Newborns Kick Instinctually: Understanding Your Baby's Movements

Newborns have unique reflexes, and their movements and activity are often involuntary as their nervous system is still maturing. They may kick and flail their arms while sleeping, which is a sign of the Moro or startle reflex. This is a normal response to being startled by something like a bright light or a loud sound. If your baby is kicking their legs and flailing their arms and seems agitated, they may be experiencing gas or colic. However, if they don't appear to be in pain or distressed, they are likely just asking you to play with them. As they grow stronger, their kicking can also be a way to strengthen their leg muscles and prepare for rolling over.

Kicking and flailing before sleep is normal and can be called 'active sleep'

Kicking and flailing before sleep is normal and can be called active sleep

Newborns spend about 16 hours a day sleeping, but the time they are awake can be busy. Much of a newborn's movements and activity are reflexes or involuntary—the baby does not purposefully make these movements. As the nervous system begins to mature, these reflexes give way to purposeful behaviours.

Kicking and flailing are common baby movements that happen for a reason. If your baby is kicking their legs and flailing their arms, but don't appear to be in pain, hungry or distressed, it's unlikely that there is anything wrong. They could be asking you to play with them.

If your baby is kicking their legs and flailing their arms while crying, or they seem agitated, it could be that they are gassy. Try winding them after a feed. If this is not a one-off occurrence, your baby could have symptoms of colic. Speak to your doctor or health visitor for advice.

Arm jerks or flailing arms while sleeping are a sign of the Moro reflex or startle reflex, which all babies are born with. Your baby will throw their arms out and back when they're startled by something, like a bright light or perhaps something in their sleep. Many adults still jerk their legs in their sleep too, but it often goes unnoticed.

Newborns have unique reflexes, as well as a number of physical characteristics and behaviours. For example, newborns will turn their head from side to side when lying on their stomach, their eyes are sometimes uncoordinated and may look cross-eyed, and they will begin to lift their head when lying on their stomach.

Kicking and flailing can be a sign of gas, colic or reflux

Kicking and flailing is a common movement for newborns, and it can be a result of several factors, including gas, colic, or reflux. While it may seem concerning, these movements are usually normal and are often accompanied by other signs such as crying or agitation.

Gas can cause discomfort in newborns, leading to kicking and flailing movements. This is especially true if the baby is also crying or showing signs of distress. In such cases, it is recommended to try winding them after a feed to relieve the gas. If the issue persists, it is advised to consult a doctor or health visitor as it could be a symptom of colic.

Reflux is another possible cause of kicking and flailing in newborns. Some babies may experience silent reflux, which can make it difficult to determine the exact cause of their discomfort. Medications such as famotidine are sometimes prescribed to help manage reflux. Additionally, slight elevation of the crib or bassinet mattress can help keep food down and improve reflux symptoms.

It is important to note that kicking and flailing can also occur when the baby is asleep. This is known as the Moro reflex or startle reflex, which is a normal response to sudden movements or bright lights. However, if the baby is scrunching up their knees and seems agitated, it could be a sign of wind or constipation, and proper burping techniques can help resolve this issue.

While kicking and flailing can be a cause for concern, it is often a normal part of a newborn's development. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if the issue persists.

Kicking legs and flailing arms can be a sign of hunger

Kicking legs and flailing arms are common movements that babies make, and they can be a sign of hunger. While a newborn's movements and activity are often reflexes or involuntary, as their nervous system matures, these reflexes turn into purposeful behaviours.

Babies communicate their hunger in various ways, and kicking legs and flailing arms can be one of them. As they become hungrier, they may move more and put their hands in their mouths. Crying, becoming red in the face, and exhibiting stiffer and more agitated movements are later clues that indicate hunger.

Babies also communicate hunger by becoming more alert, moving their heads from side to side, and opening their mouths. Clenched fists can be another sign of hunger, especially if they place their fists near their mouths. As they feed and become full, they will start to unclench their fists.

If your baby is kicking their legs and flailing their arms, it's important to observe their overall behaviour and look for other signs of hunger. Responding to your baby's cries and hunger cues with comfort and feeding helps build trust and security.

Kicking legs and flailing arms can be a sign of wanting to play

Kicking their legs and flailing their arms is a common movement for newborns. While they are often involuntary reflexes, they can also be a sign that your baby wants to play.

Newborns have several reflexes, including the Moro reflex (or startle reflex), the grasp reflex, the Babinski reflex, and the step reflex. The Moro reflex is when a baby's head jerks back, they throw out their arms and legs, cry, and then pull their arms and legs back in. This is usually in response to a loud sound or movement, or even their own cries. The Babinski reflex is when the big toe bends back towards the top of the foot and the other toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked. This is a normal reflex until the child is about two years old. The step reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex, where a baby appears to take steps when held upright with their feet touching a solid surface.

Kicking and flailing can also be a sign that your baby is ready to play and interact with you. As they gain more control over their movements, they will start to interact with their caregivers and the world around them. Kicking play can help your baby learn to roll over, as they figure out that their legs and feet are parts of their body and that they can create noise or movement. It also helps to build important neck strength as they tuck their chin to look down at their legs and feet.

You can encourage kicking play by using textures and sounds, such as tissue paper under a couch cushion for them to kick and create noise, or by pairing kicking with sensory input, such as dangling sensory links near their feet for them to make noise by touching them.

Kicking legs can be a way to release gas

Kicking their legs can be a way for newborns to release gas. This is a common occurrence and is often accompanied by flailing arms. If your baby is kicking their legs and appears to be in pain, it could be a sign of gas or constipation. In this case, it is important to ensure that you are properly burping your baby during and after feeding. You can also try winding them after a feed.

If your baby is kicking their legs and crying, they may be experiencing discomfort due to gas or colic. Colic is characterised by excessive crying and can be a source of concern for parents. It is always recommended to speak to your doctor or health visitor if you have any concerns about your baby's health or development. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and provide reassurance.

It is worth noting that kicking legs can also be a sign of your baby's excitement and eagerness to play. If they don't seem to be in any distress, they may simply be asking for your attention and interaction. As babies grow and develop, they learn to communicate their needs and emotions through movements and gestures. While it can take some time to fully understand your baby's unique body language, it is a fascinating aspect of their development.

Additionally, the kicking movement helps to strengthen leg muscles and prepare your baby for rolling over, which usually occurs by six months of age. This developmental milestone is an exciting step towards your baby's increasing mobility and exploration of their surroundings.

Frequently asked questions