Why Does My Baby Feel So Stiff?
- Rachael Carreon PT, DPT
- Mar 9
- 4 min read
Understanding Body Tension & How to Help
Have you ever noticed your baby arching backward, feeling stiff when you hold them, or struggling with tummy time? Maybe they seem extra fussy, have reflux that won’t improve, or always turn their head to one side. These could all be signs of body tension—a common but often overlooked issue that can affect feeding, movement, and sleep.
Many parents are told their baby will “grow out of it,” but in reality, tension can impact development in ways that show up later as feeding difficulties, gross motor delays, or even sleep struggles. The good news?
Once you understand why it’s happening, there are simple ways to help! Let’s break down what body tension looks like, what causes it, and how early intervention can make a big difference.
Signs of body tension in babies
Not sure if your baby has body tension? The tricky part is that tension doesn’t always look the same for every baby. Some babies seem stiff and uncomfortable, while others might be more subtle in how they compensate.
Here are some key signs to look for:
• Arching backward frequently – Whether during feeds, diaper changes, or when being held, excessive arching can signal discomfort or tightness.
• Preferring one side – Does your baby always turn their head one way or seem “stuck” in a certain position? This can lead to muscle imbalances and even a flat head.
• Feeling stiff or rigid – Instead of curling into you when held, does your baby feel tense or resistant?
• Difficulty with tummy time – If your baby always fusses or struggles to push up, tension could be making it harder.
• Reflux or excessive fussiness – Tension in the body can make digestion harder and contribute to symptoms that look like reflux.
• Early rolling and head control – If your baby is rolling at 2 weeks, or seems to have the head control of an older baby, it could be tension - not strength.
If you’re noticing any of these, don’t worry—there are ways to help!
What causes body tension?
Body tension isn’t random—there’s usually an underlying reason for it. Babies don’t just “hold stress” in their bodies the way adults do, but they can develop tightness or asymmetry due to different factors.
There are a few common reasons babies develop tightness or asymmetry:
• Oral ties – If a baby has a tongue or lip tie, their muscles may compensate in ways that lead to whole-body tension.
• Birth trauma – Even in a smooth delivery, babies go through a lot during birth! Long labors, fast deliveries, or interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction can create tightness.
• Positioning in the womb – If baby was breech, had limited space, or was in the same position for weeks, certain muscles may be tighter.
• Muscle imbalances – Some babies develop a preference for one side, leading to uneven movement patterns over time.
How can pediatric therapy help?
The goal of therapy isn’t just to “stretch” a baby—it’s about helping them move more comfortably and naturally.
When babies have body tension, they often develop compensations that make it harder to roll, push up, or even feed effectively. Physical therapy helps address the root cause and teach babies how to move in ways that feel good for their bodies.
Here’s what therapy might include:
• Gentle stretches and exercises – These help release tight muscles and encourage balanced movement. Unlike passive stretching, these movements help babies learn to activate the right muscles and move more freely. Try these easy stretches with your baby!
• Tummy time support – Adjusting baby’s position or using props (like a wedge or rolled-up towel) can make tummy time easier and more enjoyable. Check out my favorite tummy time wedge!
• Feeding and oral function support – Addressing tension in the mouth can improve latch, reduce reflux symptoms, and make feeding more comfortable. Therapy can also support babies pre- and post-tongue tie release.
• Movement and play strategies – Simple changes in how you hold, carry, and interact with your baby can make a big difference in reducing tension. Parents often see improvements just by tweaking everyday routines! Try this hold to help with both tension and gas!
The best part? Babies often love these strategies once they realize movement doesn’t have to be uncomfortable!
Why early intervention matters
Many parents are told to “wait and see” when they bring up concerns about body tension. But here’s the thing—babies don’t just grow out of movement patterns; they grow into them. If we address tightness and asymmetry early, it’s much easier to help babies move, feed, and sleep more comfortably.
The earlier we intervene, the less likely tension is to lead to bigger issues like delayed milestones, head flattening, or ongoing feeding difficulties. But even if your baby is older, it’s never too late to help them move and feel better!
If your baby seems stiff, uncomfortable, or struggles with feeding or movement, trust your gut. Small adjustments now can make a huge impact on how they develop!
Have questions or want to learn more about how I can help? Let’s chat! 🤍
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