Does a baby startle while sleeping often leave you confused? This is actually quite normal. Babies have reflexes, especially in the first months of life.According to the University of Rochester Medical Center website , a reflex is an involuntary movement or action. Some movements are spontaneous and occur as part of a baby’s normal activities.
Meanwhile, other reflex movements may be a response to certain actions.
This reflex movement is part of the self-defense system, as well as a sign that the baby’s nervous system is in the process of development.
Well, one common reflex is the startle reflex. This reflex often causes babies to startle while sleeping.
What is the startle reflex?
According to Baby Center , the startle reflex (also called the Moro reflex) is one of many newborn reflexes. It includes involuntary movements that babies have had since birth.
When startled, a newborn will flinch, stretch out his arms and legs, and then pull his limbs back inward as usual.
Sometimes babies aren’t too affected by these startling movements. However, sometimes while sleeping, this reflex can wake them up and even cause them to cry.How long does the startle reflex last?
This type of startle reflex most often occurs in newborns, at least until your little one reaches 2 months of age.
However, it’s important to note that in some babies, the startle reflex can persist until 3-4 months of age. Some babies may even experience it longer.
Note that if your baby still has a startle reflex after 6 months of age, you should immediately consult a doctor.
What to do if your baby is easily startled?
If your baby is startled while sleeping and cries, they may need comfort to calm themselves down, Mom.
Sometimes if babies wake up due to their own startle reflex, they can’t always go back to sleep easily.
So, to help prevent your baby from waking up due to the startle reflex, here are some things you can do:
- Use a swaddle on your newborn before putting him to sleep, this will help keep his hands and feet close to his body so they don’t move suddenly.
- Play white noise (using a sound machine or soothing music) in the room to reduce other noise disturbances that can disturb your baby’s sleep.
- Place the baby gently when putting him to sleep.
- Move calmly and slowly around the room where the baby is sleeping.
Is there an abnormal Moro reflex?
Although this type of reflex is normal, there are several things that parents need to pay attention to.
One example is when the Moro reflex occurs excessively. This is a stronger form of the startle reflex, where the baby’s arms will stretch out in a more extreme movement.
An asymmetrical Moro reflex can also occur. For example, when a baby stretches out one arm while the other remains at the side.
This could be a sign of nerve damage or a broken collarbone (clavicle) in the baby.
In rare cases, babies may be born without the Moro reflex. This can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a birth injury, infection, neurological disorder, or muscle disorder.
Tips to prevent your baby from being startled while sleeping
If the Moro reflex is making it difficult for your little one to sleep soundly or even disrupting their sleep schedule, try these tips:
1. Bring the baby close to your body when putting him to sleep.
As quoted from Healthline, keep your baby close to your body as long as possible when lowering them into bed. Gently release your baby only after their back touches the mattress.
This type of movement is usually safe enough to prevent the baby from experiencing the sensation of falling which can trigger the startle reflex.
2. Swaddling the baby
Swaddling can make babies feel safe and comfortable. This is because the swaddling technique mimics the warm, soothing atmosphere of the womb.
In addition, swaddling can also help babies sleep longer.
When do you need to consult a doctor?
Certain reflexes, such as the grasping reflex and the Moro reflex, involve both sides of the baby’s body. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that these reflex movements occur symmetrically.
If reflexes are not equally strong or equally fast on both sides of the body, there may be a problem with the baby’s central nervous system. Here are some other conditions affecting a baby’s reflexes that should be checked by a doctor:
1. The reflex does not appear in the first place
If a baby does not show basic reflexes such as the sucking or startle reflex within a few days of birth, this may indicate a disorder in the nervous or muscular system.
2. Asymmetric reflex
For example, when startled, a baby’s reflex movements may only occur in one arm or leg. This could indicate a problem with the peripheral nerves or muscles on one side of the body.
3. The reflex occurs too long
As explained previously, some reflexes such as the Moro reflex or grasping reflex usually disappear after the baby is 4–6 months old.
If the reflex persists long after that age, the doctor may need to perform an examination to determine whether there is a disturbance in the development of the nerves or brain.
4. Reflexes appear too weak or excessive
Reflexes that are too weak, for example the baby does not react when touched, or conversely reflexes that are too strong and uncontrollable, can also be an indication of a neurological problem.
That explains the ins and outs of baby startles while sleeping. Early examination can help detect and treat developmental disorders more quickly and accurately.
