Swinging hands, turning head till awake

Hi all, my kids just turned 5 months and is unable to sleep well at night recently due to her swinging of arms, legs, flipping her head left & right frantically & whining while in her sleep. On a few occasions, she does that till she wakes up and cry. She seems to fall back asleep if I gently hold her hands down for a couple of mins. Anyone know what’s she trying to do?

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Super Mum

They do get nightmares too.. or go into light sleep (from deep sleep) and start to get scared. You holding her limbs for a while is comforting for her, so it’s good that she manages to go back to sleep without you picking her up:)

4y ago

I see. Thanks much! I shall continue to do so and hope she gets over her nightmares soon then..

VIP Member

I think she is startled in her sleep. Can try to use swaddle and transit out of it gradually - with one arm out first then gradually both hands and lastly legs

4y ago

All the best! My lo can sleep longer with swaddle as it mimics the womb

VIP Member

Maybe can pat her back to slp

VIP Member

Bean bag or swaddle