Are you aware of the new Tiktok trend “Newborn scrunch”? It became so popular that it reached more than 1.1 Billion Views!
The Newborn Scrunch is a trend on the content platform Tiktok wherein mums record their newborn baby’s reaction while being picked up or when they get overly excited. Do not worry if your baby does this because it’s harmless and natural because newborn babies can’t fully extend their legs and arms yet.
Sophie Roberts, a Tiktok mum, shared a video of her daughter in the newborn scrunch position where she lifts her stiffened baby into the air. It went viral and her Tiktok video has nearly 900,000 likes!
Because it went viral on Tiktok, many people began to leave comments on it. And the majority of them are concerned about the baby’s safety because Sophie did not support her head when she picked her up.
“Hold her head” “the baby’s neck” “support her head”
Some of her supporters, however, defended the mother, saying, “She clearly knows what she’s doing.”
For everyone, especially new parents, to understand what newborn scrunch is and how to handle babies, here are some information you should be aware of.
What is Newborn Scrunch?
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The newborn scrunch Tiktok mums refer to is actually the Moro Reflex in infants. It is a newborn baby’s natural reaction when they are picked up or become overly excited.
Why Do Babies Scrunch Their Bodies?
When babies are excited or picked up, they scrunch up their bodies or tense their legs and arms. However, it can also happen when they stiffen up their bottoms as a result of bowel movements, particularly when they pass hard stools.
Parents need not worry when they see their babies scrunching their bodies as it is perfectly normal and generally harmless.
How Long Does the Newborn Scrunch Last?
Moro reflex usually appears between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation and lasts for about 3 to 6 months. Babies are scrunched up because they are accustomed to doing so on your tummy.
But don’t worry, this won’t last long. Within weeks or months, their body will gradually stretch out. This is why parents on Tiktok document their newborn’s scrunch, knowing that they will grow out of it in a matter of months.
How to Take Care of and Handle Your Newborn
There are numerous ways to hold a baby to ensure their safety and comfort. There will also be times when you will need to do chores while taking care of your baby. There are special holds for babies who are not feeling well.
While some parents are natural at holding their newborns, some need a bit of help in getting the technique down pat. Here are some tips on how to properly and safely hold babies.
Image Source: iStock
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Belly Hold
Belly hold is a good position for gassy babies. This position can help them burp. All you have to do is place the baby’s chest over one of your forearms. Lay your other arm across the back of the baby to keep them safe. Put your hand between the baby’s legs for a more secure grip.
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Cradle Hold
Cradling a baby comes naturally and easily. Wrap your other arm around the baby or use the second arm to support the original arm. This is an excellent position for having conversations with or viewing a baby. In this position, many babies sleep soundly. It’s also a good starting position for newborns as they feel very secure with this hold.
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Shoulder Hold
Lean the baby up against a shoulder and wrap the same arm around the baby’s bottom. Use the other arm to support the baby’s neck and back. The baby also sleeps well in this position. It also allows them to hear your heartbeat and breathing.
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Colic cinch
Lie your baby facedown along your forearm, the side of his head in your hand, his arms (and legs) straddling your arm like an airplane. Put your other hand on his back. You can also give him a tummy massage by moving your arm up and down.
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Rock-a-bye baby
Hold your infant in the crook of one of your arms, gently sloping. Hold him steady with your lower arm and hand. Use your free arm to provide him with extra support as needed. This snug and secure grip allow an infant to curl up in a soothing fetal position, also known as the newborn scrunch.
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Hello World
Place one arm under your baby’s bottom and the other across his chest to support his back against your chest. This hold is ideal for babies who like to observe their surroundings.
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Astronaut position
Sit with your knees supported and your baby face-up, his head resting against your knees and his feet nestled on your tummy. Holding your baby in this position allows you to interact with him or her as much as possible while also providing some arm relief.
Because newborn babies are extremely fragile, remember to handle them with love and care at all times.
Image Source: iStock
Also read: Is Baby’s Cough Something You Should Worry About?