4 Month Old Jolts and Jerks

Hi T.-
I agree with the other responses posted that suggest this is probably a typical developmental phase for your infant. So I hesitate to mention this, but think you should talk to your pediatrician about what you're observing. My son, when he was an infant, experienced something called infantile shuddering attacks. They are benign, but in some ways mimic seizure activity. They were diagnosed by a neurologist at A.I. DuPont hospital after an EEG. There was no treatment and they stopped happening on their own, but had it been true seizure activity, we would have wanted to know/treat appropriately. Please don't be alarmed. Again, this is probably nothing for your little guy, just describe and discuss with your ped. Best wishes.

Are yo sure that this is not a seizure of some kind. They all do some interesting things at times but the fact that afterward he does this he goes limp is a bit concerning. If I were you I would talk to your pediatrician. Good luck!

S. W.

Dear T.,
This does sound normal, but since you are inquiring here, it is probably best to inquire with your pediatrician as well to put your mind at ease. Never be concerned with being a worry wart, it's mother's intuition and most doctor's don't doubt it so you shouldn't either.
I was very big on swaddling my children - the first for warmth and comfort, and the second child for stopping her from jerking herself awake and to soothe stomache pain. I used it for a while and started later with my daughter as she did not like the blankets I first used and was too hot. I used a miracle blanket and it was a life saver. It may be too late for your "big guy" to be swaddled, but if you want a different way to try swaddling you can email me back and I will try to explain.
Good luck!
-M.

Yes, it is normal. My girls did it when asleep, but also in the car. My third child is 9 weeks now. We swaddled all our girls when they slept for several months. That way they don't jerk themselves awake :) They've loved it. If they are awake and overstimulated, swaddling can calm them, too. They almost seem thankful since they don't have the control and it's like a big hug. I don't know how your son would take to swaddling if he hasn't been since birth, but you could give it a shot. I can't remember when the grow out of that phase, but at 17 weeks, I think he's near the end. Good luck :)

our son did this as well! it's a normal development phase for infants to go through and these spasms actually help the lil ones gain control of their muscles! you will notice that they will become less frequent, and that they will not be as loose after awhile (the baby will start controlling them) and they will taper off