Baby throwing head back when feeding

Sandifer Syndrome | Parent's Guide

Sandifer syndrome is a movement disorder that affects infants. Babies with Sandifer syndrome twist and arch their backs and throw their heads back. These strange postures are brief and sudden. They commonly occur after the baby eats. Symptoms usually resolve within before the baby turns two.

Sandifer syndrome is thought to be rare. Researchers cannot approximately how many people have the condition. There are two reasons why that number remains elusive. First, Sandifer syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed because so many of the the symptoms are markers for other conditions. Symptoms can resemble seizures, infantile spasms, infant torticollis, a muscular condition, and paroxysmal dystonia, another movement disorder that also sees attacks of abnormal posturing. When you combine non-specific symptoms with a relatively rare condition, you will get a lot of misdiagnosed cases.

An aspect of Sandifer syndrome that aids in diagnosis is its frequent coincidence with feeding the baby, gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis, and hiatal hernia. These issues involving the upper digestive tract together with characteristic twisting postures indicate that a baby has Sandifer syndrome. Sandifer syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease are closely related.

What Are the Symptoms of Sandifer Syndrome?

In a typical attack of Sandifer syndrome, a baby's back will arch suddenly. With their back flexed, their head and legs also splay out backward. They become stiff. Other expressions of the syndrome include nodding head movements, twisting or tilting of the head, or thrashing limbs. Many babies also exhibit involuntary eye movements.

During these episodes, babies may go quiet, as if they have suddenly entered a different state of mind. They may also appear uncomfortable or cry. Episodes normally last a minute or two but will recur up to ten times a day. The baby will stiffen, then relax, and then stiffen again, a pattern that resembles seizures.

Along with abnormal movements, babies with Sandifer syndrome may have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. More commonly known as GERD, acid reflux, or heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux is expected in babies. It is normal for babies to vomit frequently with GERD. However, babies with gastroesophageal reflux disease will have symptoms like fussiness, coughing, and weight loss.

Due to its relationship with gastroesophageal reflux disease, episodes of Sandifer syndrome most commonly occur after eating. They do not occur when the child is asleep.

Hiatal hernias sometimes accompany Sandifer syndrome. A hernia happens when an organ pushes through an opening in its protective surroundings into an area it isn't supposed to be. With a hiatal hernia, the upper stomach pushes up through the hiatus, the opening between the esophagus and the stomach.

This can happen when the muscle is weakened due to an injury, aging, or strain. It is also possible to be born with an abnormally large hiatus. A hiatal hernia usually results in acid reflux, which, again, is related to the development of Sandifer syndrome.

Why babies arch their backs and cry - Sandifer's Syndrome is over diagnosed by parents and under-diagnosed by doctors
New 2020 study on Sandifer's Syndrome

What Causes Sandifer Syndrome?

We do not know what causes Sandifer's syndrome. We do know there is a close relationship between Sandifer syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The nature of that relationship is not fully understood by researchers. But it has led to hypotheses that hint at the origin of Sandifer syndrome and its treatment.

It has been shown that there is an association between the occurrence of reflux and the occurrence of Sandifer symptoms.^[1] Researchers hypothesize that contorted postures might be the Sandifer baby's pathological response to acid reflux. An arched and stretched position may relieve the pain and discomfort of the reflux.^[2],^[3]

Babies can get gastroesophageal reflux disease in the first place due to the immaturity of the muscle that prevents the stomach's contents from going up into the esophagus. The muscle relaxes when it should be tightly closed, causing heartburn and vomiting. A hiatal hernia, when the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity, can also cause reflux. Babies are more susceptible to reflux because they consume a liquid diet.

An allergy to cow's milk has also been linked to Sandifer's syndrome. Infants are exposed to cow's milk through breast milk and formula. (Milk protein allergy is also a differential diagnosis.) For infants who don't respond to normal treatment, a hypoallergenic formula might be the answer.^[4]

Who Is Affected by Sandifer Syndrome?

Infants make up the majority of people affected by Sandifer syndrome. Most infants, after being treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease, no longer experience symptoms.

