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Newborn doing kung fu in sleep...

6 replies

WhiteDenim · 17/04/2020 04:32

This is my first child so I'd love a bit of perspective on whether this is normal or not for a newborn. DD is 3 weeks and although she has periods of sleep where she is very still and calm, she also has prolonged periods of wild, jerky movements which look like she's practicing martial arts... I think she is still asleep as her eyes are closed and after a minute or so will go back to being still, only for it to start again shortly after. This is how she 'wakes' during the night (I have to make a judgement call on when she's ready to be roused for nappy change/feed, she rarely totally wakes up on her own). The movements are pretty violent, not talking an arm raise here and there but full on propelloring legs and arms, rolling from side to side, head moving... Just wondering if this is something others have experienced or if it's something we should get looked at? Thanks!

OP posts:
FATEdestiny · 17/04/2020 07:04

These jerky movements are quite normal. It is one of the reasons some people swaddled baby - it calms flaying limbs. Check the lullaby trust website for advice on safe swaddling.

www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/swaddling-slings/

Goingtobeoldearly · 17/04/2020 07:21

It's reflex movement, very normal at this age. As above, this is why alot of newborns are swaddled, to stop the jerky movement

WhiteDenim · 17/04/2020 07:46

Thanks both. I knew about the reflex but thought that was more arms flying up into their faces which wake them up... These are prolonged thrashings, but perhaps totally normal. She hated to be swaddled (probably because she loves to thrash around!) But may try again

OP posts:
Eggcellent29 · 17/04/2020 18:59

My LO does this! I spoke to my HV about it and apparently it’s normal. They will grow out of it eventually!

My LO keeps me up pretty much all night! He is sleeping 6 hours but I’m not! 😂😩 There is also a lot of grunting involved.

Jamontoast1 · 23/07/2023 07:36
Happy Lets Go GIF by Major League Soccer

Did she grow out of it? My 5 week old does exactly this!

Jamontoast1 · 23/07/2023 07:36

Jamontoast1 · 23/07/2023 07:36

Did she grow out of it? My 5 week old does exactly this!

No idea how I added that GIF 😂

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