Baby appears terrified when moving into a new room

[Naetha]

Apologies for having acute PFB syndrome, but my 7 week old DS has a really odd reaction when being carried around the house, specifically when going from a light room to a dark room.

It seems to be a variation of the moro reflex (which he always does to loud noises etc). He will throw out his hands and legs outwards, fingers and toes splayed, hold his breath, go bright red in the face and "chunter" (imagine holding your breath but forcing it out through your vocal chords) machine-gun-style. His arms, legs and eyes will "vibrate". He will stay like this for several seconds - the longest was for about 15 seconds.

This only ever happens when he's carried facing forwards around the house (i.e. not when slung over my shoulder), and has only started in the last couple of weeks.

I'm guessing this is normal, but can someone reassure me?

I'm not an expert but it sounds like he's just a very sensitive and alert baby. He is obviously aware of his surroundings changing and maybe just takes a few seconds to adjust.

Maybe that's why he doesn't do it when he's facing backwards as he is more aware of your pressence and reassurance, also facing you, he is eased into the new environment, rather than facing it head on.

I wouldn't worry too much, they all have strange habbits and little personalities of their own. Does he seem distressed or cries when he does it? If not, I'm sure it's normal!

some babies do have a very sensitive moro reflex which can be triggered by all sorts of things. he will grow out of it though, just carry him over your shoulder for the time being