Have you ever been holding an infant or else been close enough to observe one? If so you likely noticed that frequently when a loud noise was made or an unexpected movement the newborn baby sort of jumped, or was startled. Frequently, newborn babies are startled and this is completely natural. However, many parents wonder why newborn babies startle a lot.

Why Babies Startle When babies seem to jump for no reason whatsoever this is called the Moro reflex. Almost all babies will exhibit this behavior and some will startle more often than others. There are quite a few theories behind the reason why this occurs, but no definite research has led to an exact cause. One of the most common theories is that the baby is accustomed to being in the womb and amniotic fluid. Once born this amniotic fluid is no longer there to cushion and protect the baby. The end result is the baby feels as if he is falling for no apparent reason and simply startles.

What to Do? If you have a baby with a startle reflex then the best thing you can do is swaddle your child. Swaddling will allow your infant to feel safe and secure again, just like in the womb, and the startle reflex will not occur. If you want to swaddle your child then you need to place a blanket folded into a triangle on the ground, bed, or other flat surface. Then place your baby in the middle. Fold one side of the blanket over and tuck it under your childs body. Then, fold the bottom edge up. Finally, fold the other side up and over and tuck the corner in the top of the blanket. Your child will feel secure and love being swaddled. There are also blankets you can buy that are ready to swaddle and have Velcro tabs attached so you can swaddle your baby is no time at all.

Remember, some babies will startle a lot even when asleep and this might wake them up and cause them to cry. But, if you keep them swaddled while they are young they will eventually grow out of the startle reflex and wont need to be swaddled as much later on.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

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