Babies move a lot in their sleep and often end up in a variety of different sleep positions – some of which may not seem too comfortable to us.
One common position that often catches parents' attention is when babies sleep with their arms up.
If you're wondering why babies sleep with their arms up and if it’s safe, read on, this article is for you.
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Understanding Baby Sleep Positions
When it comes to baby sleep positions, safety is a top priority. Babies spend a lot of their early life sleeping and ensuring you know things like how to swaddle a baby properly, know the ideal room temperature, and, of course, the safe sleeping positions for baby, is crucial.
Putting your baby under one-year-old to sleep on their back is incredibly important. However, you may notice they move into certain positions when on their back to get comfortable, such as sleeping with arms up in the air or stretched overhead.
Parents may wonder “Why do babies sleep with their arms up?”, since it may not be our first position of choice.
One reason why a baby or newborn sleeps with arms up is reflexes. Reflexes are involuntary movements and one of the reasons why babies move in their sleep.
Another reason is that sleeping with arms up can be comfortable or allow them to self-soothe. Babies wake often between sleep cycles and may try to find a way to fall back asleep independently, without crying for your help. Self-soothing is a key part of a how to help a baby sleep through the night.
In terms of baby sleep safety, as long your baby is on their back (unless they know how to roll over back and forth) and has nothing else in the crib aside from a pacifier (here’s all you need to know about pacifiers), sleeping with arms up is not something to worry about. It’s just a natural result of reflexes, comfort, or feeling secure.
Why Do Babies Sleep with Their Arms Up?
There are several possible reasons why your baby sleeps with arms up. These include the Moro reflex and their natural development, plus comfort and safety.
The Moro reflex is a normal, instinctive reaction newborns and young babies have when feeling startled or unsettled. It can be triggered when a baby experiences a sudden sensation, such as an abrupt movement like being placed on their back starting with their head down first. A loud sound can also trigger the Moro reflex.
If triggered, arms may fling out as part of an instinct to protect themselves. This is why your baby may extend their arms up in the air or out to the sides.
This reflex is also why babies sometimes wake up with a jolt, which is completely normal.
Wondering when does the Moro reflex disappear? It usually fades around 4-months to 6-months-old as your baby’s nervous system matures and they develop more control of their limbs.
Another reason your baby may prefer to sleep with arms up is because it mimics how they slept in the womb.
As babies grow and develop, and their reflexes change, their sleep positions may naturally change. However, some babies continue sleeping with their arms up even after the reflex fades – suggesting that it is what makes them feel most comfortable or safe, or they just enjoy it! Plus, if your baby likes to such their thumb or touch their face to help them sleep, sleeping with arms up makes that much more convenient.
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Benefits of Sleeping with Arms Up
A baby on their back sleeping with arms up is a safe way to sleep and could have advantages that support their development and comfort, which can lead to better sleep.
- Sense of Security: Babies often sleep in positions that mimic the cozy environment of the womb. Sleeping with arms up may provide a familiar and comforting feeling, helping ease their transition to the outside world.
- Natural Development: Reflexes plays a role in early development, as your baby gains more control of their bodies and become more adjusted to their world. If your baby is sleeping with arms up, they may be moving them freely as ways to help them gain better motor control or learn to use their limbs.
- Self-soothe: Some babies naturally raise their arms while sleeping because it helps them to soothe themselves to sleep. Touching their face or sucking on their hands, which can be calming and help with emotional regulation. Once your baby is old enough to fall asleep without your support like rocking or feeding, finding ways to calm themselves enough for sleep is an important skill to develop.
If your baby is struggling finding a position that is comfortable, take this free 3-minute sleep quiz to see if there are other things that can be affecting their comfort at nap or bedtime.
Is It Safe for Babies to Sleep with Their Arms Up?
Baby sleep safety is incredibly important, and parents often ask if it’s okay to see your baby sleeping with arms up.
Yes, it’s perfectly safe for babies to sleep with their arms up. In fact, this position is very natural for them and may even be comforting as may mirror their position in the womb. Babies are used to having their arms flexed and raised in limited space, so extending their arms while sleeping can make them feel secure.
However, as always, babies should be put to sleep on their backs for the first year of life to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The answer to can babies sleep on stomach is not until they can roll over both ways independently – if they can’t yet and roll to their tummy in their sleep, you can gently return them to their back. When do babies roll over depends, but it often could be anywhere from 2-months, though some may do so earlier.
Also, there should be no loose bedding or items in the crib, including stuffies or blankets.
If you’re having any concerns about your baby’s sleep and looking for additional support, download the Smart Sleep Coach by PampersTM app. It’s built by pediatricians and pediatric sleep consultants to help parents navigate every part of their baby’s sleep, such as creating a bedtime routine to how to get your baby to sleep in a crib to choosing a baby sleep training method.
Smart Sleep Coach also has a smart Sleep Schedule which will create your baby a schedule based on their age-appropriate wake windows and sleep needs. Knowing the right time to put your baby to sleep helps prevent overtiredness and makes it easier for them to fall asleep easier – and stay sleep longer.
Is Swaddling with Arms Up OK?
Swaddling is often used by parents to help young babies feel secure and calm, mimicking the snug environment of the womb. The question often comes up, “Is it okay to swaddle with arms up?”
The answer is yes, swaddling with arms up can be just as beneficial as traditional swaddling with arms down. Swaddling with arms up allows babies to maintain some of the natural reflexive movements they make while still reducing the startle reflex.
It’s important to know how to swaddle your baby safety. This includes ensuring that the swaddle is snug around the body but not too tight around the arms or chest, and that you use breathable fabrics to avoid overheating.
Once your baby shows any signs of rolling over, stop swaddling immediately. If your baby rolls onto their stomach while swaddled, even if they are sleep with arms up, it can be very dangerous. Here’s information on when and how to stop swaddling a baby.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve noticed your baby sleeping with their arms up and are wondering if it’s normal, the answer is yes, it’s a completely normal and comforting way to sleep. Sleeping with arms up can be part of your baby's natural reflexes or be the sleeping position where they feel most secure or can self-soothe.
If your baby’s sleep environment is safe, their needs are met, and they are put to sleep on their back, try and enjoy any precious moments you get while they are resting easy.
