Imagine placing your tiny newborn in the crib, only to find her rolling onto her side. This behavior, known as the newborn scrunch or newborn curl, might seem alarming, but there’s no need to panic. It’s a common occurrence among newborns, and you don’t necessarily have to reposition your baby on her back. Instead, here’s what experts recommend to keep your little one safe while she sleeps.
What is the Newborn Scrunch?
While the term “newborn scrunch” isn’t found in medical textbooks, it describes a behavior that pediatricians are very familiar with. This rolling movement isn’t a developmental milestone; rather, it’s a natural reflex stemming from how your baby was curled up inside your womb during the later stages of pregnancy.
“Babies have spent the previous nine months in the ‘scrunched up’ fetal position, so returning to that position feels natural to them,” explains Dr. Gary Reschak, a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital. “Physiologically, this position minimizes their skin’s surface area, which helps babies stay warm.”
The fetal position is what often causes newborns to end up on their sides, adds Dr. Robert Hamilton, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “When they’re lying on their backs, they instinctively pull their legs up, mimicking the fetal position. This movement can give them the momentum to roll to one side.”
Most newborns exhibit the scrunch to some degree, although it may be less noticeable in premature babies. “Preemies often lack the muscle tone required for such movements, so it’s less apparent in them,” Dr. Reschak notes. “As they grow stronger, they may begin to scrunch more. Babies with neurological or muscle issues may also show less scrunching ability.”
What to Do if Your Newborn Rolls to the Side
It’s natural to worry if your baby rolls onto her side while sleeping, especially since leading medical organizations emphasize the importance of back-sleeping for infants. However, as long as you take certain precautions, your little one should be safe:
Adjust Swaddling Techniques: If your baby is a scruncher, Dr. Hamilton advises against swaddling her arms. “Leave the arms free,” he suggests. When your baby turns her head, her arm will naturally extend in the same direction, which can help prevent rolling. As she gets older, having her arms out will also allow her to push up if needed.
Avoid Sleep Positioners: Products marketed to keep babies in a specific position while sleeping are not safe and should be avoided. “Any item designed to prevent rolling or to keep a baby’s head in a certain position is potentially dangerous,” warns Dr. Reschak.
Keep the Crib Bare: Ensure your baby’s crib has a firm mattress with a snug-fitting sheet and nothing else. “Remove any items, toys, pillows, or blankets that could pose a suffocation risk,” advises Dr. Susan Dulkerian, medical director of Newborn Services at Mercy Medical Center.
Always Start on the Back: Place your baby on her back when putting her down to sleep. “As long as the sleeping environment is safe and your baby starts on her back, she will be fine,” reassures Dr. Reschak. “There’s no need to wake up throughout the night to reposition a rolling baby.”
When Will the Newborn Scrunch Stop?
You won’t have to worry about the newborn scrunch forever. Although there’s no exact timeline for when this behavior will fade, Dr. Reschak suggests that it typically becomes less noticeable after about two months. Dr. Hamilton concurs, adding, “This isn’t a permanent issue.”
By the time your baby reaches four months, she’ll likely have gained enough strength from tummy time to roll over from her stomach to her back. She may even begin rolling from back to front around six months old.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s safety or have questions about the newborn scrunch, don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice and the reassurance that your baby is doing just fine.
