A Closer Look at Infant Discomfort: What You Need to Know About Baby Tension
Bringing a newborn into the world is an incredible experience, but it can also be filled with uncertainty, especially when it comes to understanding and addressing their discomfort, torticollis, feeding concerns, tongue ties, head shape asymmetries, etc. As a parent, it can be heart-wrenching to see your baby in distress and not know how to help, but in this post, we will explore common causes of infant tension, discuss common signs and symptoms, and provide expert advice on who to see and how to soothe your little one. Whether you're a first-time parent or have experienced this journey before, this blog will equip you with the knowledge and tools to soothe your baby and make those early months a little bit easier.
Understanding the causes of baby tension
Many find it perplexing that a human with such limited earth-side experience could have tension within their tiny little bodies. Newborns have not yet experienced sports injuries, poor posture at a computer, stress from deadlines, etc. how could they possibly be experiencing such an adult-like sensation?! The answer can sometimes take a skilled provider to narrow down the underlying cause. Sometimes, it’s as simple as their positioning within the womb or the birth process itself. If this is the case, tension can typically be managed within a few visits and with homework for parents. However, there can be underlying causes contributing to tension patterns such as tongue ties, compensation from poor feeding mechanics, GI discomfort such as gas, reflux, etc.
Signs and symptoms of baby tension
Tension is a common cause for both the physical and emotional symptoms that many parents note within their little newborn. It’s important for parents to know that if your little one is showing signs of discomfort, a pediatric chiropractor is a great first step for addressing any underlying causes for tension as well as reducing symptoms. That being said, signs of tension in a newborn can include:
Difficulty feeding (pulling away, arching, poor latch, pain/discomfort with feeding, etc.)
Torso is curved into a C - shape
One hip is hiked higher than the other
Fists are consistently clenched
Reflux
Colic | Fussiness
Constant squirming | restlessness
Preference for one side
Flat spots on the head
Asymmetries in facial features
Tips for relieving baby tension
The key to improving the lives of both the baby and parents when a baby is uncomfortable is addressing both the physical and emotional components. When we discover that an infant isn’t feeling great in their little bodies we obviously need to help them feel better, but more importantly, we need to ensure we keep them feeling great by finding the REASON they felt crummy in the first place.
If a baby is not feeding well, not sleeping well or unable to move freely, they tend to be a bit more “ramped up.” Their nervous systems are a bit more on edge and they tend to be a bit fussier. Not only is this distressing for parents, but it can also impact the bonding experience that many parents expected to have with their newborn. This is a commonly overlooked aspect of care, but it is so incredibly important. Incorporating something as simple as parent-infant massage can provide parents with a tool to not only help decrease tension in their newborn (and offer a feeling of having the ability to help their tiny tot), but also provide them with a way to bond and connect with their baby.
Dr. Dani takes a two step- approach by working with the babies to help decrease tension and find the underlying cause for the discomfort and then also the parents by offering home-care options so they can participate in their baby’s progress.
Why tension in newborns is a concern
While tension in newborns is common, it is not normal and if left untreated it could POTENTIALLY lead to other concerns. Here are a few potential complications:
If a baby is unable to move symmetrically and has a preference for one side, they could develop a flat spot (plagiocephaly). If we aren’t able to move both sides equally and take in input from both sides (think looking to both sides, using both arms, etc.) then we can have asymmetrical neurological imput.
If little one isn’t feeding well and taking in air, we could see relux, colic, gassiness and gastrointestinal issues.
If tiny tot isn’t able to lay comfortably or hang out on their back or in tummy time or side time, there may be delayed milestone development such as rolling, crawling, etc.
If your little nugget is constantly uncomfortable and they aren’t feeding, playing and pooping well, their nervous systems are also on high alert. This is a big portion of why these babies seem to be constantly “ramped up.” This is also why after treatment, babies tend to take a big nap and have a bowel movement. We are getting them out of sympathetic (fight or flight) and stimulating the parasympathetics (rest and digest).
Who to see for newborn tension
When it comes to assessing the cause, treatment and care plan for a tiny tot, it is important to seek out a professional that has specific training in this area. Dr. Dani is a pediatric chiropractor with thousands of hours of additional education in topics related to tension in babies. It’s necessary to take a full body approach to address the fascial system, ranges of motion, check for other associated concerns such as tongue tie, plagiocephaly, reflux, etc. Not every chiropractor that works with babies has this background, so pediatric physical therapists with additional bodywork training (also additional education) are great options as well. Treatment is often a team approach and depends on the symptoms, diagnosis and goals of the parents. For example, if there are feeding concerns involved or a tongue tie is suspected, coordination of care with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is incredibly helpful to ensure you are getting the most thorough approach to care and treatment. This should be coordinated by the provider you initially see depending on findings from the assessment! If you suspect your little one just doesn’t feel their best in their bodies feel free to reach out or schedule below!
