Why Is a Baby Arching Back and Stiffening Legs?
There are a couple of reasons why a baby might arch his back and stiffen his legs. However, even if you think you have it figured out, you must go to a doctor in order to be certain.
Temper Tantrum
The most basic reason for this behavior could be that your baby is about to have a temper tantrum. Think about how you feel before you have an adult "temper tantrum" or even how a small child looks before he or she gets mad. We tend to stiffen our bodies or tense up because we are so angry. If your baby engages in these practices right before launching into a temper tantrum, you can get a reasonable guess that you have found the reason.
However, as we stated, you must always consult with a doctor. Whenever your baby engages in new behaviors that could potentially be harmful or indicative of a disease, you are not qualified to diagnose the child by yourself.
Reflux Problems
The other likely cause is acid reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. However, you and your doctor will need a little bit more information about the condition of your baby in order to determine if the child has one of these two reflux problems. The fact that he or she arches their back and stiffens their legs does not necessarily mean that the baby has reflux issues.
Reflux Causes Other Problems
When a baby has a reflux issue, he or she will usually have a wide plethora of symptoms. Therefore, if your baby is stiffening the legs and arching the back in conjunction with some of these other symptoms, there is a good chance that a reflux issue is at the core of the problem:
- Constant crying
- Frequent hiccups
- Only eating small amounts, although seemingly hungry
- Seems in pain
- Screams when hungry but will turn away from the mother's breast or other food
- Problems with swallowing
- Irritability
- Frequently spitting up
- Being fussy or crying a lot after being fed
- Asthma
- Hoarseness of the throat
- Poor breath
- Stretching out of the body in general
- Not gaining weight properly
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Moving without breathing
- Sounds that make you think the child has stopped breathing
- Choking
- Diarrhea
- Being diagnosed as colic
- Problems with sleeping
Treatment for Acid Reflux
If you suspect that your baby has a reflux problem take your baby to the doctor right away. Some of the symptoms, such as choking and asthma, can be extremely serious. There are a series of treatments that the doctor can use to relieve the problem.
Do not try any home remedies or attempt to purchase remedies at the store. The doctors will usually select an antacid that is appropriate for your little one. You will have to monitor the situation closely in order to ensure that the medication is working properly and that any secondary issues are observed and resolved immediately.