The child is always startled when sleeping

When a child is sleeping, it is actually not necessary to wake him up unless there is too much noise. But why do some children always startle in their sleep? The so-called startle means that the child cannot sleep well and sometimes wakes up and cries in the middle of sleep. I believe that all parents have experienced this situation. In some families, when children are sleeping, adults are always afraid to make any noise for fear of disturbing the children, which causes the children's resistance to sound to be weakened.

My baby always startles when sleeping, so I am worried if there is something wrong with him? The elderly people in the family thought the baby was frightened.

Is this really the case? In fact, this phenomenon is called the "startle reflex".

What is the startle reflex?

The startle reflex is a very important innate primitive reflex in early infancy that helps infants defend against external attacks. The typical manifestation of the startle reflex during sleep - awakening, can prevent life-threatening attacks during sleep.

The startle reflex affects different babies to varying degrees, with the peak effect occurring in the first month after birth and then gradually subsiding after two months.

If this primitive reflex has not subsided well by the time the baby is 4 months old, it will have a profound impact on the baby's subsequent sleep, movement, mood, adaptability, etc. In this case it is best to consult a doctor.

What are the effects on babies?

When babies are stimulated by sudden light, sound or shaking, in addition to sudden tension and trembling of their limbs, they are also prone to sudden crying.

If the baby is sleeping, it is easier to wake up. If the coaxing and sleeping methods are not appropriate, it will further affect the sleep quality of mother and baby.

Generally speaking, the most likely cause of sleep disorders in infants before 4 months of age is the startle reflex.

01

The startle reflex can cause mood swings in babies

Babies whose startle reflex is more affected may cry frequently, and if their mood swings are large, it may be very stressful for their caregivers.

02

The startle reflex can cause your baby to cry

When we change our babies' diapers, we may inadvertently trigger their startle reflex and cause them to cry. We may think that the baby does not like lying down, lying prone, turning over or changing diapers, etc. This may cause the baby to lose many opportunities for exercise.

This will not only affect the baby's motor development, but also hinder the inhibition and disappearance of the startle reflex, and will also affect the baby's sensory development.

03

It will affect the baby's adaptation to the new environment

Babies will be very sensitive, restless, and cry in new environments.

What should I do if my baby is often woken up by fright?

Try swaddling your baby. The key is to wrap the arms well so that the baby will feel more secure. Putting your baby in a sleeping bag that wraps around the arms can have the same effect.

But if the surrounding environment is too hot, don't do it.

In addition, take your baby out more often to bask in the sun and breathe fresh air, give your baby more touch and let your baby practice prone positions, which can also help the baby's motor development and the disappearance of the startle reflex.