As reflexes go, the startle reflex isn’t very fun. It often makes babies cry, and it’s jarring to watch.
Some experts think this primitive reflex originated to help newborns reach for and cling to their mothers when in danger of falling, but others aren’t convinced.
While it no longer seems to serve much of a purpose, rest assured that newborn startling is completely normal and will probably only last for a few months.
What is the startle reflex?
The startle reflex (also called the Moro reflex), is one of many newborn reflexes – involuntary movements that babies are born with. When startled, newborn babies throw back their head, fling out their arms and legs, and then pull their limbs back in.
Sometimes babies are unfazed by their startling. At other times it wakes them from sleep or makes them cry. Sometimes a baby’s own crying or sudden movements might trigger their startle reflex.
When do babies lose the startle reflex?
The startle reflex peaks during the first month after birth. It usually disappears by about 2 months of age.
Sometimes, startling can continue for three or four months. Some babies continue to startle even longer, but if your baby still has a startle reflex after 6 months, talk to their doctor.
Also bring it up with the doctor if your newborn doesn’t seem to have a startle reflex, or only has it on one side of their body. This is very unusual, and may indicate problems with the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.
What to do if your baby startles easily
If your baby startles and cries, they may need a little comforting to calm down. And if your baby startles themself awake, they won’t always settle back down to sleep easily.
To keep your baby from startling awake:
- Swaddle your newborn before setting them down to sleep. This will keep their arms and legs tucked against their body, unable to flail.
- Play white noise (use a sound machine or play calm music) in the room to keep other sounds from disrupting their sleep.
- Lay your baby down gently. Keep your hands on your baby as you lay them down, then slowly remove your hands one at a time.
- Move slowly and quietly in the room where your baby is sleeping.
Will my older baby still startle at loud noises?
Yes, it’s normal for older babies to be startled by loud noises or sensitive to noise. The reason why your baby suddenly cries at loud noises is because those sounds are unfamiliar or unpleasant. Plus, it’s a normal part of their development.
Infants are more sensitive to noise than adults because they have a smaller ear canal. That narrower space amplifies loud sounds even more. Very loud sounds might even harm your baby’s hearing.
Babies also respond to sounds according to their temperament. An easygoing baby may take a blaring ambulance siren in stride, while a more sensitive child may cry at the honking of a car horn.
If your baby gets scared easily at sounds, turn down the volume on the electronics in your home. Speak more quietly and keep noisy appliances like the blender off while your baby is in the room.
One sounds babies do like is white noise, like the sound of a vacuum, dryer, or baby sound machine. Playing white noise might even stop colicky babies from crying. It’s just the sudden loud noises that scare them.
In general, babies handle interruptions and noise better as they get older. As your baby matures and becomes used to different sounds, they’ll probably stop crying at loud noises.
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