Why is the Baby Arching Back? [What to look out for!]

Babies, they can’t tell us what they need, but they can sure come up with creative ways of telling us when they need something! That’s a method of using a variety of – sometimes disturbing—movements and body language.

For us, particularly first-time parents, this can be difficult when we don’t understand the body language at hand. It’s calming when they are peaceful, napping, or cooing in your arms. But what about when you notice an arched back? They will do this while crying, sleeping, and being held, and that can worry us tremendously!

There’s good news here when a baby arches its back. It usually means nothing! It’s just another way of a baby telling us they need something. There are some reasons that a baby’s back arching that can be more serious, though. These more serious reasons can be a sign of a serious health condition. We are going to look into some reasons that a baby will arch their back, why it happens, what to do, and when to worry.

Possible Causes of Baby Arching Back

Did you know newborns are great at arching their backs? It’s true, and you may have noticed your newborn arching back while they are crying, laying down, sleeping, or being held. This usually provides clues to their needs, moods, and discomfort. We’ll tell you the most common reasons your bundle of joy might arch their back.

Communication

We already know our baby is trying to tell us something when they are squirmy. However, when they are arching their back, it looks dramatic and like they are in distress. But did you know this is a common way for babies to communicate too?

Maybe they don’t want to be held or fed. The easiest way for them to tell us they aren’t into it is to use their powerful back muscles and arch their back. We could consider this an early version of a temper tantrum.

However, it can also mean several things, from being too tired, hungry, or wanting to be held. We assure you that your little one isn’t gaslighting you by giving mixed messages. This is just one of a few ways they can communicate with you at this time.

Gas

Did you know babies arch their backs when they have gas or an upset tummy? It actually helps them feel a bit more comfortable. You might notice them doing this right after a feeding, trying to poop, or laying down.

Colic

Did you know that babies arch their backs when they have colic? It’s true, babies arch their backs to warn us of this. When your baby has colic, one of the sure ways of knowing this is if your baby is arching their back.

Baby Reflux

Did you know some babies get acid reflux? They’ll arch their backs for this, especially when they are sleeping. A baby arching head back while sleeping may just be acid reflux.

Startle Reflex

Did you know babies will arch their backs when they are startled? But this only lasts until they are between two to four months old. You might notice this if your baby throws head back suddenly.

Tummy Time

Did you know your little one will arch their back during tummy time? When they realize the world and start exploring, babies will arch their backs to look around and see better.

See also: 8 Tips to Help Your Newborn Sleep

More Serious but Less Common Reasons

Babies arching their backs occasionally is normal and is nothing to worry about. However, there are some cases when arching their backs is a more serious condition that needs to be looked into.

Though, before thinking the worst, we recommend you try some of the soothing techniques listed in this article first, before going into panic mode. Always talk to your doctor if you are worried about your baby’s health. Keep in mind that a baby arching their back could be a symptom of one of these serious conditions, and you should always be on the lookout for these signs.

Some of the more serious reasons that your baby could arch their back are Rumination Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Nerve Damage, Newborn Jaundice, Kernicterus, Cerebral Palsy, Sandifer Syndrome, Infantile Spasms.

What to do When Your Baby Arches Their Back

The best thing you can do at this point is to not panic. Remember, several natural causes are completely harmless to your baby.

This can also mean many things, and there isn’t one remedy to fix the problem. How you soothe your baby depends on the underlying issue that’s causing them to arch their back.

Some ways you could address the issue are straightforward. For example, you could try to console and comfort your baby. You could also reposition them, cuddle them, or distract them from what’s bothering them.

What if you suspect it’s gas or baby reflux? That’s simple enough as well. You could prop them up during feeding, avoid overfeeding, feed them smaller portions more frequently, or use a smaller bottle and nipple size to minimize air intake.

When to Worry About Baby Back Arching

Most times, your baby will stop arching their back as they grow. They will become stronger, gain more control, and develop the impulse to roll over. They’ll also outgrow the startle reflex, and that means that the problem should fix itself.

However, if the methods don’t work at all, or if your baby is showing other symptoms, it might be time to call your doctor.

When you are looking at gas, baby reflux, or other digestive issues, these are signs that your baby’s back arching has crossed the line: baby arching back and crying for over 3 hours, appearing as if in pain, throwing up every time you feed them, being irritable during a feeding, refusing to eat, not gaining or losing weight, or not wetting their diaper.

In the matter of brain or nerve damage here are some other signs to look for: muscle spasms, jerking movements, floppiness, seizures, stiffness, odd head or neck spasms, trouble swallowing, weak sucking, a high-pitched cry, sudden difficulty latching, or feeding, or bulging or swollen soft spots on the head.

Kernicterus would be the condition that would represent the more problematic back arching. Excessive bilirubin secretion causes the condition and can ultimately cause brain damage. Liver problems can make these levels spike, you should probably be on the lookout for yellowing of the skin or eyes. Kernicterus can cause uncontrollable and painful convulsions which would lead to your baby arching their back—but that’s the worst-case scenario.

See also: Nested Bean Sleep Sack Review

FAQ

What are the possible minor causes of my baby arching their back?

The possible minor causes of your baby arching their back are communication, gas, colic, baby reflux, startle reflex, and tummy time.

What are the more serious causes of my baby arching their back?

The more serious causes that may cause a baby to sleep with an arched back are rumination syndrome, sleep apnea, autism spectrum disorders, nerve damage, newborn jaundice, kernicterus, cerebral palsy, Sandifer syndrome, infantile spasms.

Should I panic if my baby is arching their back?

Absolutely not. There can be many reasons that your baby is arching its back, and most commonly, this is normal.

What should I do if my baby is arching their back?

You can soothe your baby by consoling and comforting them, repositioning, cuddling, or distracting them.

What should I do if my baby is arching their back due to gas or baby reflux?

If you suspect your baby has gas or baby reflux, you could try to prop them up during feeding, avoid overfeeding, feed them smaller portions more frequently, or use a smaller bottle and nipple size to minimize air intake.

What are the signs that my baby arching their back is related to gas or baby reflux?

There are several signs to tell you that your baby arching his back because of gas or baby reflux. These signs are: crying for over 3 hours, appearing as if in pain, throwing up every time you feed them, being irritable during a feeding, refusing to eat, not gaining or losing weight, or not wetting their diaper.

What do I look for if I suspect my baby suffers from brain or nerve damage?

There are several things to look for if you suspect your child suffers from brain or nerve damage. Such as muscle spasms, jerking movements, floppiness, seizures, stiffness, odd head or neck spasms, trouble swallowing, weak sucking, a high-pitched cry, sudden difficulty latching or feeding, or bulging or swollen soft spots on the head.

What do I look for if I suspect it might be Kernicterus?

Kernicterus can cause jaundice, so be on the lookout for yellowing of the skin or eyes.

When should I call my doctor?

If you have tried all the methods and they don’t seem to work, calling your doctor immediately could be of tremendous help in finding the underlying issue that might cause the back arching.

In most cases, your baby arching their back is completely normal. Please notify your doctor immediately if you have any concerns. Don’t panic and don’t stress out—we got your back!