However, when Sandifer syndrome persists as a child grows older, their symptoms are likely linked to another neurological or movement condition. This is a condition you want to diagnose as soon as possible.

How Is Sandifer Syndrome Diagnosed?

To diagnose Sandifer syndrome, a doctor will ask about your baby's behavior and perform a physical exam. An MII test (multichannel intraluminal impedance) test measures the flow of fluids, air, and solids in the esophagus. Doctors do this test, along with pH testing, using a catheter probe in order to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux.

The doctor may also perform tests to rule out other conditions. For example, a CT scan will reveal any muscle abnormalities and video-EEG monitoring will show any seizure activity.

Sandifer syndrome is commonly misdiagnosed as seizures or a neurological movement disorder. Symptoms can resemble seizures, infantile spasms, infant torticollis, a muscular condition, and paroxysmal dystonia, a movement disorder that also sees attacks of abnormal posturing.

Misdiagnosis can happen when the baby only has mild symptoms, or no outward symptoms at all, of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the absence of those symptoms, a doctor may attribute the baby's abnormal postures to another cause.

Furthermore, postures and movements are not consistent across cases. Some babies may arch their back while others tilt their necks, for example, making it difficult to recognize Sandifer syndrome.

Incorrect diagnoses are harmful because they subject the baby to unnecessary testing and medication that can have unsafe side effects. This is not only expensive and emotionally taxing for parents but also deprives the baby of effective treatment.

How Is Sandifer Syndrome Treated?

Most of the time, Sandifer syndrome goes away within the first two years of a baby's life. Given the link to gastroesophageal reflux disease, treatment revolves around treating the reflux itself. This can include changes to the baby's diet and eating habits, medication, and surgery. Addressing gastroesophageal reflux disease eliminates the symptoms of Sandifer syndrome.

Parents can feed their baby less food more frequently and thicken their food with cereal. They can also keep their baby in an upright position after eating. Gravity will help keep the contents of their stomach from coming up into the esophagus. Babies also benefit from time spent playing on their stomach, under close supervision, in order to promote the healthy development of muscles and movement.

There are several categories of medications used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. Antacids neutralize stomach acid in order to reduce the burning feeling of heartburn and the pressure of indigestion. Other drugs decrease the amount of stomach acid that the body can produce.

Histamine h3 antagonists prevent acid-producing cells in the stomach lining from responding to histamine, a chemical that would normally prompt the acid-producing cells to release acid. Alternatively, proton pump inhibitors block the "proton pump" enzyme, the mechanism by which acid is secreted from the interior of the acid-producing cell out into the stomach.

Rarely, surgery is required to improve gastroesophageal reflux. A surgery called "fundoplication" is available to patients who do not respond to lifestyle changes or medication. In fundoplication surgery, the top of the stomach is wrapped around the bottom of the esophagus.

Suturing the stomach around the esophagus tightens the opening between the two organs, preventing the contents of the stomach from moving up into the esophagus. Surgery is sometimes needed to repair a hiatal hernia, which can be done at the same time as the fundoplication.

It is not a procedure you wanted performed on your child unless it is absolutely necessary. Still, this surgery has a high rate of satisfaction, resulting in a good outlook for patients with Sandifer syndrome.

Sandifer Syndrome

Sandifer syndrome-Medscape
Sandifer Syndrome-National Institutes of Health
Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux medications
Fundoplication

Similar and Related Conditions

Infant seizures
Infantile spasms
Paroxysmal Dystonia
Esophagitis
Hiatal hernia

Scientific Publications

"Diagnosis and management of Sandifer syndrome in children with intractable neurological symptoms" by Irina Mindlina, European Journal of Pediatrics, 2020

"Sandifer Syndrome Posturing: Relation to Abdominal Wall Contractions, Gastroesophageal Reflux, and Fundoplication" by Eric Frankel et al, Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 2006.

"Sandifer's Syndrome" by Roongroj Bhidayasiri and Daniel Tarsy, Movement Disorders: A Video Atlas, 2012.

"Treatment of Sandifer Syndrome with an Amino-Acid-Based Formula" by Natasha Bamji et al., AJP Reports, 2015.

