Article Reviewed by Dr. Ngo Thi Oanh, MSc, MD - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics & Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital. Dr. Oanh has over 10 years of experience working in pediatrics, specializing in diagnosing and treating respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, and nutritional disorders in children.
In newborns, stretching, arching, and startling during sleep in the first few months of life are entirely normal physiological phenomena. They usually last for only a few seconds, then stop immediately. Therefore, parents should not be overly worried about these behaviors.
However, if the arching and startling occur frequently, parents should investigate the causes and seek appropriate treatments for the child.
1. Why do newborns stretch, startle, and sleep lightly?
There are many reasons why the newborns may stretch and startle during sleep:
1.1. Physiological causes of stretching during sleep in newborns
- The baby's sleeping space may be too bright, uncomfortable, or noisy, disrupting their sleep.
- Due to being either overfed or hungry: The newborn's stomach is very small, allowing them to consume only a small amount of milk at each feeding. As a result, they get full and hungry quickly. These factors can cause the newborns to stretch frequently and experience milk regurgitation after each feeding
- During urination or defecation, newborns often stretch and strain as an effort to expel waste completely from their bodies.
Discomfort can arise if the diaper is wet or if the newborns is swaddled too tightly.
1.2. Pathological causes of stretching during sleep in newborns
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition in infants can cause frequent stretching and startling during sleep
- Liver diseases such as jaundice that lead to excess bilirubin production can damage the newborn’s brain, leading to seizures and frequent startling.
- Hypocalcemia: Newborns are particularly prone to hypocalcemia. Symptoms include irritability, restless sleep, frequent crying at night, and stretching or arching during sleep.
- Neurological disorders such as congenital neurological abnormalities or nerve damage may cause frequent startling or stretching movements.
- The newborn's skin is irritated, causing itching, burning, or rashes or insects entering the baby’s ears, leading to frequent stretching during sleep.
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2. Solutions for frequent stretching during sleep in newborns that parent should know
Regardless of whether the cause is physiological or pathological, frequent stretching and startling can disrupt the newborn’s sleep, resulting in short and shallow sleep, which then negatively impacts their health. Parents can consider the following measures to address the issue:
- Ensure the baby’s sleeping space is quiet, cozy, and at an appropriate temperature, not too hot or cold
- Feed the baby just enough for their needs, avoid overfeeding or leaving the baby hungry
- Use the diapers fitting to their skin, comfortable clothing to enhance the their sleep quality
- Choose soft, absorbent diapers and loose in order to maximize their comfort during sleep
- Dress the baby in loose, warm sleepwear
- Keep the child's bedroom clean and wash the child's blankets and mattresses regularly to prevent the child from feeling itchy or uncomfortable.
- Change the baby’s diaper frequently to avoid dampness and discomfort
- If the baby startles during sleep, parents can hold them, sing lullabies, or gently pat them to provide reassurance and a sense of security
- Expose the baby to sunlight regularly, preferably in the early morning when the light is gentle. This helps supplement vitamin D and calcium.
- Breastfeeding mothers should ensure a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Avoid restrictive diets, as the baby’s nutrition depends entirely on breast milk. Nutritional deficiencies in the mother can lead to deficiencies in the baby, particularly in calcium, which can affect both physical and mental development.
To help the newborns sleep well, parents must identify the reasons behind frequent stretching, startling, and shallow sleep. Addressing these issues effectively can improve the baby’s sleep quality, supporting their overall physical and mental development.
Parents should focus on enhancing the baby’s immunity by maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating supplements containing lysine, essential micronutrients, and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins. These nutrients help strengthen the immune system, reduce the likelihood of illnesses, and minimize digestive issues.
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