Evie Summers
Newborns often exhibit strange movements and behaviours that can worry parents. One of these behaviours is rolling their eyes while sleeping or just before falling asleep. While this is usually a normal occurrence, in some cases, it could indicate an underlying health issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal behaviour | Newborns make a lot of strange movements and exhibit unexpected behaviours during the first year of life. |
| Reason | Newborns roll their eyes when they are sleepy or about to fall asleep. |
| When to worry | If the baby is not rolling their eyes but doing more of a rhythmic back and forth, that is not normal. If the baby's eyes roll and they have stiffness in their arms or legs or have shaking that doesn't look like the startle reflex, it could be a seizure and that's an immediate trip to the emergency room. |
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for newborns to roll their eyes when they're sleepy
It's perfectly normal for newborns to roll their eyes when they're sleepy or about to fall asleep. 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.
In fact, one source notes that it's not uncommon for a baby to roll their eyes when they're sleeping or when they're almost asleep, like when they're going to sleep or trying to wake up. However, this shouldn't be the norm, and if it's happening often, it may be a cause for concern. Another source mentions that newborns may roll their eyes when they're about to fall asleep as they move their eyes to practice motor control.
While it's generally normal for newborns to roll their eyes when sleepy, parents should be vigilant and observe their newborns for other signs. For instance, if the baby is exhibiting rhythmic eye movements from side to side, known as nystagmus, this is not normal. Additionally, if the baby shows stiffness in their arms or legs or experiences shaking that doesn't resemble the startle reflex, it could be a seizure, and immediate medical attention is required.
Furthermore, while it's common for newborns to roll their eyes when sleepy, parents should be aware that eye-rolling can sometimes be a symptom of eye problems or a warning sign of seizures or other health conditions. Therefore, it's essential to consult a pediatrician if you have any concerns about your newborn's eye movements or overall well-being.
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Rolling eyes may be a sign of a health condition
While it is common for newborns to roll their eyes while sleeping or when they are about to fall asleep, parents should be aware of certain signs that may indicate a health condition.
Firstly, while it is normal for newborns to exhibit strange movements and behaviours during the first year of life, rolling eyes accompanied by other symptoms may be a cause for concern. For instance, if a baby is exhibiting stiffness in their arms or legs, or experiencing shaking that does not resemble the startle reflex, it could be a sign of a seizure, and immediate medical attention is advised.
Additionally, rolling eyes in newborns could be indicative of certain health conditions such as epilepsy, high fevers, low blood sugar, low calcium levels, metabolic diseases, or brain abnormalities. If parents observe consistent eye-rolling behaviour or notice any other unusual symptoms, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician to rule out any potential underlying issues.
Periodic breathing, where newborns exhibit fast breathing followed by a brief pause and then a deep breath, is another phenomenon that can accompany eye-rolling. While this can occur during sleep or while awake, it usually resolves by the time the baby is six months old. However, if a baby is consistently breathing more than 60 times per minute or exhibiting retractions, it may be a cause for concern, and parents should seek medical advice.
In most cases, newborn eye-rolling is a normal part of their development and is often associated with REM sleep. However, parents should remain vigilant and trust their instincts if they feel something is not right. Consulting with a pediatrician can provide reassurance and ensure that any potential health issues are identified and addressed promptly.
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Rhythmic back-and-forth eye movement is not normal
Newborns often exhibit strange movements and behaviours, especially during sleep. While it is not uncommon for a baby to roll their eyes when they are sleeping or about to sleep, rhythmic back-and-forth eye movement, also known as nystagmus, is not normal. If your baby's eyes are displaying this kind of movement, it could be a sign of a seizure, and you should take them to your local children's emergency room immediately.
Seizures in newborns can be caused by various factors, including low blood sugar, low calcium levels, metabolic diseases, brain abnormalities, epilepsy, and high fevers. If your baby is admitted to the hospital, they will likely see a neurologist to determine the cause of the unusual movements.
It is important to remember that newborns have a rapidly developing brain and are still learning how to control their muscles and movements. As such, they may exhibit a range of reflexes and behaviours that can seem unusual but are typically normal. For example, the Moro reflex, or startle reflex, is a common response to a sudden change in sensory stimulation, and it may appear as if the baby is startled, even though newborns do not experience fear.
Additionally, periodic breathing, where a baby breathes rapidly and then holds their breath for a few seconds before returning to normal, is also a typical behaviour in newborns as their lungs and brains are still developing. This usually lasts until they are about six months old.
While rolling eyes during sleep or before falling asleep is common, rhythmic back-and-forth eye movement is not. If you are concerned about your baby's eye movements or other behaviours, it is always best to consult a paediatrician or a medical professional for proper advice and evaluation.
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Newborns exhibit many strange movements and behaviours
Periodic breathing is another common occurrence in newborns, where they breathe rapidly, hold their breath for up to 10 seconds, and then take a big breath before returning to normal. This usually lasts until they are about six months old and is attributed to their developing lungs and brains still learning to regulate breathing. While this can be alarming for parents, it is typically a normal part of a newborn's development.
Other reflexes that newborns may exhibit include the Moro reflex, which causes the baby to startle, and the suck or rooting reflex, which helps them find a food source and eat. These reflexes can sometimes worry parents, but they are generally normal responses of the nervous system to changes in sensory stimulation or part of the baby's development.
However, it is important to be vigilant about certain behaviours and movements. For instance, frequent eye-rolling or rhythmic back-and-forth eye movements (nystagmus) could indicate a seizure or other health issues. Additionally, if eye-rolling is accompanied by stiffness in the arms or legs, shaking, or other signs of a seizure, immediate medical attention is required. While it can be challenging to discern between typical newborn behaviours and potential warning signs, it is crucial to trust your instincts and seek professional advice if you have any concerns.
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Newborns' eyes are sensitive to bright light
A baby's vision undergoes significant changes during their first year of life. Newborns' eyes are sensitive to bright light, and they may experience photophobia, or light sensitivity. This sensitivity can be caused by various eye conditions, such as a unique type of childhood glaucoma that leads to pupil enlargement. Additionally, neurological issues like meningitis can also cause light sensitivity.
To protect newborns' sensitive eyes, it is important to be mindful of their environment and lighting conditions. Strong or intense lighting can trigger migraine symptoms and cause discomfort, including watery eyes, redness, and irritation. Newborns may also be susceptible to challenges when using technology, such as smartphones, due to the bright screens.
To mitigate this sensitivity, caregivers can employ strategies such as using specialty-tinted glasses designed for photophobia, which can reduce the amount of light that reaches the infant's eyes. Ensuring that the baby's room is adequately lit with soft, warm lighting can also help create a comfortable environment for their developing eyes.
While it is normal for newborns to exhibit eye-rolling behaviour, it is always important to monitor their overall well-being and consult a pediatrician if there are any concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is common for newborns to roll their eyes when they are sleepy or about to fall asleep. However, if your baby rolls their eyes often, consult a doctor.
Newborns make a lot of strange movements and exhibit unexpected behaviors during the first year of life. Rolling eyes could be one of those behaviors.
Rolling eyes and other eye movements can be symptoms of eye problems or warning signs of seizures. Other possible causes include head injuries, fever, low blood sugar, low calcium levels, metabolic diseases, or brain abnormalities.
Newborns exhibit a variety of reflexes, including the startle reflex, periodic breathing, and the suck or rooting reflex.
If your baby is exhibiting other concerning symptoms, such as stiffness in their arms or legs, shaking, or missing developmental milestones, consult your pediatrician.
