Newborn Stretching: What It Means for Your Baby's Development

Stretching is a normal physical activity and just like adults, babies also stretch their body but if your baby stretches too much, then it is natural for you to get worried. Usually, when our body gets tired and we are feeling sleepy, then we start stretching. This is also called yawning. You must have felt that when we feel very tired or are stressed due to some reason, then we yawn more.

(Read more: The Journey of Birth: How a Baby is Born)

As far as newborns are concerned, yawning is a very normal thing for them as well. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, newborns yawn more than adults. Yes, while adults yawn about 20 times a day, newborns yawn 30 to 50 times a day. But as the baby gets enough sleep, his yawning decreases.

When the baby is feeling sleepy or when your baby gets too tired, he starts stretching his hands and legs and yawning more than usual. If your baby is yawning, it is also an indication that your baby is healthy and his development is happening normally. However, the exact reason behind the newborn baby yawning is not known. Sometimes babies stretch due to lack of sleep, sometimes due to oversleeping, sometimes due to fatigue and sometimes due to hunger.

(Read more: When Do Baby Movements Begin?)

Newborn babies stretch a lot for a few days after birth. When the baby has to do potty or pass gas, then also the baby starts twisting his body or stretches. 

(Read more: Baby development six months after birth)

If there is happiness on the baby's face while stretching, he is not crying, then this process is completely normal.

When babies stretch their hands and legs and stretch, they try to activate the joints of their muscles and bones.

If the baby is making grunting sounds and making faces while stretching, but this is only for a short while and then the baby becomes normal, then you do not need to worry because this is also completely normal. 

(Read more: How to massage your baby: tips and benefits)

When the baby's body becomes overheated, whether it is from inside or outside, then the baby starts stretching. In such a situation, keep the baby hydrated so that there is no shortage of water in his body and reduce the extra layer of clothes from outside so that the baby does not feel uncomfortable.

• Even if the baby is stretching more than normal, it is not necessary that it is a sign of any serious disease, but as parents, it is important for you to be alert.
• If your newborn stretches more than 3 or 4 times in a span of 30 minutes, then you can call it excessive stretching.
• If the baby is stretching even after getting enough sleep and despite not being tired, then it can be a sign of a problem.
• Sometimes when babies drink a lot of milk, they start stretching and also start moaning or crying. At such times, by stretching, the baby tries to expel the gas trapped in the stomach.
• Sometimes due to stomach pain or colic problems, babies start stretching their hands and legs and also start moaning or crying.
• Many times the baby does not get the nutrition and balanced diet necessary for development, due to which there is a lack of energy in their body, the baby starts feeling tired all the time and starts stretching more than usual. 

(Read more: Tips to increase your baby's weight)

Newborn babies stretching is a natural process, which is an important part of their physical development. After birth, the muscular system of the baby gradually develops, and stretching helps to stretch and flex their muscles. This process helps them feel different parts of the body, activate their circulatory and nervous systems, and increase blood circulation. Apart from this, stretching makes babies feel relaxed and calm, which can improve their sleep.