What is the Newborn Squish?
When we talk about the "newborn squish," we are talking about the adorable, curled-up baby-ball shape a newborn takes. This position, known as physiologic flexion, is an expected and natural state for newborns. Understanding this can help new parents appreciate the beauty and purpose behind their baby's sweet little flexed up shape.
What is Physiologic Flexion?
Physiologic flexion refers to the natural, curled-up position that newborns maintain for the first few weeks of life. This position is a result of the baby's “packaing” or how they were when they were hanging out in the uterus. Space was limited, and they were nestled in a compact, flexed posture. Their arms and legs are bent, their fists are often clenched, and their spines remain flexed, and everything seems to curl inwards. This isn't just cute – it's a normal and necessary state for the appropriate development of a newborn’s spine!
The Purpose of Physiologic Flexion
Physiologic flexion serves several important purposes for newborns:
Comfort and Security: Outside the uterus, this flexed position mimics the snug environment of the womb, providing comfort and a sense of security for the baby in the outside world. Gravity is a little scary for the first few weeks.
Muscle Tone Development: This posture helps develop the baby's muscle tone. The gentle resistance from being in a flexed position strengthens their muscles, which is crucial for their overall motor development!
Self-Soothing: The flexed position allows newborns to bring their hands to midline, and to their mouth easily, which is a wonderful self-soothing behavior.
No Need to Stretch!
A common misconception is that newborns need to be stretched out or that the curled-up position is something that needs correcting. In reality, physiologic flexion is entirely normal and beneficial. There is no need to forcefully stretch a newborn’s arms and legs straight.
Over time, as the baby grows and starts to move through the beautiful progression of their motor milestones, they will gain more control over their movements, and naturally begin to extend their limbs and adopt a more relaxed posture. But they need the foundation of the flexed position in order to gain strength to move through the rest of their milestones- THIS is one of the primary reasons babies who are born a little early struggle to meet milestones even for their corrected age!
Supporting Physiologic Flexion
As parents, there are ways to support your baby’s natural posture:
Swaddling: HOT TOPIC ALERT - Ask me how I really feel about swaddling. Appropriate swaddling can help maintain the flexed position, providing comfort and security and overall just make the first weeks a touch easier. But there is a HUGE caveat to this. Never… EVER ever ever (unless your baby has an NG tube and you really have no other option iykyk) swaddle with the arms straight down. The hands should always be able to touch each other in midline. And make sure the hips can flex up. Keep that baby ball shape.
Tummy Time: When your baby is awake and supervised, tummy time is essential. It helps them develop their neck and shoulder muscles, gradually working towards lifting their head and pushing up on their arms. The head lift is that very first step towards creating the beautiful alignment of the spine.
Gentle Handling: When holding or changing your baby, handle them gently and support their natural posture. Avoid forcing their arms and legs into straight positions. If you need to in order to change a diaper or put clothes on- move with their movements, provide a little resistance to the soles of the feet to help them feel secure.
The Transition
As your baby grows, you will notice gradual changes in their posture. They will begin to stretch out their arms and legs more often, and their movements will become more coordinated. This transition is a natural part of their development and doesn’t require any intervention.
If you are one of those parents who says, “My baby always breaks out of the swaddle! They are like a little Houdini!” Well I’ve got news for you… your baby is smart, and they are letting you know they are ready to not be swaddled anymore.
“…But then they won’t sleep anymore…”
… Yep.
The newborn squish (the resulting physiologic flexion) are fascinating and beautiful aspects of the beautiful newborn phase. Embracing this natural state and understanding its benefits can help you appreciate the incredible journey your baby is on. Remember, your baby’s curled-up position is perfectly normal and doesn’t need to be corrected. Enjoy these precious early weeks, knowing that your baby is developing just as they should.
