Pauses of Less Than 10 Seconds. Also Called Periodic Breathing. Often, the pause is followed by some faster breathing to "catch-up." These breathing pauses are normal if the baby is comfortable during them. A normal rate should be less than 60 breaths per minute. Usually resolves by 1 month of age. Call your doctor if: Your baby is breathing fast or turned blue.
    • Transient Rapid Breathing. Sometimes, newborns take rapid, progressively deeper breaths. This is so they can expand their lungs all the way. This is normal if the breathing slows to normal within a minute or so.
    • Seesaw Breathing. With breathing, the chest seems to contract when the stomach expands. The cause is the soft rib cage of some newborns. It tends to pull in during normal downward movement of the diaphragm.
    • Yawning or Sighing (off and on) to open up the lungs
    • Call Your Doctor If:
    • Breathing becomes hard
    • Breathing pauses last more than 10 seconds
    • You have other questions or concerns
  6. Normal GI Sounds And Noises:
    • Belching air from stomach
    • Passing gas per rectum
    • Note: Both of these are releasing swallowed air. They are normal, harmless and lifelong. They do not cause pain or crying.
    • Gurgling or growling noises from the movement of food through the intestines
    • Normal grunting with pushing out stools
    • Hiccups. Hiccups are often caused by overeating. They can also be from a little acid irritating the lower esophagus. Give your baby a few swallows of water to rinse off the lower esophagus.
  7. Normal Sleep Sounds And Noises: Normal sleep is not motionless or quiet. Expect some of the following:
    • Moving during sleep transitions
    • Occasional startle reflex or jerks
    • Breathing noises - especially gurgling from secretions that sit in the throat.
    • During light sleep, babies can normally whimper, cry, groan or make other strange noises.
    • Parents who use a nursery monitor often become concerned about these normal sleep sounds.
    • GI tract noises from normal movement of digested food
  8. Normal Feeding Reflexes:
    • Rooting Reflex. When the side of the mouth or cheek is touched, your baby turns to that side. He will open his mouth in preparation for nursing. Present until 6 months of age.
    • Sucking Reflex. Will suck on anything placed in the mouth. This survival reflex does not imply hunger. It is even present right after a feeding. This reflex fades between 6 and 12 months of age.
  9. Normal Protective Reflexes:
    • Sneezing To Clear Nose of Any Irritant. Sneezing helps to open the nose. It's usually caused by dust, fuzz, tobacco smoke or other strong odors. If sneezing becomes frequent, use nasal washes. This is not caused by an allergy.
    • Coughing to clear lower airway
    • Blinking. After spending 9 months in darkness, newborns have light-sensitive eyes. At first, they prefer to keep their eyes closed. They blink often with light exposure.
  10. Flying With Newborns:
    • Never fly during the first 7 days of life. If flying is needed, it's safe to fly after 7 days of age.
    • If your newborn is not healthy, do not fly. Your child's doctor should give medical clearance first before flying.
    • Your baby can be exposed to infections aboard aircraft. Therefore, it is preferable not to fly before 2 or 3 months of age.
  11. Mountain Travel With Newborns:
    • Avoid mountain travel above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) for the first month of life. (Exception: family lives there year-round)
    • Travel to destinations below 8,000 (2,438 meters) feet is safe.
    • Brief drives over higher mountain passes are safe.
    • If your newborn is not healthy, don't travel above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). Your child's doctor should give medical clearance first.
  12. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Your baby starts to look or act abnormal in any way
    • You think your child needs to be seen

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 03/24/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

90,000 12 causes of concern for a child when breastfeeding. Why does a baby cry during breastfeeding

In the first weeks after birth, a newborn and his mother only get used to each other, and much of the baby's behavior is unclear to the mother. Why, for example, does a child worry at the breast during feeding? There are many reasons for this, and we decided to describe them and offer ways to overcome difficulties. Let's start with the cause of the child's anxiety, which mothers call the first, but which really exists least of all.

Lack of milk

This is the first thing that comes to the mind of a nursing mother whose baby cries a lot, including at the breast. One of the biggest challenges with breastfeeding, oddly enough, is that breastfeeding moms don't know exactly how much milk their babies are getting or if they're getting enough.

