NEWBORN BABY’S STARTLE – WORRY OR NOT TO WORRY!!!

Babies are the cutest thing in the whole world but the care they need can be very overwhelming. A newborn baby’s startle is one thing that is a cause of concern for many new parents. We here will try to debunk some mysteries about this.

1. Startle reflex is also known as Moro reflex.

2. It is one of several involuntary movements that newborns make.

 3. Startle reflexes are a child’s response to the sensation of falling or external stimuli such as loud, potentially threatening sounds and bright lights.

4. The Moro response will manifest as flexing and thrusting of the arms, hands, and legs, as well as a startled expression and perhaps a cry.

5. This reflex aid the child in getting the caregiver’s attention and may lessen the impact of fall on the infant.

It may seem upsetting to your baby but it is normal for a baby to startle when they hear a loud noise or when you put them to sleep on their backs.

6. Some babies are more sensitive and may react more frequently and with greater intensity. Even a light touch can trigger the startle reflex in sensitive babies.

7. Baby startles do not require any action. Nevertheless, calming measures like touching, holding, and singing to them will help put them at ease.

8. Observing the Moro reflex while caring for your baby happens accidentally most of the time, especially if you have pets or other children in your home as well as live in a busy neighbourhood.

9.  Parents should consult their doctor if this reflex does not seem to occur at all or if there is only movement on one side of the body. There are very few cases where the reflex is truly absent or one-sided.

I hope this is some help to new parents out there. With little preparedness and knowledge, parenting can be so fulfilling and fun at the same time. If you have any experience with problems related to newborns, do share in the comments down below.