What does it mean when a baby clenches its fists and jerks its legs

Until the baby learns to speak, you will have to understand his body language. It turns out to be possible! And very interesting.

“So, I’m a mom. And now what? .. ”- this feeling of confusion is faced by many women when they have their first child. “I look at my baby and understand that I have no idea what to do now, from which side to approach her,” – the stories of mothers are like a blueprint. Then it becomes relatively clear what to do: feed, bathe, change the diaper. But this is what the child wants at this particular moment – it usually remains a secret behind seven seals until he learns to speak or at least gesticulate. We have seven key points to understand what your baby is trying to say with body language.

1. jerking legs

If a baby kicks space, that’s great. In his body language, this means that he is happy and having a great time. Pinky is your toddler’s way of expressing pleasure. Please note that children often begin to jerk their legs when you play with him or during water procedures. And if at this time you take the baby on the arms and sing a song to him, he will become even happier.

2. Bends the back

This is usually a reaction to pain or discomfort. Children often arch their backs when they have colic or heartburn. If your baby is bulging while you are feeding him, this could be a sign of reflux. Try to avoid stress while breastfeeding – the mother’s worries affect the baby.

3. Shakes his head

Sometimes babies can jerk their head sharply, hitting the bottom of the crib or its sides. This is again a sign of discomfort or pain. Motion sickness usually helps, but if the baby continues to shake his head, this is an excuse to show the baby to the pediatrician.

4. Grabs himself by the ears

Do not immediately panic if the baby pulls his ears. He has fun and learns in this way – the surrounding sounds become quieter, then louder again. In addition, babies often grab their ears when their teeth are teething. But if the child cries at the same time, you need to run to the doctor and check if the child has caught an ear infection.

5. Clears the cams

In general, this is one of the first meaningful body movements that a newborn learns. Plus, a clenched fist can be a sign of hunger or stress – both of which make your baby’s muscles tense. If the habit of clenching his fists tightly persists in the child when he is more than three months old, it is better to show the baby to the doctor. This could be a sign of a neurological disorder.

6. Curls up, pressing the knees to the chest

This movement is most often a sign of digestive problems. Maybe it’s colic, maybe constipation or gas. If you are breastfeeding, follow your diet: something in the diet is causing the baby to gas. And do not forget to hold the baby with a post after feeding so that he regurgitates air. In case of constipation, consult your doctor.

7. Pulls up the handles

This is the child’s first reaction to the environment, a sign of alertness. Typically, a toddler throws up his arms when he hears a sudden sound or when a bright light turns on. Sometimes babies do this when you put them in the crib: they feel the loss of support. This reflex usually disappears four months after birth. Until then, it is worth remembering that the movement is unconscious, and the child can accidentally scratch himself. Therefore, children are advised to swaddle or put on special mittens during sleep.

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