^[1] "Sandifer Syndrome Posturing: Relation to Abdominal Wall Contractions, Gastroesophageal Reflux, and Fundoplication" by Eric Frankel et al, Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 2006.

^[2] "Sandifer's Syndrome" by Roongroj Bhidayasiri and Daniel Tarsy, Movement Disorders: A Video Atlas, 2012.

^[3] "National Institutes of Health"

^[4] "Treatment of Sandifer Syndrome with an Amino-Acid-Based Formula" by Natasha Bamji et al., AJP Reports, 2015.

Why your baby may be arching their back, crying, and throwing themself backward

Scary and exasperating as it is, it's common – and perfectly normal – for babies and toddlers to throw themselves backward and arch their back when upset. This often happens when you're holding them, which can lead to scary moments as you try to keep your child from launching backward out of your arms.

Being a baby or toddler can be tough! With limited communication skills, crying and thrashing about is their best bet at expressing frustration. Whether they're tired, hungry, bored, or in pain, they want your attention because they trust you to help with whatever's giving them grief.

Until your little one is older, they won't have the skills to navigate big emotions in ways that feel comfortable to the people around them. So when they throw themself back, your main goal is to keep them safe and offer comfort until they're calm again.

Why your baby is arching their back

Back arching isn't uncommon and it typically isn't a cause for concern. While there could be a few reasons your baby is arching their back or throwing themself around, in most cases the cause will be something as simple as frustration or an upset stomach.

In very rare cases, back arching can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. If you're concerned about a medical issue in your baby, keep an eye out for other symptoms, since back arching on its own is often nothing serious.

Here are some reasons your baby might be arching their back or throwing themself backward.

Your baby is having big emotions

As your baby grows older, their emotions are changing and becoming more complex. You've probably noticed how your little one is growing more particular about what they want and don't want, and responding with anger or frustration when things aren't quite what they expected.

In some cases, babies and toddlers will arch their back because they're upset and they have a limited number of ways to communicate their emotions. Sometimes, it might be obvious why they're angry or sad, but sometimes it won't be so clear. Outside of soothing your upset baby and keeping them safe from hurting themself, the best thing you can do is remain calm while you wait for your baby to settle down.

Your baby is frustrated with feedings

Both breastfed and bottle-fed babies might get upset if they're hungry. (Just like adults!) For example, if they're growing impatient waiting for your milk to let down or the bottle flow is slower than they'd like, they might arch their back and fuss.

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The opposite is also true – if you have a strong letdown, the flow of the bottle is too strong, or your baby is full, arching their back could be a clue they need a break or a change.

Your baby is throwing a temper tantrum

Older babies and toddlers learn to express their anger in a variety of ways, and back arching could be a part of a tantrum. New and more complicated emotions, paired with a lack of control, can be really difficult for little ones. With very few ways to communicate their frustration and disappointment, they turn to tantrums to get the point across.

If your child is like most, the back-arching sessions signal nothing more than your child's growing independence and signify that their emotional development is right on track. So brace yourself and hang on: This won't be the last time you'll have to remain calm as your child's temper flares out of control.

Your baby is colicky

If your baby is very young and they're arching their back while crying, it may be colic. Around 2 weeks, some babies start crying excessively and don't calm down with the typical tricks. Technically, colic applies to babies younger than 5 months who cry for longer than 3 hours at a time at least three days out of the week. Along with their screams, they might arch their back and thrash around.

For both parents and babies, colic is an exhausting and challenging phase. Colic has confounded experts who have struggled to pinpoint causes for this short-term condition in babies. Some studies say allergies, maternal smoking, overstimulation, and gastroesophageal reflux may be reasons for colic.

If you think your baby is colicky, talk to their pediatrician. They might suggest changes to your baby's diet or routine, or medication to help your little one feel better until they grow out of their colic around 5 or 6 months.

Your baby is gassy or has reflux

Your baby might not have colic, but they might be arching their back because their stomach is upset. This is often true when your notice back-arching exclusively after feeding your baby, along with gas. If your baby also turns their head from side to side, flexes their elbows, extends their hips, and shows signs they're uncomfortable when they spit up, they might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Babies with GERD may not gain weight appropriately, refuse to eat, or act upset after nursing. Untreated reflux or GERD can be detrimental to your little one's well-being, especially if they aren't gaining weight. If you think your baby has GERD, talk with their doctor about changes you can make to improve their symptoms.

