My friend's 4 month old baby still jerks and moves a lot. I forget what she called it but it is common in babies to have sudden movements that wake them up etc. But she is concerned that it is too much and too late. Her child's doctor did say that he was alright and it should stop at 6 months. She doesn't feel any better though. Anyone ever experience this? This is her second child and the first one didn't do this as long.
Hi Everyone I just wanted to thank the wonderful 7 people who responded to my request. My friend and I sooo appreciate you taking the time. My friend felt better after I read her your replies. She did comment to me (which I didn't know) that he is constantly moving during the day too. Not just when sleeping. She took him to the doctors monday and he said he was fine but he has another appt with another doctor tomorrow. Thank you again everyone!
It's a startle reflex. Every child is different. My first son didn't do it for long at all (2 months maybe?) but my twin boys did it for what seemed like an eternity. I think it was about 5 months.
My little boy did this too and I have heard of it quite a bit. If it is what I am thinking you are describing, it's because his nervous systems is immature and I've heard they should be gone by about 6months as well.
If it's being startled it's the Moro reflex. If it doesn't fade it indicates severe neurological defects. It should be gone by 5 months at the latest. My daughter is coming up on 9 months old & still has that but she has some serious defects.
If it's just jerking in sleep it's sleep myoclonus which is completely benign and may never fade, no big deal.
My little boy slept swaddled until he was 7 or 8 months old because of this same issue. I think moms should trust their instincts, but this sounds normal to me (esp if it is only during sleep, or falling asleep). If she is truly worried, she should see another doc for a second opinion. Maybe she can get a video of it to show the doctor?
yes we had this with my child. We found that swaddling helped until he grew out of the swaddle blanket we used. Swaddling helped a lot. Let your friend know this is normal.
I remember my nephew doing this for quite a long time. What I would suggest is using a swaddle this will help with the startling reaction. It will also help him to feel more secure. There is nothing wrong, he may just be a very light sleeper and more apt to startle than others.
Every child is different. I found out with my four kids that not one of them was a textbook baby. I think she should listen to the doctor and just not worry about it, unless she sees other things that make her uncomfortable.
