Babies move a lot in their sleep and often end up in a variety of different sleep positions – some of which may not seem too comfortable. One common position that often catches parents' attention is when babies sleep with their arms up.
If you're wondering why babies sleep with their arms up and if it’s safe, read on, this article is for you.
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Is Sleeping With Arms Up a Normal Baby Sleep Position?
Sleeping with arms up is a normal sleeping position, though many parents question why do babies sleep with their arms up, since it may not be our first position of choice.
When your baby is in the 4th trimester, many of their movements are involuntary reflexes – their arms often naturally go up while asleep. This actually starts in the womb so can be reminiscent of their time there – which is comforting.
In addition to being one of the normal baby sleep positions, it is also safe, as long your baby is on their back (unless they know how to roll over back and forth) and has nothing else in the crib aside from a pacifier.
Putting your baby under one-year-old to sleep on their back is incredibly important. However, if they move into different positions on their back to get comfortable, that's perfectly fine!
Why Do Babies Sleep with Their Arms Up?
There are several possible reasons why your baby sleeps with arms up. These include the Moro reflex, a major reason why babies move in their sleep, and their natural development, plus comfort and safety.
1. The Moro reflex
The Moro reflex is a normal, instinctive reaction newborns and young babies have when feeling startled or unsettled. It can be triggered when a baby experiences a sudden sensation, such as an abrupt movement like being placed on their back starting with their head down first. A loud sound can also trigger the Moro reflex.
If the Moro reflex is triggered, your baby's arms may fling out as part of an instinct to protect themselves. This is why your baby may extend their arms up in the air or out to the sides. This reflex is also why babies sometimes wake up with a jolt, which is completely normal.
Wondering when does the Moro reflex disappear? It usually fades around 4-months to 6-months-old as your baby’s nervous system matures and they develop more control of their limbs.
2. Comfort
Another reason your baby may prefer to sleep with arms up is because it mimics how they slept in the womb. This can provide a natural sense of security and help as they adjust to their new world. It also gives them access to their hands – may suck on their fingers or touch their face instinctively to calm themselves!
3. Personal preference
As babies grow and develop, and their reflexes change, their sleep positions may naturally change. However, some babies continue sleeping with their arms up even after the reflex fades – suggesting that it is what makes them feel most comfortable or safe, or they just enjoy it! Plus, if your baby likes to such their thumb or touch their face to help them sleep, sleeping with arms up makes that much more convenient.
Benefits of Sleeping with Arms Up
A baby on their back sleeping with arms up have benefits that support their development and comfort – all which can lead to better sleep.
- Sense of Security: Babies often sleep in positions that mimic the cozy environment of the womb. Sleeping with arms up may provide a familiar and comforting feeling, helping ease their transition to the outside world.
- Natural Development: Reflexes plays a role in early development, as your baby gains more control of their bodies and become more adjusted to their world. If your baby is sleeping with arms up, they may be moving them freely as ways to help them gain better motor control or learn to use their limbs.
- Self Soothing: Babies wake often between sleep cycles and may try to find a way to fall back asleep independently, without crying for your help. Self-soothing is a key part of a how to help a baby sleep through the night. Some babies naturally raise their arms while sleeping because it helps them to which getting themselves to fall back asleep. Touching their face or sucking on their hands, which can be calming and help with emotional regulation. Once your baby is old enough to fall asleep without your support like rocking or feeding, finding ways to calm themselves enough for sleep is an important skill to develop.
- Longer Sleep Stretches: Comfort plays a major role in helping your baby get the rest they need. In addition to sleep fundamentals such as the ideal room temperature and a dry overnight diaper, a safe, comfortable sleeping position can help minimize unnecessary wakeups and get your baby sleeping better – for longer.
If your baby is struggling finding a position that is comfortable, take this free 3-minute sleep quiz to see if there are other things that can be affecting their comfort at nap or bedtime. The Smart Sleep Coach by PampersTM app has a smart Sleep Schedule which will create your baby a schedule based on their age-appropriate wake windows and sleep needs. Knowing the right time to put your baby to sleep helps prevent overtiredness and makes it easier for them to fall asleep easier – and stay sleep longer.
Is It Safe for Babies to Sleep with Their Arms Up?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe for babies to sleep with their arms up. In fact, this position is very natural for them and may even be comforting as they adjust to life outside the womb. Babies are used to having their arms flexed and raised in limited space, so extending their arms while sleeping can make them feel secure.
Arms up in the air or not, babies should always be put to sleep on their backs for the first year of life to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). That's why the answer to can babies sleep on stomach is no, until they can roll over both ways independently. When do babies roll over depends, but it often could be anywhere from 2-months, though some may do so earlier.
Also, there should be no loose bedding or items in the crib, including stuffies or blankets.
Is Swaddling with Arms Up OK?
Swaddling with arms up is OK and can be just as beneficial as traditional swaddling with arms down. Swaddling with arms up allows babies to maintain some of the natural reflexive movements they make while still reducing the startle reflex.
Even though it's common for arms to be wrapped in the swaddle, not all babies are comfortable that way – which is why many parents ask Is it okay to swaddle with arms up.
Arms in or out, it's important to know how to swaddle your baby safety. This includes ensuring that the swaddle is snug around the body but not too tight around the arms or chest, and that you use breathable fabrics to avoid overheating.
Once your baby shows any signs of rolling over, stop swaddling immediately. If your baby rolls onto their stomach while swaddled, even if they are asleep with arms up, it can be very dangerous. Here’s information on when and how to stop swaddling a baby.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve noticed your baby sleeping with their arms up and are wondering if it’s normal, the answer is yes, it’s a completely normal and comforting way to sleep. Sleeping with arms up can be part of your baby's natural reflexes or be the sleeping position where they feel most secure or can self-soothe.
If you’re having any concerns about your baby’s sleep and looking for additional support, try out the Smart Sleep Coach by PampersTM app. It’s built by pediatricians and pediatric sleep consultants to help parents navigate every part of their baby’s sleep, such as creating a bedtime routine to how to get your baby to sleep in a crib to choosing a baby sleep training method.
Between ensuring baby sleep safety and making sure all their needs are met, don't over thing sleeping with their arms up – it's just another cute thing your baby does!
