hey there my son does this too, its called the startle reflex and totally normal at your babys age, mine is almost a year old so im not sure if its still normal at this age but we keep him wrapped when hes asleep so he doesnt wake himself and he feels safe.

Just put your baby is a safe position(back) cushioned head. It will pass!! just keep in touch with your paedatrician, but sure it's nothing to worry about.

All the best

traceywestaway

She sounds just like my daughter - she did it from day 1.  Lie her safely on her back and as she goes to sleep her arms wildly jerk and awake again.  Or 45 minutes into the (3 hour??) sleep another jerk and awake!

I mentioned it to the Paediatrician at her first check up and he said it was Myoclonia - menaing jerking - a normal thing for quite a percentage of the population.  A baby version of when you are in a boring meeting or school lesson, you nod off and then suddenly jerk awake.  Now my husband is a twitcher in bed and sometimes I jump as I am falling asleep (but I am sure she gets it from my husband and NOT me!) 

His suggestion (not that you should do the same without medical assurance) was for her to sleep on her stomach, thereby limiting her ability to jerk herself awake.  Instant success!  Now at nearly ten years old, she still tends to thrash around the bed and talks in her sleep. 

But certainly next time you see the GP or nurse, try to remember to mention it, as your daughter may not be the same as mine.  But it is most likely just somethine she may continue to do.  My other daughter is a log in bed.

Good luck!

my little 3 1/2 month old does it all the time wether shes asleep wake in my arms on the floor or in her cot worse thing is she does it while im trying to change her. The baby's nervous system is still developing voluntary muscle control at three months. so its normal.

This jolting movement is very normal.  It is called the startle response and is characterised by a baby throwing their arms out wide, with the hands open.  This can be accmpanied by them pushing their heads forward or not, depending on the baby.

It usually happens when a baby is startled by a noise or is bumped, usually while asleep, but can happen when they are awake too.

The theory is that it is an instinctive response from our more primal times.  It is thought the response was developed as a protective mechanism when a baby felt or was falling.  By spreading the arms wide etc, they created a greater surface area so that when they hit the ground, they were able to place the shock of the impact over a greater body area, thus minimising the damage done to them.  It is not recommended that you try that with a baby though, as our babies these days are more evolved and probably wouldn't handle it as well.

If you observe primates (monkeys and apes) in documentary shows, you will notice that the mums cradle their babies very closesly to their chests and that the baby hangs on with a firm grip.  You will notice that when a primate baby is startled, the response is very much like our own babies.

In short, the jolting movements are nothing to be worried about.  They are a good indication that your baby is very aware of their surroundings (even when asleep) and that there is a minimal risk of hearing issues.  It is cute to see though, and our little girl still does it and she is 11 weeks old.

My son was very jumpy wen he was born.  it turned out he had a sugar addiction (i had to much chocolate wen pregnant). he's 6 months now and still jolts, specially if hes in his own little world, so dont worry to much bout it.  it could also be just a twitch which everyone gets.   if you feel safer see a dr about it but it is a normal reaction.

Yes, This is normal,  I still do it and I am an adult.  it Normally comes when one is inactive (like sleeping or just laying there watching her toes!)  and her breathing slows down.  I knwo it bac be a bit worrying but its really a good thing, that means her body reconizes seh isnt breathing normally and gives it a bit of a jolt to pick it up... it  perfectly fine tho, but if youare too worried, go ahead and take her to the doc so you can ease your worries!

its a stunned reaction  just like you jump from something that shocks you well  same with your child my daughter  does it too if you are concerned  go to your doctor hope this helps

My son is 3 months old. I dont know if this is the same thing as your daughter but when my son is restless he will keep tossing and turning siide to side,i think they are just trying to get comfortable. If your really concerned about it you should see your gp or midwife. I dont know why she would jolt while she's awake tho.