If your child is overly restless, most outside well-wishers will likely point out to you that the baby is probably hungry. Since you are a mother, such remarks can make you feel guilty. After all, it is your responsibility to feed the child! How to dispel doubts and fears associated with a lack of milk?

  1. Watch your baby urinate and defecate. After the sixth day of life, you should receive at least six wet diapers and one dirty diaper per day. If so, then your baby is getting enough milk.
  2. Frequent feedings are normal. In the first few weeks of life, a newborn usually needs 8-12 feedings per day. At the very beginning, you may at times have to keep it near your chest almost all the time. For several hours, he will demand it very often, and then fall asleep for four to five hours. As the baby learns to suckle more effectively, the number of feeds decreases.
  3. Keep track of your baby's weight. By two weeks, the baby should have regained the weight it was born with and gain at least 150 grams per week for the next two to three months.

If you are still worried that you are not getting enough milk, you may find it helpful to have a lactation consultant who will monitor, assess your baby's weight gain and suggest ways to increase your milk supply, if needed.


Swelling of the breast

Sometimes the child's restless behavior at the breast is caused by breast swelling. Excessive breast swelling most often occurs in the first weeks after childbirth. To reduce it, express some milk manually or with a quality breast pump to make the breast softer and easier for the baby to take it. Don't express too much milk, as this can cause you to produce too much milk later on, which will only make the swelling worse. Apply cold compresses to your breasts between feedings to reduce swelling and soreness.

Flat or indented nipples

Also, the baby may be nervous to latch onto the breast if the mother has flat or indented nipples. To stretch them, you can wear special pads between feedings. Turning on the pump for a few minutes before putting the baby to the breast will help elongate the nipples and also start the flow of milk so that the baby will immediately receive it and is more likely to continue sucking instead of dropping the breast and crying.

In some cases, a woman has to use pads that encourage sucking until her nipples become more prominent. This should happen after about two to four weeks of breastfeeding. If you are having trouble with flat or sunken nipples, seek help from a lactation consultant as soon as possible.

Incorrect attachment, awkward posture

Another cause of restless behavior at the chest is incorrect position . Both the mother and the baby may be uncomfortable, due to which the effect on the breast is not as it should be, and a sufficient flow of milk is disturbed. If your baby is very nervous, your best bet is to use the underarm position (when you hold the baby to your side, holding him tightly against your nearest breast) or the "cradle" position (when you hold the baby horizontally at your chest), as these positions allow you to control his head.

These postures allow you to guide the baby to the breast and hold him there. The baby's nose and chin should be pressed into the mother's chest. As a rule, he suckles better when his mother holds him tightly. If something makes you feel uncomfortable while feeding, contact a consultant. Perhaps this is the reason for your baby's anxiety.

Gastroesophageal reflux

Almost all children have some degree of gastroesophageal reflux. This medical term refers to a condition in which the annular muscle (sphincter) that blocks the entrance to the stomach has not yet fully formed and does not always completely close the opening. Because of this, some milk, along with gastric juice, can flow back into the esophagus, causing a sensation that we call "heartburn."

As anyone who has ever experienced it knows, it is quite an unpleasant sensation. Just as an adult can relieve heartburn by sitting with a straight back, a child can also usually benefit from being held upright.

Sometimes reflux can occur during feeding. Its appearance can be prevented by holding the child more upright or periodically taking breaks so that the baby “stood” a little. As the child develops, so does the musculature, so that cases of reflux become rarer.

Sometimes the problem is so severe that the child is unable to eat normally due to reflux. In such cases, you must consult a doctor.

Increased flatulence

All newborns have flatulence . When a child begins to eat, he starts reflex gas production, which is necessary for the waste generated during nutrition to be removed from the body more quickly. This prevents constipation.

Since breast milk is very easy to digest, it takes very little time for this food to pass through the baby's gastrointestinal tract. You can often hear characteristic sounds while the baby is still suckling. Although all children have gas, some tolerate it better than others. The time of day can also influence this. Apparently, the problem of flatulence becomes more noticeable at the end of the day. Traditionally, this time is considered the most hectic. The child seems to not want to let go of the breast at all, and this, in turn, can aggravate flatulence. This problem disappears on its own as the baby develops.

