5 month old stiffens and grunts when tired/upset

[Anonymous]

My five month old does this weird stiffening/grunting thing when he's upset and especially if he's tired. He'll clench up his fists a little, straighten his legs, and arch his back slightly, and make a straining/grunting sound. This happen especially when I'm getting him ready for bed (so he's tired) or when he's upset at being put down (when he's tired/fussy and wants to be held). He'll also do it occasionally when he's trying to do something and having trouble, like trying to get to a toy he can't reach. What in the world could this be?? He doesn't seem to have reflux and otherwise seems pretty normal - happy/social, rolls tummy to back, likes playing with and sucking his toes, etc. I don't think it looks like a seizure but it's kind of freaking me out. I will mention it at his 6 month checkup, but in the meantime, any ideas?

[Anonymous]

Babies are weird... They do weird things as they can't talk to express themselves. You mention he mainly does this when tired, so maybe move bedtime and nap time up a bit. Maybe he is just overly tired. My baby bangs his head on the floor when tired. Totally normal.... Besides that....

[Anonymous]

If you really are concerned, try to video it to show the doctor. Doesn't sound that odd to me, but maybe there's something you're seeing that doesn't translate to words. If the dr sees a video of it, it will be easier for them to asses any concerns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My five month old does this weird stiffening/grunting thing when he's upset and especially if he's tired. He'll clench up his fists a little, straighten his legs, and arch his back slightly, and make a straining/grunting sound. This happen especially when I'm getting him ready for bed (so he's tired) or when he's upset at being put down (when he's tired/fussy and wants to be held). He'll also do it occasionally when he's trying to do something and having trouble, like trying to get to a toy he can't reach. What in the world could this be?? He doesn't seem to have reflux and otherwise seems pretty normal - happy/social, rolls tummy to back, likes playing with and sucking his toes, etc. I don't think it looks like a seizure but it's kind of freaking me out. I will mention it at his 6 month checkup, but in the meantime, any ideas?

My DS does this too, I just took it as him expressing his frustration. NBD.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! That's a great idea to try and get a video of it. Hopefully it's just one of those weird baby things!

[Anonymous]

You're not describing any type of seizure activity OP. This all sounds quite normal to me, and it also sounds much like what one of mine would do when gassy. And the other one did things like this out of pure frustration.

I bet your baby is fine - just eager to get on with figuring out the world.