Strange Behavior of 10 Weeks Old Infant

by becky
(wyoming)

My son is 2.5 months old. Past couple of days he has exhibited a strange and rather scary behavior, which usually happens as he is getting sleepy.

He is laying on his back fussing a bit. Suddenly his arms splay out like he wants to hug you.

Then he makes a noise like he can't get a breath and his eyes seem to bug out of his head.

Each such episode lasts for about 4-5 seconds and then he gets a breath and starts to cry.

I am not sure what is happening!!!
I know little babies can have moments where their respiratory system goes weird.
Should I call my doctor?

The Expert, Ren Chats Answers

Often jittery movements and childhood tics are innocent in early infancy.

However, the sequence of events that you have narrated and well described; fussing as he is falling to sleep followed by spreading arms wide, eyeball movements, noise like he can't get a breath, changes in his pattern of breathing and a sudden cry. It all indicates subtle seizure of early infancy.

Yes, I think you should take your little son for medical evaluation. If this behavior of his turns out to be of no significance we are happy but we should not miss any underlying problem.

Related pages of interest:

1. Is Jitteriness in Newborn Babies Abnormal?

2. Ankle Twitching

3. Jitteriness at 3 Months

4. Ankle Clonus in 2 Months Old

5. Facial Twitching in 2 Month Old Baby

6. Shivering of Head and All Body While Feeding During Sleep Scroll Down & See Under Comments

Hope this helps!
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With Best Wishes.

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