You pick your baby up and their little legs curl, almost like a sweet roly-poly. You’re thinking: It’s as cute as can be, but what’s going on? Is it something to be worried about? Not at all! It’s the newborn scrunch.
In this article, we’ll share what the newborn scrunch is and why babies do it. We’ll also tell you how long you can expect this phase to last.
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- What is the newborn scrunch?
- Newborn scrunch: Causes
- Newborn scrunch and curl: What to do
- How long do babies do the newborn scrunch?
What is the newborn scrunch?
The newborn scrunch is a normal reflex where your baby will curl up, pulling their legs towards their belly. They might even scrunch their face and pout their lips. In a word, it’s adorable.
The newborn scrunch is also fleeting (more on that later), so be sure to enjoy it while it happens!
Newborn scrunch causes
So what causes your little one to scrunch up like that? Let’s take a look.
Seeking security
First of all, you have to remember that your baby spent a long time curled up in the fetal position inside your womb, so it’s no surprise they still do it now that they’re out in the world. Not only is it a familiar position, but it also allows them to feel more protected.
Getting more comfortable
Your little one is used to this roly-poly position after nine months in your tummy. This might just be their way of getting comfortable.
Regulating temperature
In the first few months, babies don’t thermoregulate. By scrunching, your newborn may be trying to conserve heat and regulate their body temperature.
Developing nervous system
By scrunching, your newborn gets to show off their growing muscles and maturing nervous system. Movements like this help your little one’s brain make connections between muscles and motor neurons.
Gas or digestive discomfort
Of course, your little one’s position could also be the result of something else altogether, like gas or digestive issues. Keep an eye out for other signs of gas, such as fussiness, squirminess, or grunting. If these signs ease up with burping or other movement, it’s likely gas.
Newborn scrunch and curl: What to do
Although the newborn scrunch is common and harmless, you might be worried about your little one scrunching in their sleep and rolling to the side.
You know that babies are supposed to sleep on their backs — so what if they fall asleep while side-scrunching?
1) Practice safe sleep habits.
If your newborn scrunches and curls to the side, it’s just a reflex and likely nothing to worry about. This being said, you’ll want to be sure you’re following all the safe sleep rules. Here are some of the top things to remember.
Put baby to sleep on their back.
First of all, babies should always be put to sleep on their backs, as this is the safest sleep position. If you notice they roll to the side in their sleep, gently reset them onto their back.
Choose a safe-sleep surface like a bassinet, crib, or travel crib.
It’s important that your little one only sleeps on a safe-sleep surface like a bassinet, crib, or travel crib. If they fall asleep somewhere else, like in a bouncer or swing, pick them up as soon as you notice and put them to bed in their crib.
Opt for a firm, breathable mattress.
When it comes to your baby’s mattress, it should be firm and breathable in order to reduce the risk of overheating or suffocation.
Newton crib mattresses are not only firm and breathable but are also washable from cover to core. Our mattresses feature innovative Breathe-Thru Technology, which allows your baby to breathe right through the mattress.
You can top your Newton Original Mattress with a 2-pack of Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets and maybe an Extra Original Crib Mattress Cover in case of a middle-of-the-night oopsie!
Keep baby’s crib bare.
Your baby’s crib should be bare, with only the mattress, sheet, and your sweet little baby, of course. This means no blankets, stuffed animals, toys, or pillows.
Never share a bed, but do room-share.
Even though babies are fun to snuggle with, you should never put them down to sleep in your bed as it’s a suffocation risk. Room-sharing, on the other hand, is highly recommended.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests you sleep in the same room with your baby for the first year, as sharing a room actually decreases the risk of SIDS.
Dress baby in safe sleepwear.
When you lay your baby down to sleep, be sure they are safely dressed in a swaddle or sleep sack. Skip the hat (baby can overheat) and ensure what they’re wearing is one layer more than what you would be comfortable wearing in baby’s room.
Note: Swaddling should only be used for newborns who have not yet started rolling. Once babies begin to roll, swaddling becomes unsafe and should be replaced with a sleep sack.
2) Try arms-out swaddling.
Besides keeping a safe-sleep environment, another thing you can try if you’re worried about your baby curling to the side is arms-out swaddling.
Basically, wrap the swaddle snugly around your little one’s body, but leave their arms free. When your baby turns their head, the arms will follow, making it less likely they could roll over.
If you think your little one is truly starting to roll, however, ditch the swaddle and switch to a sleep sack.
3) Avoid baby positioners.
Although it’s tempting to keep baby sleeping on their back with an infant positioner, this is dangerous and causes a suffocation risk.
4) Watch for any signs of discomfort.
To ensure your little one’s newborn scrunch isn’t gas, as we said, keep an eye out for any other signs of digestive distress. A quick burp might do the trick.
5) Wait it out.
We know the newborn scrunch might make you a little nervous. Don’t worry, it’s a short stage your baby will go through. Embrace the cuteness and try to relax.
How long do babies do the newborn scrunch?
Although every baby is different, newborns generally do the scrunch only for the first few weeks or months of their lives. Once they develop better muscle control, they’ll start to stretch their arms and legs out a bit more.
If your baby is six months old and still scrunching, it’s a good idea to see your pediatrician in order to assess whether there’s a physical or neurological reason they’re still at it.
Sweet Baby Scrunch
Now you have a name for your baby’s cute little pill bug position — the newborn scrunch. You also now know you don’t have to worry. If your baby rolls onto their side, set them straight and double-check you’re practicing safe sleep habits.
Newton mattresses are breathable, firm, and even washable. Choose from our Original, Essential, or Waterproof mattresses, which all feature breathe-through technology and are even GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
With Newton, you can be sure your little one is sleeping — and scrunching — safe and sound.
Frequently asked questions
When should I be worried about my baby doing the newborn scrunch?
The newborn scrunch is generally a harmless reflex that most babies go through. However, if your baby is more than six months old, they’re scrunching for extended periods of time, you see other signs of discomfort, or if you have any concerns, consult your pediatrician.
This may be a sign of an underlying orthopedic or neurological issue that your doctor can advise on.
Is it normal for newborns to scrunch up?
Yes! It’s completely normal for newborns to scrunch up. In fact, according to doctors, most babies do it to some degree, although sometimes it’s most evident in preemies, who may have less muscle tone at the beginning.
Why does my baby roll to the side when they scrunch?
Your baby probably doesn’t mean to roll to the side when they scrunch; this just happens when they pull their legs up and mimic that comfy position they remember from the womb. Intentional rolling comes a bit later, usually at about four to six months.
