You often see babies with arched backs. It remains difficult to understand the causes of baby arching back, and it is often misunderstood as a means of communication by the baby through the use of their body. As babies are unable to talk and communicate their desires, their likes and dislikes, they often do so with rather unusual body movements, which in this case, is an arched back. In reality, arched backs may sometimes be a sign of some underlying developmental problem in babies; thus, it needs to be carefully monitored both by parents and by doctors.
Baby Arching Back–Is It Normal?
Parents often find their baby arching backs. Mostly the reason behind this lies in the baby’s attempts to try and pass his or her message of them being upset. When babies reach nine months or more of the age, they are more likely to be able to showcase their frustrations through such actions.
Your baby may begin to show his or her frustration over things not going the way he or she wanted by throwing himself or herself back and forming an arched back position. At nine months, a baby’s perception starts to develop, and they get the ability to imagine things as they like. Failure of doing things according to the likings of your baby results in them being upset, and thus, an arched back is what you find.
According to a well-known pediatrician and author, Bob Sears, almost all babies go through the phase of arching back as a way of showcasing their frustrations. One must take caution regarding this as babies have little control over themselves when they suddenly throw themselves back. It may cause injury to their weak and developing bones.
If you want to see what reflux arching of a baby looks like, you can watch the video below:
Why Does Baby Arching Back Happen?
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Causes |
Descriptions |
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Reflux |
Children who suffer from episodes of reflux, commonly known as acid reflux, are more likely to arch their backs during times of feeding. Acid reflux is mostly caused by the flow of stomach acids into the esophagus due to the weakening of the stomach muscles, and it is essential to control this by contacting a pediatrician right away, and eliminating the immense discomfort felt by your baby. |
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Anger |
Babies also tend to arch their backs when they are angered or infuriated by an act. As babies cannot speak, they represent their anger by the use of actions or bodily movement. During bottle-feeding, the babies arching their backs may indicate their anger over the slow flow of milk, or because he or she is already full. You must understand the factors that cause your baby to become upset. |
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Tiredness |
Babies may arch their backs to indicate that they are tired during episodes of feeding, or to reflect that they are tired during their play time. It may also be an indication that what your baby needs is a good sleep. Thus, ensure that your baby gets the required rest time so that there are lesser episodes of arched backs in the babies. |
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Developmental problems |
If babies are arching their backs during times of affection, and not during feeding episodes, it is more likely that your baby has some developmental issue such as Autism or Asperger’s syndrome. You must take this symptom in account and visit the doctor as soon as possible and this could be only one of the many symptoms that you may have previously ignored. |
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Cerebral palsy |
A frequently arched back may be an indication of a neurological disorder affecting muscle control in babies, known as cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can be eliminated in babies with the help of certain medications, and by taking help of a professional. Contacting the pediatrician remains utmost essential in such cases, and you must do it as soon as possible. |
How to Stop Baby Arching Back
1. Cuddle Your Baby Tightly
It is essential to cuddle your baby tightly to provide them with a sense of comfort, and ease their arched backs. Babies find most comfort when they are closely held to the bodies of their parents.
2. Put Your Baby down
You may also find it useful to put your baby down on a mattress or a sofa where there is a straight and comfortable back when a baby is arching back.
3. Divert Your Baby’s Attention
Diverting the baby’s attention may be one of the best techniques to prevent a baby arching back, or forgetting the cause of their frustration and anger. Engage your baby in activities such as play time, or even putting them to sleep.
4. Your Calm Heartbeats May Comfort Your Baby
Colic babies are more likely to arch their backs in order to provide comfort to their stomach. Let you baby hear your calm heartbeats which will provide the baby with utmost comfort.
5. Wrap Your Baby Properly
You must wrap your baby as comfortable as possible to provide him/her with total ease and no discomfort.
6. Calm Down Your Baby’s Mood
Calm down the mood to bring your baby to peace, or try using the noise of cars, washing machines, vacuum cleaners to quickly divert the baby’s mind. You may also find that some babies find comfort in warm baths, and some find comfort when they are constantly swayed.
7. Do Not Worry
You must not worry as an arched back is fairly common in babies. Most babies at nine months of age tend to have frequent arched backs, as they are going through the process of slowly indicating their frustrations and dislikes about the things around them. However, visit a professional if you have serious concerns and to eliminate the possibility of any serious root cause for baby arching back.