How to calm a crying baby
Many of the methods that promote calming are somehow related to the imitation of intrauterine conditions. Make sure that the air temperature is comfortable - not too hot and not too cool. Change diapers promptly. The baby can feel peace if he is held tightly to him or rocked. Swaddling or monotonous sounds - music or the buzzing of electrical appliances - may turn out to be effective. You can carry your baby in a sling, thereby providing him with comfort and getting the opportunity to do some business at the same time.
You can involve one of the family members in calming the child - for example, a father, grandmother or grandfather; in this case, the baby will not feel the smell of breast milk coming from the mother, which can excite him. In addition, this will give the mother the opportunity to devote some time to herself.

Physiological lactase deficiency

At the beginning of feeding, mother's milk is more saturated with milk sugar - lactose. It's called "front". After 10-15 minutes of feeding with the same breast, she begins to produce "hind" milk. It is richer in fats, which neutralize lactose and thereby reduce gas formation. If the baby is getting too much foremilk and not getting enough hindmilk, an excess of lactose and a lack of the lactase enzyme, which increases flatulence.

Try to have your baby suckle from one breast for at least 12-15 minutes to get the hind milk. When the baby grows up and sucks more efficiently, it will get to him in a shorter period of time after the start of feeding. Hindmilk has a calming effect and helps restless babies fall asleep. Most newborns naturally fall asleep at the end of a feed due to the calming action of hindmilk.

The baby chokes on milk

While the baby is just learning to breastfeed, the so-called milk ejection reflex can be too powerful for him and lead to him choking. Because of this, the baby can drop the breast and start to get nervous. Press firmly on the breast for about a minute to stop the too rapid flow of milk, and then put the baby back on the breast. Try expressing some milk before feeding and see if you can trigger the ejection reflex before the baby takes the breast. Feed your baby in the underarm position. As the baby gets older, it will be able to cope with the consequences of the milk ejection reflex in any position for feeding without any problems.

Smell

In rare cases, the baby becomes nervous and throws up the breast because of the soaps or creams you put on the breasts or nipples . If you start using some new remedy, and the child becomes more nervous, wash it off and start feeding again.

Thrush

The baby may develop a yeast infection in the mouth or on the nipples - the so-called thrush. You will see white spots in the child's mouth.

Your nipples may become bright red or itchy and burn after feeding. During feeding, the baby may be more restless than usual.

See a doctor. If he confirms that you have a fungal infection, both you and the child will have to undergo treatment.

Too noisy and too bright

In some children, excessive anxiety is associated with overstimulation. They can behave more calmly during feeding if it takes place in a darkened and quiet room.

Wants to calm down with the breast

Before 12 weeks, babies have little ability to soothe themselves and often reach for the breast just for comfort. They begin to suck to calm down, not experiencing at this moment the need for food. For parents, this need of the baby should be on a par with all the other vital things that you provide to the child.

The main causes of restless behavior of the newborn disappear after the first six weeks. Some problems may exist for a little longer, but they are usually resolved by three months.

During this period, you must definitely take care of yourself. Eat well. Drink plenty of fluids and exercise outdoors. Try a variety of relaxation techniques—yoga, meditation, massage, or a warm bath—to help you get through the tough times.
Share your feelings with the child's father and other family members, and have them take turns comforting, lulling, and rocking the child.
Set small goals for yourself, like reading one chapter from a book or going for a walk for 15 minutes.
Group classes for young mothers are very useful, because there you will find out that other mothers and their children, like you and your child, go through exactly the same period of adjustment.
The main thing you need to remember is that this is a very short period in your own life and the life of your baby. Try to hug and cuddle your child as often as possible to help him get through a difficult time for him. Together you will succeed.

Why does a baby startle in sleep

09/17/2015

85623

57

Calm sleep conditions

0-3 months-6 months

Author and GV

Mother of two children

Have you noticed how a child who is falling asleep or already sleeping suddenly shudders? Why the child is twitching, should parents worry, how to help the child - our article tells.

0–4 months. Improve sleep in 3 weeks

Why do babies startle in their sleep?