Other reasons your baby might be arching their back

In very rare cases, babies who arch their back could do so because of an underlying medical condition. Most of the time, back arching isn't the only symptom a baby will show if they have a medical condition.

Here's a look at what could be going on in the very unlikely case that there's something bigger behind this behavior in babies.

Sandifer syndrome. This is a very rare condition that's often seen in babies with gastroesophageal reflux. Most babies with Sandifer syndrome exhibit unusual head movement, extreme back arching, and acid reflux. Some babies with this condition might also have non-typical eye movements or torticollis, when a baby's head tilts to one side because of neck muscle contractions.

Some signs of Sandifer could be mistaken for seizures. Sandifer is so rare that there's no official incidence rate, though it is estimated that less than 1 percent of babies diagnosed with GERD have Sandifer syndrome.

Cerebral palsy. Frequent back arching, especially if it seems to be without reason, can be a sign of cerebral palsy – but it's rarely the only symptom. Babies with cerebral palsy will also fail to meet developmental milestones within the expected timeframe. Children with cerebral palsy may have low muscle tone, making it difficult for them to roll over, sit up, and stand at the developmentally appropriate times.

Other early signs of cerebral palsy include feeling especially stiff or floppy while being held and being unable to bring their hands to their mouths or put their hands together by 6 months old.

If your baby regularly pushes away when you hold them, arches their back, and displays some of the signs mentioned above, share your concerns with their pediatrician. They can offer additional insight and guidance if they believe your baby should be screened for cerebral palsy.

Seizures. These often look like a rhythmic shaking of the limbs and are very different from an arch of frustration or discomfort. There's no confusing the two, as most seizures have very specific signs that are hard to miss.

Babies who are seizing will often become unresponsive, stare vacantly, or even lose consciousness. They may often jerk or twitch violently or their entire body will grow stiff and rigid. While it may be difficult to gauge in a baby, these symptoms will often be paired with the loss of bowel control.

Why your baby throws their head back

You may also notice your baby throw their head back when they arch their back. In babies younger than 2 months old, this can be a part of the Moro reflex. When startled by a loud noise, newborns instinctively throw their head back and quickly extend their limbs before pulling them back in toward their core.

Babies may also throw their head back in frustration alongside arching their back. In some cases, this could be a sign of autism. Specifically, repetitive head-banging can be an early sign of autism.

However, head-banging is also a common behavior among neurotypical babies, with roughly 20 percent of babies banging their head during their first and second year but growing out of it with time. If your baby is harming themself by throwing their head back or if you feel it's excessive, check in with their doctor to see if this could be a sign of an underlying developmental issue.

What to do when your baby arches their back

Whatever the cause, you'll want to be aware when your child begins hurling themself out of your arms, and take extra care when picking up your child in mid-arch. Very young babies will need you to support their head and neck, while older babies and toddlers will need your help avoiding injury. If they're sitting, they may hurl themselves backward and bump their head. You may need to move your baby to a safe place like their crib or the carpet.

If your baby is arching their back because they're upset, here are some ways you can help soothe them:

Cover the basics: Is your baby hungry or in need of a diaper change? Look for signs they're cold, like cold hands or feet, and add more clothes. If they're red or sweating, take off a layer to help them cool down.
If your baby is very young, swaddle them in a soft blanket and hold them securely. Sometimes turning them onto their left side while you hold them can soothe tummy troubles and help them digest.
Walk around or gently bounce your baby while holding them.
If your baby has recently eaten, feeding them again may make matters worse. Overfeeding can trigger reflux symptoms, so stick to their regular feeding schedule to avoid this.
Use a sound machine or make a shushing sound to help soothe them. These noises will feel familiar and comforting to young babies.
Try a change of scenery. Some fresh air and something new to look at can be surprisingly comforting to a cranky baby or toddler.

