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Why are my Baby's muscles so stiff?
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Why does my Baby stiffen his legs and arms when excited?
Why is my Baby tensing up?
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Feb 16, 2022 · Babies sometimes stiffen up for various reasons. Learn when stiff muscles are normal, and when to check with the doctor.
When a baby stiffens its body up, it can be a sign that they are uncomfortable or feeling threatened, excited, or there may be an underlying medical condition. It’s important to learn what it looks like when a baby tenses up so that you can provide the appropriate support.
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Hypertonia in Babies. Hypertonia is too much muscle tone. Babies with hypertonia appear stiff and have trouble moving their muscles. An injury or condition that affects the function of the central nervous system causes hypertonia.
Discover why your baby stiffens their legs and arms, explore hypertonia and other possible reasons, and learn how to support your little one's unique developmental journey.
What if my baby stiffens their legs and arms when excited? Abnormal stiffness in a baby is a symptom associated with hypertonia. Hypertonia is a condition characterized by abnormally stiff muscles in a baby, and it’s a symptom of cerebral palsy, kernicterus (jaundice), and Erb’s palsy.
The spasms are tiny seizures that can have a big impact on a baby’s development. Infantile spasms most often begin when a baby is 3 to 12 months old. Infantile spasms can cause serious, permanent changes to a child's developing brain without early diagnosis and treatment.
Hypertonia in a baby is essentially the opposite of hypotonia. Hypotonia, or floppy baby syndrome, describes too little muscle tone. The stiffness of hypertonia is less common in newborns than hypotonia. Damaged areas of the brain or spinal cord that send signals to the muscles can cause hypertonia. Potential causes of hypertonia in a baby include:
