Weird actions

[mrs_sasquatch]

Ok, this isn't about my child, but one I watch for a friend. Is it normal for a four month old not to react or look at you when you speak, be extremely stiff all the time, constantly completely inconsolable, and watch things that aren't there?

 

[_Meep_]

I've heard that stiffening can be a sign of reflux - and obviously if he/she is in pain with that then he/she will be inconsolable.

When you say stiff all the time, what do you mean exactly?

The baby is obviously more likely to respond to parents' input and voices, but to me it seems a little unusual that a child of four months would have no reaction whatsoever.

How is the baby with smiles and things like that?

And when the baby watches things that aren't there, do his/her eyes seem to wander or move side to side, or something else entirely?

 

[mrs_sasquatch]

I've heard that stiffening can be a sign of reflux - and obviously if he/she is in pain with that then he/she will be inconsolable.

When you say stiff all the time, what do you mean exactly?

The baby is obviously more likely to respond to parents' input and voices, but to me it seems a little unusual that a child of four months would have no reaction whatsoever.

How is the baby with smiles and things like that?

And when the baby watches things that aren't there, do his/her eyes seem to wander or move side to side, or something else entirely?

By stiffening, I mean, going completely stiff as a board and staying that way....sometimes for an hour. Occasional smiles, but looks away immediately after. And the wandering eyes are all over....it's like watching "The Flight Of The Bumblebee". I have this child often enough that these traits worry me. My own three month old isn't exhibiting anything at all like this.

 

[_Meep_]

I wonder if it could be a sign of a vision problem, or some kind of seizure activity? Could it be what they call nystagmus?

I don't want to make presumptions about someone's child, but in all honesty, mine never did anything like this either.

At four months, she was starting to roll over, chuckle and make little babbles. She liked to be holding and exploring things, and was ever so friendly and cheerful, and just INTERESTED in everything.

I remember checking milestone charts and finding that she was always on track - so in my experience, too, this doesn't sound normal. :/

 

[lewood88]

have you spoken to the child's mother about this? If my children did that I'd be really concerned Tbf x

 

[Zephram]

I think if I saw any baby going as stiff as a board and staying that way I would probably call an ambulance!! That sounds really strange and needs to be investigated.

 

[mrs_sasquatch]

have you spoken to the child's mother about this? If my children did that I'd be really concerned Tbf x

The child's mother doesn't think anything is unusual...but she does think letting the child scream for hours is ok. When this happened at my home, she told me to "put the child on your bed and close the door". I was horrified.

 

[mrs_sasquatch]

I keep expecting this baby to be ahead of my own, as mine is a month younger. But my Nat scoots, responds to speaking, wiggled and grins at music and dancing, etc.

 

[_Meep_]

I really think the baby needs some kind of help, instead of being ignored like this.

 

[Sqwidge]

i would encourage the mother to take the child to the doctors. if she doesn't, i would probably report her for neglect.

 

[mrs_sasquatch]

I completely agree!! I've been trying to determine what to do. This woman won't take advice from anyone and keeps freaking out when people give it .

 

[minties]

I would drive to the hospital next time baby has an episode of stiffening and screaming.

 

[AngelofTroy]

Honestly this sounds like seizure activity to me, although obviously I can't tell a lot without seeing the actions. Please ensure a medical professional gets involved.

 

[Sqwidge]

I would drive to the hospital next time baby has an episode of stiffening and screaming.

THIS! such a good idea, that way you're going as you're concerned and not badgering her about it.

 

[_Meep_]

If she isn't willing to accept that her child at least needs to be evaluated by a professional then maybe, as other posters are saying, it WOULD be best to just take matters into your own hands for the baby's sake.

I think I would.

 

[mrs_sasquatch]

I'll take that into consideration and call and ambulance if I even watch her again. (This mom who won't take advice never leaves a car seat, so if something happens it's an ambulance, because I can't just take one baby in a car seat and one out)

 

[weedle]

Are you a friend? Or a childminder/nanny? If that latter you have a duty of care to report issues like this to social services I think. If just a friend I'd probably phone an ambulance and tell them exactly what you've told us and let them fill out the relevant forms and make the referrals

 

[weedle]

Sorry just re-read and realised you're a friend. Next time he goes stiff, call an ambulance then call your friend and say you were really concerned so got medical help. Explain exactly what you've told us to the paramedics/nursing staff and let them do the digging. You can't be put in an awkward position then with your friend as I know it can be hard to potentially cause confrontation even if you know 100% you are doing the right thing X