Is your baby immobile or overly tense? Experts warn about muscle tone

Do you notice unusual movements in your baby? It may be a muscle tone issue!
A newborn’s restless sleep, frequent vomiting, or constantly tense posture should be a serious concern for parents. Experts emphasize that imbalance in a baby’s muscle tone — either hypertonia or hypotonia — can negatively affect their movements, development, and even internal organ functions.

Hypertonia — excessive body tension
Muscle hypertonia is when a baby’s muscles are excessively tense and contracted. Such babies often sleep with their arms bent and pressed to their chest, and their fists tightly clenched. Even during sleep, they don’t appear relaxed. Chin tremors, frequent crying, and restlessness are also common.

Hypertonic babies have impaired motor reflexes. For example, they tend to stand on their toes instead of the whole foot. This reflex should disappear by 1.5 months, but in hypertonic babies, it persists longer.

These children are late to crawl, sit, or walk. They have poor balance while walking and tire quickly. Sleep and digestion may be disrupted — all symptoms of hypertonia.

Hypotonia — muscle weakness and floppiness
Muscle hypotonia, on the other hand, is when muscles are too relaxed and not firm enough. Such babies lie in a “frog position”: arms by their sides, legs splayed out, fingers unclenched. The head, arms, and legs hang downward, and movement is sluggish.

Hypotonic babies rarely cry, don’t suckle well, gain weight slowly, and are less active. They can’t hold their heads up, grab objects, and lag behind peers. Limited movement slows down bone and muscle growth, leading to posture issues like scoliosis or kyphosis later on.

Early intervention means better outcomes!
The good news is that a baby’s nervous system can recover. When detected early, treatment is more effective. Treatment may include:
- massage and physiotherapy (ultrasound, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy);
- gymnastics and swimming sessions;
- sometimes medications.

Skilled professionals offer tailored treatments based on a child’s motor abilities. The key is parental vigilance — paying attention to movements, sleep patterns, and feeding habits.

If your baby seems unusually still or tense, don’t assume it’s normal. Muscle tone issues can lead to serious developmental problems. Consult a specialist early — it’s a crucial step toward your child’s healthy future. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!