Ashwin Lewis
Newborns often exhibit strange movements and behaviours, and one of the most common concerns for new parents is eye rolling during sleep. While it can be alarming to witness, eye rolling in babies is usually a natural reflex and is generally considered normal, particularly when falling asleep or waking up. However, if eye rolling occurs persistently or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be an indication of a more serious underlying condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eye Rolling in Newborns | It is normal for newborns to roll their eyes when they are sleeping or about to fall asleep. They are trying to figure out how to control their eye movements and learn to focus on things. |
| Other Reflexes | Newborns exhibit other strange movements and unexpected behaviors, such as the startle reflex, sucking at the air, crossing their eyes, and breathing differently. |
| When to Worry | If the eye rolling is accompanied by other symptoms such as stiffness in the arms or legs, or unusual shaking, it could indicate a seizure and requires immediate medical attention. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns have little control over their eye movements
Newborns have very little control over their eye movements, which is why they often appear to look at people cross-eyed. They are simply trying to figure out how to control their eye movements and learn to focus on things. It is also common for newborns to roll their eyes when they are sleeping or about to fall asleep. This is because they are practising motor control.
Newborns make a lot of strange movements and exhibit unexpected behaviours during their first year of life. They can startle at nothing, suck at the air, cross their eyes, breathe funnily, and more. These movements can often scare parents, but they are usually normal newborn reflexes. For example, the "startle reflex", or the Moro reflex, is a nervous system response to a sudden change in sensory stimulation. Newborns do not get scared, as their nervous systems are simply responding to the change in stimulation.
Another common reflex in newborns is the "suck" or "rooting" reflex, which helps them find a food source and eat. This reflex does not start until about 32 weeks of pregnancy, which is why premature babies often struggle with learning how to eat. The reflex is usually fully developed by 36 weeks.
While it is normal for newborns to roll their eyes when they are sleeping or about to fall asleep, it should not become the norm. If a newborn's eyes are moving rhythmically back and forth, this could be a condition called nystagmus. If a newborn is rolling their eyes frequently, this could indicate a seizure, and parents should take their baby to a local child neurologist for an evaluation.
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It's normal for newborns to exhibit strange movements and behaviours
Another common reflex is the suck or rooting reflex, which helps the baby find a food source and eat. This reflex is usually fully developed at about 36 weeks. Newborns also exhibit periodic breathing, where they breathe rapidly, hold their breath for up to 10 seconds, and then take a big breath, returning to normal breathing patterns. This is because their lungs are still developing and their brains are learning to send messages to the lungs to remind them to breathe.
It is also common for newborns to roll their eyes, especially when they are sleeping or about to fall asleep. They do this because they are trying to figure out how to control their eye movements and learn to focus on things. However, if a baby is rolling their eyes often, or if they are exhibiting rhythmic back-and-forth eye movements (called nystagmus), this could be a sign of a seizure and requires immediate medical attention.
If parents are concerned about their newborn's behaviours or movements, it is important to contact a pediatrician or a neurologist, who can evaluate and treat any potential issues.
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Rhythmic eye movements could be a sign of nystagmus
Newborns make a lot of strange movements and exhibit unexpected behaviours during the first year of life. They can startle at nothing, suck at the air, cross their eyes, breathe funnily, and more.
One of the most common concerns new parents have is their baby rolling their eyes in their sleep or when they are almost asleep. This is perfectly normal, and it is the baby's way of trying to control their eye movements and learn to focus on things. However, this should not be the norm, and if it happens too often, it may be a cause for concern.
Rhythmic eye movements, or nystagmus, are characterised by a back-and-forth motion and are not considered normal. If your baby exhibits nystagmus, it is recommended that you seek medical advice.
Nystagmus can be a symptom of several underlying conditions, including neurological issues or seizures. If your baby is exhibiting any other unusual behaviours or symptoms, such as stiffness in their arms or legs, or shaking that does not resemble the startle reflex, it is important to take them to your local emergency room or seek medical advice immediately.
It is important to remember that newborns are still adjusting to the outside world, and many of their behaviours are a normal part of their development. However, if you have any concerns about your baby's health or development, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
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Rolling eyes may be a sign of a seizure
Newborns make a lot of strange movements and exhibit unexpected behaviours during the first year of life. They can startle at nothing, suck at the air, cross their eyes, breathe funnily, and more. One of these behaviours is rolling their eyes when they are sleeping or about to sleep. While this is considered normal, it should not be the norm. If a newborn is not rolling their eyes but is instead exhibiting a rhythmic back-and-forth movement, this could be a condition called nystagmus, which is not normal.
If a newborn is experiencing a seizure, they may also exhibit stiffness in their arms or legs or have shaking that does not look like the startle reflex. If a newborn is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Seizures can be treated with medication, surgery, or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
It is important to note that the presence of rolling eyes in newborns during sleep or while trying to fall asleep is typically considered normal. However, if this occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and advice.
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Newborns may exhibit periodic breathing
While periodic breathing is a normal occurrence, there are some signs to look out for that may indicate a more serious issue. If a baby is consistently breathing more than 60 times per minute, exhibiting retractions where their stomach muscles appear to be sucking in under their ribs, or making grunting noises, it may be cause for concern. Additionally, if a baby is rolling their eyes frequently, coupled with stiffness in their arms or legs, or shaking that does not resemble the startle reflex, it could be indicative of a seizure, and immediate medical attention is advised.
It is worth noting that newborns exhibit many strange movements and behaviours during their first year of life. These can include startling at nothing, sucking at the air, crossing their eyes, and more. While these actions may worry parents, they are often normal reflexes that newborns exhibit as their nervous system responds to changes in sensory stimulation.
If parents are ever concerned about their newborn's breathing or other behaviours, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or neurologist, for evaluation and reassurance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for newborns to roll their eyes when they are sleeping or about to fall asleep. Newborns make a lot of strange movements and exhibit unexpected behaviours during the first year of life. However, if they are rolling their eyes often and displaying rhythmic back-and-forth eye movements (nystagmus), stiffness in the arms or legs, or shaking that does not resemble the startle reflex, it could be a seizure and requires immediate medical attention.
Newborns have very little control over their eye movements and are still learning how to control them and focus on things. Rolling their eyes can be a way for them to practice motor control and strengthen their eye muscles.
If your newborn is only rolling their eyes while sleeping or about to fall asleep, it is likely normal. However, if you are concerned or notice any other unusual behaviours or symptoms, contact your paediatrician or healthcare provider for advice and evaluation.
Newborns exhibit a range of reflexes and behaviours that may seem unusual but are typically normal, such as the startle or Moro reflex, suck or rooting reflex, and periodic breathing. However, if you are ever concerned about your newborn's health or development, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
