Why do babies stiffen their legs

Your baby's nervous system has matured some by now. Certain newborn reflexes are beginning to give way to voluntary motions. With improved muscle control, movement becomes more fluid and wigglier. Here's what else you can expect:. Heads up on tummy time. Most babies this age can lift their head up when lying on their tummies. Regularly giving your baby some " tummy time " is a great way to help her build strength in her neck and trunk.

Some will cry when placed on their tummies, but usually do better after a few tries. It helps to have something interesting, such as mom's face, in front of them so they have encouragement to lift their head.

Although too young to actually crawl, your baby may try or begin to push up from a lying position. Hand to mouth. During these weeks, your baby may begin to wave his arms around more when excited. Increasingly, his hands will catch his attention. He may spend a lot of time trying to move them in front of him where he can see them. After many tries, he may be able to move them to his mouth. His finger motion is still limited, though, so his hands will likely still be clenched in tight little fists.

Sucking on them may become a way for him to soothe himself. A tug of the lips. You may have already noticed random facial movements, including reflexive smiles, while your baby sleeps. But starting sometime around her sixth week, your baby may flash you her first real smile in a genuine gesture of affection or amusement.

Your baby's arm and leg movements continue to become smoother. The "startle" reflex is probably gone by now. She's becoming stronger and better able to coordinate her motions. Straightening out. You might notice your baby's whole body now looks more relaxed. His hands will no longer be balled up in fists all the time. In fact, he may entertain himself by carefully opening and shutting them. He'll also enjoy more actively kicking his legs, which are straightening out from their pulled-up newborn position.

Often these palsies develop because a baby is pulled or moved in a way that breaks or somehow disrupts nerves in the neck, shoulder, and collar area. A common symptom in a baby with this condition is a hand that is held in a claw-like manner. Therapy can help to overcome the condition, but as a child grows special care is needed to be sure that progress continues and that the nerve damage is not continually triggered by body growth.

The condition known as kernicterus is something that results from jaundice in newborns. If the bilirubin cannot be put under control, it can cause serious brain damage. This then leads to muscle stiffness, and though it can be treated, it is something that a physician should be able to detect immediately and to begin treating before the harm is done.

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Signs and symptoms of spastic CP include: Tight muscles that do not stretch Trouble walking, crossing knees, having a scissor-like walk or walking on toes Tight joints Weak muscles or no movement in a group of muscles There are three kinds of spastic CP: Spastic diplegia.

Children with this kind have muscle stiffness mostly in the legs. They may have trouble walking because tight muscles in the hips and legs cause their legs to turn inward and cross at the knees also called scissoring. These children may need a walker or leg braces to help them move from place to place. Spastic hemiplegia.

This kind usually affects one side of the body. The arm and leg on the affected side may be shorter and thinner than the other side of the body. These children often walk later than others and may walk on tip-toe. Some have a curved spine also call scoliosis , seizures or speech problems. Spastic quadriplegia. This is the most serious kind of spastic cerebral palsy. Are there other kinds of CP? Children with this kind of CP have muscle tone that ranges from being too tight to too loose.

This can cause uncontrolled movements that can be slow and twisting or quick and jerky. Children with dyskinetic CP may have problems controlling the movements of their hands, arms, feet and legs. This makes it hard to sit and walk. Some of these children also have trouble speaking.

Problems in their face and tongue muscles may make them frown or drool. Ataxic CP. This type of CP is rare. These children have problems with balance and coordination.

They may be unsteady when they walk. They also may have tremors shaking muscles when they make quick movements or movements that need a lot of control, like writing. Hold your baby.

Crying babies arch their heads back and stiffen their legs. Holding them curved into a C or flexed position can help them calm down. Cerebral palsy CP is a brain neurological disorder that causes problems with normal motor function. Many children with CP have normal intelligence. A child may have muscle weakness, poor motor control, or shaking spasticity of the arms or legs. A child may also have stiff legs or clenched fists.

Emotional and social milestones are not always as easy to assess, but delays in these can also indicate a child has cerebral palsy or another developmental disorder. A two-month old baby should be able to smile at people and use simple self-calming techniques. By four months, babies smile more and play with people. Your baby is slowly gaining control over his muscles.

Your baby may move his arms and legs to show his interest in the action around him. Your baby may have sudden jerking movements, so when you are carrying him, be careful to support him well. People with spastic CP have increased muscle tone. This means their muscles are stiff and, as a result, their movements can be awkward. Sleep issues not only affects the child's development, but it also causes a disturbance within the entire family.

Medical Definition of Stiff baby syndrome Stiff baby syndrome : A genetic disorder also known as hyperexplexia in which babies have an exaggerated startle reflex reaction. A number of other families have since been found with this disease. Shuddering attacks are recognized as an uncommon benign disorder occurring during infancy or early childhood.