8 week vaccinations is this a normal reaction? Startle reflex

[HairsprayBabe]

DS had his 8 week jabs this morning, cried a bit at the time but settled after a cuddle and fell a sleep.

He was a little grizzly and warm about 4 pm so we tried Calpol - he managed to not spit out about half of the dose and had another snooze.

All change after dinner took him upstairs to change his nappy laid him down and he instantly got upset. Then his Moro reflex kicked in and he repeatedly got startled screaming louder each time. The reflex was incredibly strong and it was obviously distressing him. He needed another change at about 8 and the same thing happened.


We tried more Calpol at about half 8.

He is now asleep on me. Anyone else seen something similar in their babies - and how long did it last? The NHS leaflets say a few days but in my experience they tend to play down anything horrible!

[Happyspud]

I've had babies be a bit like that when unwell so possibly he's just reacting to being either a little achy or from being temperatury.

You are honestly the best judge of your babies condition. He's more than likely absolutely fine but I'd keep an eye and if he doesn't seem right to you call for advice or get him seen.

[07092020TeamPJ]

This!

I have been up all night with my 8 week old, with this situation following his vaccinations yesterday afternoon. He's currently asleep on me, and I want him to get some sleep so I'm stuck.

I'd be really interested to know whether this was just a side effect of the jabs, and how your little one progressed? I've been driving myself crazy with Google, finding infantile spasms and all sorts.

[MindyStClaire]

I'm not the OP but I remember my first being like that all night after her first vaccinations. I think it was the fever. She was a terrible sleeper in general but that must've been her worst night by far. Awful at the time but it passed quickly. Hopefully you'll get more rest tonight! Don't forget you can continue to give paracetamol for up to 48 hours if they need it (every 4-6 hours, no more than 4 doses in a 24 hour period).

[formulation]

We had similar problems and more with ds so with Dd we have split all her vaccinations up. More appts but less side effects

[bluebearss]

Mine was similar - startling more pronounced and he found it upsetting, almost like he was 'stuck' with his little arms out. I researched the spasm thing too! He definitely doesn't have it and it passed over.

Nearly five months now, and I can tell if he's particularly tired or a bit poorly as he'll startle more (although less pronounced than when he was younger).

So in my experience it's normal, but of course you know your baby best, so if you're still concerned give the doctor a bell.

[07092020TeamPJ]

Your posts are reassuring thank you!

He had his 8 week check prior to the immunisations, and was all good. I did phone 111 because his temp was up to 38.9 and mentioned what he was doing. The doctor said it all sounded like the after effects of the jabs.

He just looks so helpless when it happens. Crying out when hes been asleep and then really screaming

Managed to put him down next to me in bed when he was deeply asleep so he's had some sleep... not sure if I did. Hes now up and feeding so will see how he goes during the day today.

Poor little man.

Thanks again for the posts :)