As you gaze lovingly at your newborn, have you ever noticed that your baby is always curling up in a ball? Some new mothers and fathers may feel a little scared and suspicious when they see their baby curled up in a ball with both arms and legs. "Why is my baby like this? Is he uncomfortable?" they ask. But in reality, most of the time, this is nothing to be afraid of. It's a very natural thing. Let's talk about this in detail and clear up any questions you may have.
Can we understand a newborn baby?
Imagine, your baby spent nine months in his mother's womb, in a very small, warm, and safe place. After coming out, this world is very new to him. New sounds, new smells, new sights, new feelings... He has to get used to all of these. So, he tries to stay in the `fetal position` for a while longer. That's why babies often look hunched over and hunched over.
In addition to this posture, newborn babies have several other automatic actions that they cannot control themselves. We call these `reflexes`.
- Sucking reflex : You may have noticed that as soon as you put a finger or a bottle nipple near your baby's mouth, he will automatically start sucking. This is an innate ability that helps him drink milk.
- Grasping reflex: If you put your finger on your baby's hand, see how tightly he or she grasps it. This is also a reflex.
- Startle/Moro reflex: When a baby is startled by a sudden sound or sudden movement, the baby will startle, throw his arms and legs out to the sides, throw his head back, and then pull himself back in. This is also very normal.
In the early days, the baby cannot control these things. But gradually, over the course of a few months, these reflexes decrease and he becomes more aware of what he does.
Why do babies lick their hands like this?
Even though your baby can't talk, he communicates with you through his body. We call this ``body language.'' This handshake is part of that language.
The main reason is hunger . Yes, you may be used to your baby crying loudly when he is hungry. But even before he starts crying, he gives you little signals. When your baby is getting close to being hungry, you can see his hands getting tighter.
Next time you feed your baby, pay close attention to this. After the baby drinks the milk and is full , the two hands that were clenching it will slowly loosen and become lighter. This means that the baby is now very healthy and full.
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Normal and natural causes | Showing hunger, habituation to the position in the womb, and the innate grasping reflex. |
| Reasons to be concerned | Frequent, very tight clenching of the hands for most of the day, especially if accompanied by other symptoms (stiffness, weakness in the limbs). |
Are there times when you need to be careful?
While this is normal in most cases, in rare cases, it can be a symptom of a neurological problem. One such condition is cerebral palsy .
Simply put, this is a condition that occurs when there is damage to the part of the brain that controls movement. This affects the child's ability to move their body, muscle control, posture, and balance.
If your baby is constantly clenching his hands tightly, for most of the day, even while sleeping , and is also showing the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice .
- Feeling weak in the body
- Poor muscle control
- Reflexes occur very slowly .
- Unusual stiffness or rigidity in the arms and legs
If you have the slightest suspicion that your baby has any of these symptoms, please do not make decisions based on information on the Internet. Immediately consult a pediatrician and seek advice. Only your doctor can accurately diagnose the situation and tell you the truth.
How can you help your baby relax?
Even if this is a normal habit for your baby, you can help him relax and explore the world through touch. Try these simple things.
1. Massage your baby's hands: Place your thumb in the middle of his hand and gently, lovingly massage in a circular motion. Start in the middle and slowly move towards the fingertips. He will then naturally try to spread his fingers. Don't force it.
2. Introduce touch: After your baby can open his hands, touch different things with his hands. Let him touch different things like a soft toy, a slightly rough piece of cloth, a carpet. This will stimulate his nerves and muscles.
3. Encourage weight-bearing: When your baby is crawling or trying to sit up, encourage him to place his hands on the floor in front of him and put weight on them. This strengthens the muscles in his hands.
4. Teach him to grasp: Give him toys that he likes, in different sizes and colors. Then he will reach out to pick them up. When you give him toys of different sizes, he will learn to adjust his hand to each size.
5. 'Give-and-take' game: After giving a toy, ask for it again lovingly. Use simple words like "Give me the ball, son/daughter." Even if he doesn't give it at first, he'll get used to this game.
Take-Home Message
- It is very normal and natural for newborn babies to hold their hands in their mouths. It is a habit and an innate reflex to the position they were in the womb.
- A baby's clenched fists can be an early sign of hunger . Watch to see if the fists relax after a full stomach and a drink of milk.
- If your baby is constantly clenching their fists and clenching their fists very hard , and is accompanied by other symptoms such as stiffness or weakness in their limbs, it may be a condition that requires medical attention.
- If you have any doubts or fears , the best thing to do is to see your doctor immediately and seek advice, without guessing.
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