What startles babies?
THIS issue bothers many people, especially first-time parents. Doctors refer to the condition as moro reflex or a startle response.
Ask the expert
Joyce Nyakato presented your questions to Dr Daniel Tumwine, a paediatrician at Children’s Clinic, Ntinda in Kampala
Dear Doctor,
What causes babies to get frightened even at the slightest touch or noise?
Godfrey
Dear Godfrey,
THIS issue bothers many people, especially first-time parents. Doctors refer to the condition as moro reflex or a startle response.
It is normal and all healthy babies get startled at surprise sounds or surprise visual stimulation. Startling is a protective resource; some babies cry when startled.
Babies are born with it. If they hear a loud noise or are surprised, they fling their arms, arch the back and bring their arms together.
However, it disappears before a child reaches six or seven months. But as your baby grows, she will start being able to work out which sounds are common and which are a surprise. To control it, swaddle your baby and cuddle him.
Joyce Nyakato presented your questions to Dr Daniel Tumwine, a paediatrician at Children’s Clinic, Ntinda in Kampala
Dear Doctor,
What causes babies to get frightened even at the slightest touch or noise?
Godfrey
Dear Godfrey,
THIS issue bothers many people, especially first-time parents. Doctors refer to the condition as moro reflex or a startle response.
It is normal and all healthy babies get startled at surprise sounds or surprise visual stimulation. Startling is a protective resource; some babies cry when startled.
Babies are born with it. If they hear a loud noise or are surprised, they fling their arms, arch the back and bring their arms together.
However, it disappears before a child reaches six or seven months. But as your baby grows, she will start being able to work out which sounds are common and which are a surprise. To control it, swaddle your baby and cuddle him.