You know your baby best. If you think their back arching is concerning, or if it pairs with other worrisome signs, talk to their doctor. Your pediatrician can help you parse whether this is cause for concern and point you toward additional resources and solutions.

why this happens and what needs to be done

When parents first encounter this phenomenon, they may be seriously alarmed. What is it - a symptom of a neurological disease or just whims? In most cases, when the baby arches, throwing his head back, there is nothing to worry about. But there are situations when the intervention of a specialist is necessary.

What you need to know if the baby throws his head back and arches

The baby arches and throws his head back, but does not show discontent	Probably nothing to worry about. Perhaps he is trying to see something up or behind his back, or learning new skills. In some cases, this may be a manifestation of hypertonicity. In the first six months, this may be within the normal range, but if such phenomena are observed frequently or persist for a long time, you should see a doctor.
The child shows anxiety	A lot here depends on the general condition of the baby. He may arch and whimper if his back is itchy or his nose is stuffy. More vivid signs of discontent will be if the child is tormented by colic, pain, or he is frightened. If you cannot find the cause and / or this condition recurs often, you need to see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Variants of the physiological norm

In some cases, the child can pull the back of the head back for the simplest reasons: he is studying his body and the world around him. But there may be other reasons as well.

Below, we will consider in more detail all situations where “acrobatic stunts” are a physiological norm.

Hypertonicity in infants under 6 months

Physiological hypertonicity of the limb flexors in children under 6 months of age is considered normal. The fact is that at this age the maturation of the nervous system is still ongoing.

Mastering the skill

Baby mastering the skill of turning over on his stomach. In this case, the child lies on his side and throws his head back, trying to roll over from his back to his stomach. You can help the baby: throw one leg over the other crosswise in the direction where the child wants to roll over. After this, the baby must himself complete the coup with the upper body.

Hysteria

Often the baby, rolling in hysterics, arches, throws back his head, bursting into heart-rending crying. There is nothing wrong with this, take the baby in your arms and try to calm him down. You need to understand what alarmed him and eliminate the cause.

Affective-respiratory attacks

This is the name of the phenomenon when, for some reason, the child stops breathing for a short time. Often, such attacks are accompanied by tantrums, but they can also be provoked, for example, by fright or a sudden change in the environment (for example, when immersed in cold water). What it looks like: the child “rolls up” in a cry, his neck extensor muscles tighten, his torso arches, the nasolabial triangle turns blue, and at the height of the cry, the breath is suddenly held while inhaling, the skin turns blue (1). After a few seconds, the child comes to his senses, breathing becomes regular.

These seizures can occur in healthy children during the first year of life and are usually harmless. But if such situations are repeated often and, perhaps, for no apparent reason, you should consult a doctor to rule out various diseases.

Colic and bloating

A nightmare for parents of babies under the age of 3-4 months. Colic is also a variant of the norm, since intestinal motility in a child is not yet fully developed.

During colic, the baby screams heart-rendingly, arches and throws back his head, blushes strongly, clenching his fists and twisting his legs (2). The abdomen is hard and swollen, the child may refuse to eat. There are several ways to help a baby:

gently massage the tummy,
put on a clean diaper, ironed with a hot iron,
give medicine for colic (only after consulting a doctor!).

If the baby is breastfed, the mother should pay more attention to her diet and exclude foods that increase gas formation: cabbage, legumes, carbonated drinks, chocolate. In the most extreme cases, the use of a gas outlet tube is acceptable.

Runny nose

It happens that with a runny nose, when it is difficult for an infant to breathe, he begins to arch and worry. Try to help the baby by raising his mattress by 30 degrees to improve the outflow of mucus, and also monitor the humidity and air temperature in the room where the child sleeps.

Trying to find a sleeping position

Sometimes babies arch their backs and tilt their heads back, trying to get comfortable before going to bed. The fact is that in the womb, children are often in unnatural positions, and in the first months of life they can unconsciously repeat them.

Other reasons

If the child is arching but not complaining, he may be trying to look at toys hanging over him.

Try to hang the mobile and rattles so that the child does not have to dodge to look at them. Keep in mind that if the toys are hung too close to the baby's face, it may adversely affect his vision.

In addition, the child may arch for very banal reasons: perhaps his back or neck itches.