REM sleep

A month old baby's sleep consists almost half of REM sleep (it is also called REM sleep). It is believed to be necessary for the growth and development of the brain. As the child grows older, the proportion of REM sleep gradually decreases. By the age of 3-5, it is already about a third.

In this phase, the newborn often twitches, moves his arms and legs quite strongly, grimaces, makes sounds, reproduces sucking movements with his mouth, actively moves his pupils. Sometimes it is even difficult for parents to understand whether he is sleeping at all or not.

REM sleep is not strong, and when the newborn twitches, he can wake himself up with his arms. In this case, swaddling helps very well - it “extinguishes” twitches when the baby shudders. The sling performs the same function.

Gradually, the child's nervous system matures, he shudders less and less, and the need for swaddling disappears. This usually happens after 4-6 months, but some parents find that swaddling works well later.

Why else can a newborn start in his sleep?

Sleep structure


At 1-3 months of life, infants develop slow-wave sleep. Now sleep begins precisely with the phase of non-REM sleep, which is divided into three stages:

  1. Falling asleep itself, or falling asleep.
  2. Superficial sleep.
  3. Deep sleep.

When the phase of non-REM sleep ends, it is the turn of fast sleep. And then a new cycle begins. Often between these cycles, the baby wakes up.

During falling asleep and light sleep, children often startle. They are associated with a change in nervous excitability in transitional states - from wakefulness to falling asleep and between different stages.


Moro reflex and startle


As you know, babies are born with a whole set of reflexes. One of them is the Moro reflex. What it is: the baby takes the arms to the sides, fingers spread out, and then presses them to him. The Moro reflex is another reason why newborns startle so often. It is quite clearly expressed up to 4 months, and by about 6 months it gradually fades away.


Throwing up due to noise and unsuitable temperature


The newborn may startle due to sharp sounds. The reason may be a phone call, a car signal, the sound of a fallen object. Throwing up in a dream can also be if the child is cold or hot.

Pediatrician's comment

Natalya Trofimova

Senior sleep consultant, pediatrician

Newborn reflexes are unconditioned, that is, congenital. The severity of reflexes depends on the condition of the child, the gestational age at birth, the weight of the baby, and how long he was fed. In the first days after birth, reflexes can be reduced even in healthy newborns. Reflexes fade at different rates, most by 3–4 months.

The Moro reflex occurs in response to auditory (clapping), tactile and vestibular stimuli (patting on the changing table, on the child's buttocks, moving the position of the body, sharp straightening of the legs).

This reflex has 2 phases:

  1. Pulling the arms to the sides and opening the hands.
  2. Return to starting position.

In full-term children, the second phase is more pronounced, in premature babies, on the contrary. The Moro reflex fades by 6 months of age.

Spontaneous Moro reflex is a symptom of increased neuro-reflex excitability. Latent hyperexcitability is detected if the Moro reflex is also caused by tapping a finger on the sternum.

As regards sleep twitches in infants, they are normally much more common than in adults, especially in premature babies. The earlier the baby was born, the more different movements he has in sleep and when falling asleep.

These jerks are not random or purposeless. Research shows that proprioceptive feedback from a twitching limb triggers bursts of electrical activity in the appropriate areas of the developing cortex.

How to help a baby who starts in his sleep


Swaddling


Swaddling allows the child to reduce the number of throwing up in a dream and increase the duration of restful sleep. Swaddling helps to recreate intrauterine sensations that reduce stress in a child, soothe him.

Regular swaddling and traditional swaddling can be used. And you can use Australian swaddling or a special modern convenient envelope with Velcro or zippers.

Remember the rules of safe swaddling!


White Noise


If a child throws up his hands because of a sharp noise, white noise will become an indispensable assistant. White noise not only reminds the baby of the sounds that he is used to hearing in his mother's stomach, he is able to veil, smooth out extraneous sounds. Read the rules for the safe use of white noise.

Optimum temperature


The optimal conditions for sleep are considered to be a temperature of 18-22 about C and a relative humidity of 40-60%. Before laying, ventilate the room even in winter. If necessary, use a humidifier. Do not dress your baby too warmly and do not cover with a blanket.

Learn more