Sometimes my 4 month old daughter's legs seem very stiff. She just seems to stiffen up whenever we pick her up, and when we are holding her up to a standing position. At times, it is even hard for us to bend them ourselves. Is this normal?
My son was the same way for the first nine months of his life! He started to walk at nine months so I think the walking made it less apparent. His pediatrician didn't seem concerned and he's two and a half now with nothing slowing him down!!!!!
This is normal, it is a natural reflex for infants that age.
I agree - get her checked. It could be nothing but it could be an indicator of some spasticity and/or neuromuscular damage, in which case you'll want to start working with her ASAP.
I was glad to see this "post" - I also just had my 4 month check-up for my little girl and shared the same concern with our pediatrician. The doctor checked her and said that I shouldn't be concerned that my girl didn't appear to be a "stiff baby"......she checked her legs/hips, etc. I was originally concerned because my 19 month old son was not as stiff as she is......so I would just talk to her ped. to be sure.......
Some babies stiffen when they cry. I would let the dr. know just in case.
My 4 month-old (age-adjusted) is doing the exact same thing. She wants to stretch out, especially after being in the same position (i.e. in her car seat) for awhile -- it happened with our son at exactly the same age. I just changed her diaper, and she didn't want to bend her leg either. I've noticed that a lot of babies will resist when you try to bend their limbs to get them dressed or change things. Since you say "sometimes" I wouldn't be all that concerned.
It is normal if she is bending and moving around on her own. It sounds like she is close to a well baby visit at 4 months so you can ask the doc then just to give you peace of mind. My daughter would sometimes stiffen herself when we picked her up. The doc would check her legs at her visits and was not at all concerned about having to "force" her legs to move around to check range of motion. My husband swore I must have dropped her and she is afraid of being picked up. Now she is fine. Also she would stiffen her legs whenever I would try to bend them myself, like when changing her diaper and trying to get it just right so we didn't end up with back door leaks as we call them. And stiffening their legs when you stand them up is totally normal. I think as parents we are so cautious about our kids and it can be great but we get scared so easily, especially after hearing about certain conditions that are out there. But again, if she is moving fine on her own but appears stiff only at the times youmention, totally normal.
Call early intervention just to have her checked out. They will do it for free.
Dear L.,
I agree with some of the others. There could be something going on. Get it checked out to be on the safe side. Let us know how it turns out. Good Luck & God Bless!!
L. W. A SAHM of 4 ages almost 11, 9, 5 & 3
