Why does my baby tense up
If your little one sometimes stiffens up, seems unsettled and cries, most of the time it is linked to frustration. Still, it is worth knowing about a few other possibilities so you can spot the moment when it is sensible to speak to a professional.
Every baby’s nervous system matures at its own pace. Alongside the visible developmental leaps, there are constant, subtle changes in the nerves and muscles. Minor differences can crop up as these systems strengthen, and many of them resolve completely as your baby’s muscles develop. There are, however, some more noticeable issues where a specialist’s input is the right call.
What are you seeing when a baby tenses up
The movement is usually easy to spot, often when you are holding your baby. They arch, throw their head back, stiffen their back and, in most cases, cry. They can even look cross. At first parents are baffled by a baby who was perfectly content a moment ago, then you start to notice patterns, usually tied to sudden frustration.
You may also see the so called “airplane” position during tummy time, which is the Landau reflex. This is a different movement from the tense arching above, yet it can worry parents. In this case a baby, mostly lying on their tummy, lifts their head, arms and legs off the surface with elbows bent and hands near the head.
Tensing caused by discomfort tends to come with strong crying and is harder to soothe. Colicky tummy pain or heartburn from reflux can make a baby very unsettled. With tummy pain, as well as stiffening, babies often draw their knees up, their tummy feels firm and you may hear bowel sounds. Reflux will be familiar if feeds are followed by frequent bringing up of milk and spluttering.
The Moro reflex is not tensing as such, although it can look similar. In babies under about 3 months, when they feel unsafe on their back or are lifted suddenly, they fling their arms wide and pause for a split second with no breath. You will see the startled look and they may cry.
Why might a baby tense up
These behaviours or signs are fairly easy to tell apart, which helps you distinguish harmless, frustration based stiffening from movement or nerve related issues, and from the very rare emergencies that need urgent care.
Birth complications, for example a brief lack of oxygen, can also have effects on muscle tone and nerves. If anything about the history makes you wonder, flag it to your clinician.
Here are the common reasons for tensing.
They do not like the situation and are resisting
If a visitor scoops your baby up quickly and your little one is startled by the unfamiliar face, voice or handling, they may respond by stiffening. Babies are very sensitive to movements, voices and tiny cues that differ from those they get from parents. So when someone holds them differently or a bit briskly, many babies become frustrated. Their tools for expressing that are their voice and muscles, so you see stiffening and crying. These episodes are occasional and fade with development.
Landau reflex
It is easy to label the “airplane” position as a problem, yet it is actually a normal developmental stage. It usually appears from around 4 months. If you tried it yourself, you would feel how much effort it takes from the back muscles, which is exactly why it is helpful, it strengthens the back well. It prepares your baby for later gross motor milestones and, in this position, they can focus on things further away. Tummy time should not be uncomfortable and from here they will try to reach for toys, or prop on one arm while putting the other hand to their mouth.
If you still see persistent “airplane” positioning at around 6 months, speak to a specialist. Do the same if your baby dislikes tummy time. Tummy time is crucial for kick starting crawling. Skipping crawling can later contribute to learning difficulties, because the nervous system’s development is closely linked to movement.
Reflux, sore tummy, neurological issues, tone problems, movement delays
If at 2 to 6 months the arching comes with other signs, for example clenched fists, intense crying, knees pulled up, a flushed face, an expression of pain, and it is hard to soothe your baby for a longer spell, it could be tummy cramps.
If you notice any posture that looks odd, problems with usual movements or a pause in movement development, speak to your doctor. One example is a baby who repeatedly throws their head back when lifted from the cot.
Moro reflex
When a baby’s sense of security suddenly drops, after a loud noise or a falling sensation for example, they fling their arms open in a grasping motion as if to hold on, briefly stop breathing, then often cry. It is quick, it can give you a shock, but it is a normal primitive reflex and a sign of healthy neurological development. It fades gradually by about 6 months.
When should we see a professional
If you cannot work out why your baby sometimes tenses, show a clinician. It is not easy to describe exactly what you saw. To give the best picture, record a short video of the movement, since your baby is unlikely to do it on cue during an appointment.
If anything feels off, speak to your health visitor or GP, who can refer you on to the right specialist or therapist. If the occasional arching does not disappear over time, or you notice any unusual movement patterns, ask a paediatric neurologist. Likewise, follow up if movement development seems to stall.
There are excellent specialist therapies. Dévény therapy, for example, can show visible results after only a few sessions in many cases. Starting physio or therapy promptly matters, because early development runs to a tight timetable and any obstacles are best removed quickly.
If arching is almost constant and comes with more serious signs like fever, markedly poor general condition, stronger crying or other symptoms, seek medical help without delay.
What can we do to help
For harmless, frustration based stiffening, you can help.
Soothe your baby. If you have spotted what knocked them off balance, change the situation. If, for example, an unfamiliar visitor lifted them quickly and they got a fright and stiffened and cried, help them settle with a cuddle on Mum’s lap, gentle rocking, talking and smiles.
The Landau reflex happens in a position that is useful for development, so build in plenty of supervised tummy time during the day. From here they can look around, focus on further objects, reach for things, balance on one hand and roll over.
If the Moro reflex is frequent, reduce time on the back and try side lying more often. With safe, secure support, your baby will feel steadier and the startle reflex will be triggered less. Lift from the cot slowly and smoothly, since quick movements can feel scary. Share this tip with anyone who helps care for your baby.
There are tried and tested tips and natural options for reflux and tummy pain, they are worth a go.
Any other signs that point to a movement or musculoskeletal problem should be taken seriously and discussed with a professional. High quality help exists, but because development moves fast, it is important to act promptly.
Sources:
NHS, Reflux in babies
