Many children have different favorite sleeping positions that make them more comfortable, but there are some confusing positions that may make parents worried about whether they are harmful to their children. Some children have a habit of raising their hands to their heads like a surrender position, so is this sleeping position harmful? Let’s find out!
1 4 reasons why children adopt the “surrender” sleeping position
Habit formed in the womb
When the fetus is in the womb, due to limited space and inability to move freely, babies will curl up.
After birth, children can still maintain this position for a while because it gives them a sense of security, but as they grow a little bigger, some children will lie on their backs and raise their hands to their heads. This is considered a natural reflex when the child is in a large space, so parents don’t need to worry.
Habit formed in the womb
Warm body, stretch hands for comfort
After birth, a child’s body continues to develop rapidly, and the metabolic process is faster than that of an adult. Therefore, if parents dress their child in too many clothes or cover them with thick blankets, the child may feel hot and sweat.
When the child feels hot, they will automatically raise their hands to their heads as a reflex to dissipate heat and make them more comfortable.
Warm body, stretch hands for comfort
Growth-related height development
This sleeping position is also seen as an indication of a healthy child with growing height. Similar to when adults have a sore back, they arch their bodies to be more comfortable, and babies can do a similar movement when they are tired.
Growth-related height development
Symmetrical cervical reflex
Symmetrical cervical reflex is understood as a type of self-protective reflex of infants. When sleeping in a position with their hands raised to their heads, they will feel more comfortable and move less.
Therefore, if a child sleeps in this position and it does not affect their eating, sleeping, and normal height development, parents should not worry too much.
2 Sleeping positions parents should pay attention to
Newborns will have different favorite sleeping positions, and some positions can be harmful and should be corrected, such as:
- Sleeping in a prone position obstructs respiration.
- Sleeping in a tilted position can cause the child to roll over and make it difficult to breathe.
- Sleeping with the neck turned to one side can be harmful to the neck and future posture.
Sleeping positions parents should pay attention to
Above are the reasons why newborns often have the habit of raising their hands to their heads in a surrender position when sleeping. Hopefully, the above information will help you understand the reasons and not worry too much!
Source: Báo Nhịp sống Việt