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!

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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 :)

I know this post is super old but now those children are a bit older, I hope you don’t mind me asking but did they develop ok neurologically? My baby is doing the same and I’m concerned re. long term consequences. TIA

@bluemoony my son has just turned 5 and is now completely normal aside from regular 5 year old nonsense - no darling we can't keep that ladybird as a pet.

The over active startle reflex from his jabs was gone within a few days.

Hi,
I've had the exact same thing happen to my daughter on her 8.week jabs. She has her 12 week ones tomorrow and im so worried it will happen again.
She had the prolonged startles the next day, then a week later again, but they were more intense jerk movments. She got tested for infantile spasms up hospital which came back ok and referred to neurologist.
Doctors say to "crack on with the vaccines" as they dont think it will happen again.

Did it happen to your child after any more of the vaccines?
Thanks :)

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I really appreciate it. This has eased my nerves a lot.
I am so glad your little boy is doing well!

If you don’t mind me asking, did you go ahead with other vaccines after these episodes and did your child have any further episodes?

Kind Regards

Hi there, if you don’t mind me asking how is your child now? Did they have the same response after other vaccines? Many thanks!

@07092020TeamPJ
Hi there, if you don’t mind me asking how is your child now? Did they have the same response after other vaccines? Many thanks!

Both my children have all their vaccines and I would go ahead with any others that may become available in their life times.

They now get normal vaccine response - fever and a sore arm.

My son had the exaugurated startle reflex for all his new-born jabs and boosters, but none for his one year or three year immunisations. My daughter didn't get it at all.

If I have more children they will also get all recommended immunisations.

@bluebearss
Hi there, if you don’t mind me asking how is your child now? Did they have the same response after other vaccines? Many thanks

My 2 month old just got her vaccines today, and she is going through it. She is inconsolable and startling every few minutes trying to get back to sleep. I have swaddled her up, but she continues to whine. It is so sad and terrifying when your baby doesn’t act like themselves!