You are thrilled to bring your new baby home from the hospital. Every day with your little one is a new adventure. But there are a few strange things about your newborn. For example, newborns have poor vision: they can only see about 8 inches, and they see in black and white. And despite having plenty of space to move now that they are no longer in the womb, they continue to pull their arms in to their chests.
Protection
If you gently stretch out your newborn's arms, he will pull them back in towards his chest as soon as you let go of his hands. Additionally, if your baby is startled, he will quickly throw his arms and hands out, then pull them back in towards his chest. This is called the Moro reflex, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Part of the reason he does this is for protection. It is possible that this reflex served our ancestors, which carried their babies all the time. If something startled an infant that was gripping its mother's back, for example, the baby quickly resumed its gripping posture, with arms close in to the body, holding on to its mother, so as not to fall.
Habit
An infant has spent many months snuggled up tightly inside her mother. As the baby grew in utero, space to wiggle and stretch gradually diminished until the baby was born. Most babies assume the traditional fetal position with their arms and legs pulled in tightly towards their bodies. The infant is accustomed to this position and usually continues to feel comfortable like this for several months, especially while sleeping.
Swaddling
Swaddling your baby is a great way to help him feel secure and comfortable. When you swaddle your little one, you wrap a blanket snugly around his body, immobilizing his arms and legs. Swaddling also prevents your baby from startling, as described in the Moro reflex. Startling can sometimes cause your baby to become upset, and some babies startle more than others. Swaddling can also help your baby feel comfortable while sleeping.
Be Patient
If the fact that your baby does not stretch out her arms bothers you, try to be patient. Your child's limbs will stretch out over time. To aid in the process, infants should have "tummy time" every day. "Tummy time" consists of placing your child on her tummy while supervising her. This time spent on her tummy will encourage the use of large muscle groups in the arms, legs, neck and back. Pediatricians recommend about 30 minutes each day, according to Healthy Child Care America. As your infant develops these muscles, her arms will begin to stretch out more.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
If your child is still pulling his arms into his chest at the age of about 4 or 5 months, it is probably time to talk to his pediatrician. Babies at this age should begin reaching for objects, such as toys. This kind of movement demonstrates a baby's control over the large muscle groups in the arms. If your child continues to draw his arms into his chest and is unable to reach for a toy consult your doctor.
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