What Causes Back Arching in Babies?

Although it might look unusual, back arching is pretty common in babies. Read about the possible causes, including gas, motor skill development, and emotional expression.

Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MD

For first-time parents, babies can seem like a big mystery, especially when they do something strange like arching their back. Though fairly common, this little motion might make it seem like your infant is distressed or in pain. And while that could be the case, there are actually many possible reasons why babies arch their backs—most of them completely benign.

Keep reading to learn some common causes of back arching, from gas and reflux to motor skill development. We also discuss what to do about back arching in babies.

Is Back Arching Normal in Babies?

You can file back arching among the countless cute but weird things that babies do, and it's usually pretty normal, says John S Maypole, MD, primary care doctor at Boston Medical Center and associate professor of pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine.

“Babies may arch their back, extending their head and torso, when they are in a normal but heightened state," he says. This includes when they're crying, excited, surprised, or stretching their muscles. What's more, adds Dr. Maypole, babies may arch their backs while feeding, moving during sleep, reacting to a situation, or for no clear reason at all.

Related: 7 Ways to Decode Your Baby's Body Language

Causes of Back Arching in Babies

You don't normally need to worry if your baby arches their back. But understanding the reason behind the movement can cue you into their overall health and well-being. Here are some common reasons why babies arch their backs.

Gas and reflux

If you notice that your baby is arching their back after feeding, then gas or reflux is the likely culprit. Dr. Maypole notes that acid reflux discomfort might be relieved by stretching out and moving around. “Similarly, constipation or gas may trigger babies to arch their backs as they try to push out their source of discomfort," he adds.

Gas and reflux are common issues with babies, and they're rarely a cause for concern, according to Anne Marie Tuohy, MD, regional medical director of pediatrics at Bon Secours Pediatrics in Virginia. Gas can happen when babies swallow excess air, and it's often compounded by their immature digestive systems. What's more, the majority of infants have some degree of regurgitation, and it's usually not a problem if your baby is growing well.

That said, if your baby experiences prolonged discomfort and back arching after each meal, contact your health care provider. They might want to rule out food allergies and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Related: What to Know About Baby Gas and How to Treat It

Development of motor skills

As babies build up their muscles and move around, they may arch their backs more frequently, especially when they’re attempting to roll over. “Tummy time may elicit entirely appropriate back arching,” says Dr. Maypole. For example, 4- to 6-month-old babies may throw their head backward and arch their back to move all four extremities. "It's pretty adorable, really, but it can help build up those core muscles that will later help with sitting and standing," he says.

Expression of emotion

Babies may arch their backs when they're overstimulated, hungry, frustrated, or uncomfortable. They're expressing emotion the only way they know how, which is through body movements. “Babies who are overtired or overstimulated may also cry for a prolonged period," says Dr. Maypole.

Colic

Colic is when healthy babies cry inconsolably for more than three hours per day, at least three days per week, for more than three weeks. Infants with colic might arch their backs. Other signs of colic include stiffening their arms and legs, clenching their fists, passing gas, crying with high-pitched sounds, and pulling up their legs. Colic usually goes away around 3 to 4 months of age.

Neurological concerns or seizures

While back arching isn’t usually cause for alarm, it could sometimes signal a more serious issue. For example, babies with neurological concerns (like cerebral palsy) may arch their backs due to increased muscle tone, says Dr. Tuohy. Cerebral palsy comes with other symptoms as well, such as failure to meet developmental milestones.

An arched back could also indicate seizures in rare cases. “If parents observed their child had a hard time not arching, or if they observed tightness in their child’s extremities or unusual eye movements, it would be important to assess for seizures," says Dr. Maypole.

Related: Newborn Crying: What It Means and How to Handle It

What To Do About Back Arching in Babies

In the vast majority of cases, back arching is just another way your baby can communicate their needs. “Back arching in and of itself is not customarily a problem and need not be prevented,” says Dr. Maypole. But when parents take the time to investigate what’s causing the behavior, they can often help relieve any discomfort and soothe the baby.

If you witness your baby arching their back, your first impulse should be running a quick inventory of what might be going on. Are they hungry? Suffering from reflux? Feeling uncomfortable? “Try to address any underlying problem, or avoid positions or situations that might promote the baby’s discomfort, says Dr. Maypole.

Keep in mind that sometimes you won't find a discernible cause. "Younger babies (6 weeks to 4 months) may have repeated or lengthy episodes of back arching and fussiness for no discernible reason," says Dr. Maypole.

If you’ve ruled out the typical causes of back arching, and your instincts tell you something else is going on, Dr. Maypole recommends calling a health care provider. You should also contact the provider for any worrisome symptoms that accompany back arching.

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