My son, who was a great sleeper, has begun violently thrashing his arms in his sleep. After about 4-5 hours of sleeping, he wakes himself up and then cannot go back down because of all his jerking movements. I try to swaddle and he breaks free. I try to walk and comfort him back to sleep, to no avail. The only thing that seems to do it is if he gets in bed with me and I literally hug him down (if that makes any sense). I am afraid this kind of behavior is a precursor to something, but what? And how can I help him stop it and get back to sleep? I need advice, please. I am not getting any sleep either.
At Wal-Mart and BRU, they sell a swaddler with velcro. My little one is just now 5 months and I used to wrap just her arms for naps because she did the same thing. I saw one at Wal-Mart not very long ago that was lighter weight for summer.
If there is something wrong with yours, there is something wrong with mine, too and I don't think so! I think it is just a little guy not knowing what to do with these new-found skills of his!
I am assuming you swaddle him with a receiving blanket. Babys R Us carry an item that swaddles babies. It uses velcro closures. You may want to give it a try. Google swaddling on line and you might find other stores that carry them. Also have you tried the sleeping wedges they make for babies? You can get it at Walmart. It is two small wedges connected by a piece of material. You lay the baby between them and it keeps them from rolling all around.
most babys have what is called the startle reflex and it will cause them to jerk their arms however what your describing doesnt sound like that. I would call his ped and make an app you want to rule out seziures
If you are going to try a different swaddle, I wouldn't suggest the ones that babies r us carries. Any baby over the age of 4 months can get out of it. My son could real easily. I'd suggest a woombie or a miracle blanket. A woombie allows them to move but still be swaddled. My son loved it! saved my behind.
If you are concerned, I would definitely say to check with your doctor rather than a message board. You could get answers that will scare you unnecessarily. I have a 4 1/2 month old and she is definitely learning cause and effect right now. It is possible that it was a one time thing, but after you have gone in and gotten him a few times he has learned that if he does that then the result is that he gets to sleep with you. Just a thought, but definitely not an absolute answer. I would for sure say to check with your doctor and see what it is that they have to say.