When the child should be seen by a pediatrician or neurologist

What to do if you are convinced that the baby does not suffer from colic, have tried all the ways, but the baby does not calm down and continues to cry and arch, throwing his head back? To relieve yourself of anxiety, seek the advice of a pediatrician or neurologist.

Let's consider situations when such behavior of the baby may indicate health problems.

Increased intracranial pressure

Sometimes, if the pregnancy was complicated, the child developed intrauterine hypoxia, or there was a difficult delivery, then in the first months the baby may have increased intracranial pressure, due to which he will arch, throw back his head and cry. If intracranial pressure is suspected, it is urgent to show the baby to the doctor to avoid complications.

CSF hypertension symptoms

Irritability, tearfulness, constant crying for no apparent reason, negative reaction to bright lights or loud sounds. Also, often increased intracranial pressure is accompanied by convulsions, profuse regurgitation after feeding. The baby sleeps little and constantly wakes up, when he screams, his lips and chin tremble violently, and the nasolabial triangle also turns blue. In severe cases, the baby's fontanel swells and protrudes, strabismus develops.

Raised intracranial pressure can sometimes be a symptom of a serious illness, such as meningitis, which develops atypically in young children.

Muscular hypertonicity

Arching of the back and tilting of the head may be a sign of muscular hypertonicity in a child. Often, hypertonicity is a consequence of oxygen starvation, fetal hypoxia during pregnancy or during prolonged labor. The most severe consequences can be encephalopathy and cerebral palsy.

Muscle tension can be all over the body or affect only one side of the baby's body. Parents should be alerted not only by the frequent arching of the child and throwing back the head, but also by the violation of the grasping function. Muscle hypertonicity is a reason to show the child to a doctor who, if necessary, will prescribe a course of treatment and massage.

Torticollis

Tilt-back of the child's head can also be caused by torticollis (a pathology of the musculoskeletal apparatus in the neck, due to which the child's head deviates to the side or can be turned to the side). Parents should be alerted if the child's head is always in the same position, and when you try to turn it in the other direction, the child worries and cries. Torticollis requires mandatory treatment, which includes wearing a special collar, massage courses and physiotherapy.

Meningeal syndrome

A complication may occur as a result of otitis media if treatment is started late. This is due to the underdevelopment of the structures of the middle ear in young children.

In this case, the child throws back his head unconsciously, trying to alleviate his condition (3). The following symptoms may also be observed:

convulsions,
vomiting,
confusion,
decreased motor activity.

You must go to the hospital immediately.

Epilepsy

During an epileptic seizure, the child may arch, throwing back his head strongly, and freeze in this state for a while. After the attack passes, the child relaxes, begins to cry, urination or defecation occurs. Treatment of epilepsy is prescribed only by a doctor and takes place under medical supervision.

Cerebral palsy

If a child arches their back frequently for no apparent reason, this may be a sign of a pathology such as cerebral palsy (4). But other characteristic signs should also be observed:

developmental delays (late crawling, sitting, walking, talking),
low or increased muscle tone,
problems with speech and swallowing, with only one hand, limps at an older age).

Some of these signs can also be observed in healthy children, but if something worries you, it is worth taking the child to specialists in order to rule out a problem or start treatment in time.

Diagnosis

Photo: Andrey Arkusha, globallookpress.com

If you are worried that the baby often arches and throws his head back, it is better to seek advice from a doctor who will determine reliably whether this is a norm or a pathology. The doctor will listen to complaints, ask how the pregnancy, childbirth and the first days of the child's life proceeded, specify how often and under what circumstances the baby throws his head back, whether he cries or behaves calmly, whether the nasolabial triangle turns blue, whether the fontanel swells.

If necessary, the doctor can prescribe tests and examinations:

general blood and urine tests,
neurosonography (ultrasound of the brain through the fontanel),
electroencephalography (to rule out epilepsy).

However, CT and MRI scans are extremely rare for young children, since these studies are performed under general anesthesia, so that the child is completely immobile.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Our expert answers readers' frequently asked questions, Veronika Oranskaya, neurologist, epileptologist, member of the League of Evidence-Based Medicine.

