My New Born baby’s arms are tight and won’t relax

Lyam writes:

My son is 3 months old and he will not
reach up for hanging toys, also whenever we try to pull his arms up he
tightens them onto his chest, what can we do to help him relax and
losen them.

This is common amongst newborns.  You will see a range in muscle tightness from “noodle arms” to hands that are stuck to your baby’s chest.  babies just have different levels of tightness and is all within normal range.  For babies who are tighter it is a natural reflex for them to pull back if you pull on their hands.  So what can you do.

Here are some suggestions:

-Have him lying on his side to reach for toys in front of him at eye level vs. on his back or tummy.  Some times when they are on their back the gravity can affect there reaching ability.  When they are on their tummy they may have a tendency to want to tuck the arms in.  Tap his hand with the toy to “wake up” those muscles and then put it just past his hand as he tries to reach for it.  Let him reach the toy to have a positive experience and then do it again.

-lay him over a boppy or a firm pillow and pull his arms forward to hang over the boppy or pillow.  Try to pull his arms by the back of his elbows as you are facing him or above the elbow vs. pulling the hands (their natural reflex will be to pull back if you pull on their hands).  It may be most effective to do this on a couch because babies like being on an elevates surface to see more.  You can entertain him with toys at eye level in front of him  

-Lay him on his tummy over a adult yoga ball with his arms in front and gently roll back and forth to relax him.  If you go too fast it may stimulate his muscles to tighten.  Gentle rhythmic rolling and bouncing.

-Baby massage is very effective.  When your baby is on his back you can gently massage his upper arms  and then stretch the arm to his ear (holding the elbow or above the elbow) .  He shoulders may feel tight, but you are not hurting him.  You can do this as long as he is in a happy mood.  Babies will let you know if it is uncomfortable.  Alway engage and talk to your baby in a gentle voice during these activities to relax him.

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