Why is my 15 week old old startling so much?

[sunshinyday]

my DS has done the usual pre-sleep startle and woken himself up several times, but in the last week he's been doing it when wide awake, usually on the changing mat. There's no sudden noises or changes that I'm aware of, but recently he'll startle as many as 5 times during a nappy change. Is this odd, or am I just being a paranoid first time mum?! Not helped by a HV who said they should have grown out of startling by 3 months...

Your HV is talking tosh. My ds did the startle thing until he was well over 6 months old (it's called the moro reflex) and from what I've read that is entirely normal. It's just a reflex and they don't have any control over it - a bit like a twitchy knee.

Thankyou piglit. I've suspected from other things that my hv specialises in talking tosh!

Suddenly flinging out his arms and legs and looking wide eyed like something's spooked him. The usual moro reflex I guess.

sunshine my dd is 8 months old and still does this sometimes. she did it loads at around 4 months so dont worry! (some HV's are just not helpful are they) im sure if she was at all worried she would have suggested your GP. hope this helps

thanks ellesbells. I seem to have a particularly opinionated one . . . if only her opinions were right! I's reassuring to know it's nothing to worry about. First time mums eh?!

dd3 seemed to do it more when i had had a strong coffee and bfed

Doesn't really seem to gasp or roll eyes bethron, but I'll keep a close eye on it next time and see exactly what he does. It happens so quickly, and usually just as I'm looking back at him in mid nappy/clothes change. Hows your ds now?

Message withdrawn

Hi, my DS1 used to do this also and we always joked that he was doing his "shocked and surprised" face!!
Looking back on bady photos, we have several with this face and it makes me smile.
DS1 is now 4.5 and perfectly healthy with normal development.
Not sure when he grew out of it, probably about 5 or 6 months.
Hope this helps.
Lindsey

Thanks everybody. I'm sure it is normal behaviour but I will see what happens over the next week and just get it checked by the gp if it seems to be getting more regular or extreme. I certainly won't be consulting my hv! thanks again.