The baby throws back his head and arches after feeding - what can it be?

Sometimes tilting the head back after eating or only in a horizontal position during sleep can be a manifestation of the so-called Sandifer's syndrome, which occurs due to gastroesophageal reflux (reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus). Requires medical advice and treatment.

Can tilting the head be a symptom of a child's vision problem?

If for some reason (myasthenia gravis, oculomotor neuropathy, congenital feature) the child cannot raise the upper eyelid, he will tilt his head back.

What other possible pathologies can the tilting of the head and arching of the child indicate?

Sudden paroxysmal tilting of the head may be epileptic seizures. A forced constant tilt of the head back may indicate a brain tumor. When combined with an increase in temperature, tilting the head back may indicate meningitis. But most often the reasons for head tilt are all benign: the child doesn't like something, he is learning to roll over, or he just wants to look at something that is behind his head. If in doubt, consult a doctor.

Sources

Age-dependent manifestations of neuroses in children. M.Yu. Bobylova // Pediatric practice. 2007. URL: https://medi.ru/info/11859/
Infantile intestinal colic. Modern data. N.I. Ursova // Questions of modern pediatrics. 2011. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/mladencheskie-kishechnye-koliki-sovremennye-dannye/viewer
Features of the treatment of acute otitis media during the Covid-19 pandemic. S.V. Ryazantsev, I.V. Tkachuk, A.E. Golovanov, P.V. Kireev, K.A. Balatskaya, O.S. Don // Medical Council. 2022. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/osobennosti-lecheniya-ostrogo-srednego-otita-v-pandemiyu-covid-19/viewer
What to Know About Back Arching in Babies. Dan Brennan // WebMD. URL: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-to-know-about-back-arching-in-babies

Why does a baby throw his head back when he sleeps

When a baby tilts his head back, most parents are worried and even very anxious. Sometimes it's really dangerous. But in what cases? Let's figure it out.

If your baby is throwing his head back, look for:

How long ago did this start? How often does this happen?
Is there a lot of crying when tilting the head back?
Is this happening while awake or while sleeping?
What is the dream of the baby?
Does your chin shake or your legs tense up? Are there convulsions?
Does a child have tantrums with arching of the back?
Is there a blue nasolabial triangle?
Does he tilt his head back only when he is in his arms? Or lying in bed too?

Often tilting the head back is only a symptom of a serious disorder or disease. In this case, it is important to rush to a specialist (pediatrician, neurologist, neonatologist), and it is better in this case to get the opinion of several doctors before panicking.

WHY DOES THE BABY TIP HEAD BACK?

He likes it or is comfortable . Often in this way the child is looking for a comfortable position. Up to 4 months, the baby can sleep with his head thrown back, because. due to age-related physiological reasons, he cannot yet relax his muscles. If a child sleeps up to 4 months with his head thrown back, this is considered a variant of the norm, if there are no accompanying symptoms. Or maybe a pillow or a blanket is disturbing the baby? Make sure that there are no extra items in the crib.

Something near his head arouses his interest . External stimuli prompt him to throw his head back to satisfy his cognitive interest. Then it is better to place interesting toys in his field of vision in order to avoid tilting his head out of the curiosity of a little fidget. Also walk around the crib not from the side of the head, but so that the baby can see you. Or maybe there is a TV or computer behind the baby's head, the sound of which attracts attention? Analyze the conditions and place of sleep.

Learning to roll over . So the baby works out a new motor skill, and tilting his head helps him roll over from his back to his side. This is also a variation of the norm.

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Whims . If the tilting of the head back is observed only during wakefulness and there are no other accompanying symptoms, this is normal. At this age, the nervous system is still undeveloped, because children cannot control their emotions, and through crying, sometimes with head tilting or body tension, they express their desires or dissatisfaction with something. In this case, it is important to analyze and eliminate the causes of whims, and at such an early age, crying may indicate discomfort or a desire for something: a wet diaper, requires the attention of parents, wants to handle, hungry, cold or hot, uncomfortable place to sleep and more.

Lack of sleep and overwork also affect the psycho-physiological state of the little man. When a baby walks too much, the stress hormone cortisol enters his bloodstream, which prevents him from relaxing and falling asleep for a long time, leading to frequent nighttime awakenings and a fairly early morning rise.

Medical and neurological causes (eg, intracranial pressure, musculoskeletal disorders). With intracranial pressure, the child throws his head back, and at the same time his lower jaw shakes a little more and the nasolabial triangle turns blue. This situation is dangerous and it is important to see a doctor. This also includes birth complications or consequences: hypoxia, entanglement of the umbilical cord, trauma, cesarean, use of forceps, breech birth, premature birth. All this requires medical supervision.

Genetic inheritance . Remember, perhaps one of your relatives or you yourself often sleep in this position.

Hypertonicity - increased muscle tone. Now many babies are born with a tone. But, if this is not accompanied by neurological reasons, and adults help to cope with increased tone (massage, gymnastics), then usually this condition disappears by 6 months. You can check if there is hypertonicity in this case by laying the baby on his back and slightly raising the back of his head: if you encounter resistance, the child probably has a tone. If lying on the tummy, the head is thrown back, pay attention to whether it is tilted to the side - this may also be a sign of torticollis. Also, hypertonicity can be accompanied by frequent regurgitation, loss of appetite and tearfulness.

Why is hypertonicity dangerous? In such cases, there are difficulties in the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain, a slight delay in physical development (later they master motor skills). Therefore, it is important to consult a neurologist for accurate diagnosis, treatment and referral to a professional massage or physiotherapy.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE BABY TIPS HEAD?

Visit a neurologist to rule out medical and neurological health problems. Observe: how often this happens, day or night, whether he sleeps, where he throws his head back, whether there are cramps, whether the baby can focus on the subject - this information will help the doctor determine the exact reasons.
Pool is very useful. It helps relieve tension and relax muscles. Or try bathing in a large bathtub with a swim ring, which also helps reduce muscle tone.
Gymnastics helps not only to coordinate the movements of the crumbs, but also helps to develop motor skills, develop joints, improves blood circulation in tissues and muscles, activates metabolic processes, improves sleep and appetite. A certain load during gymnastics improves falling asleep and the quality of sleep.
You can take a course of therapeutic massage to help relieve muscle tone and relax them. And in general, massage helps a child develop and learn new age-related skills.
Contact with mother . Tactile sensations at an early age play a significant role, which is why it is so important: stroking, hugging, kissing, fingering, massaging the palms and feet, palm on the baby’s tummy, holding on hands. And even while breastfeeding or bottle feeding, pay attention to gentle touches, glances, gentle words.
Favorable psychological situation in the family . When the mother is calm, the baby is also calm. A child at an early age is very sensitive to the emotional state of loved ones. Try to control your emotions with a child, do not allow him to scream and show off the relationship. Remember about soothing voice: mother's "magic" voice and affectionate words cause the baby's body to produce endorphins and relaxins, which help to relax and have an analgesic effect.
Avoid sleep deprivation and overworking baby . Compare your baby's sleep to age norms. Put your child to bed on time, focusing on his signs of fatigue, watch for a comfortable evening bedtime and look for a “sleep window”. Eliminate TV and noisy games 2 hours before bedtime, pay attention to quiet activities and relaxing activities before bed - rituals. The routine, the sequence of actions of parents and pleasant associations with sleep help to make falling asleep a pleasant process for the baby.
Check your baby's sleeping conditions and location . Children up to 1 year old are recommended to sleep without pillows and blankets, without extra items and toys in bed. Keep an eye on a sufficient supply of fresh air - ventilate the room before going to bed. Try to darken the room at bedtime, which helps the baby fall asleep better due to the production of melatonin.
To relieve hypertonicity , you can try to put a strong man on the back and lift the lower half of the body with the baby's booty (as if you are changing a diaper). In this case, the weight is transferred to the shoulder blades, which helps to naturally tone and relax the muscles of the neck.

And if you are reading this article, then this indicates that you are an attentive and caring mother, since the condition of the child causes you some concern. Of course, to remain calm is correct and reasonable, but it is better to clarify the situation and consult a doctor in order to avoid the development of possible pathological cases.