My Baby Is Stiff When Held: What It Could Mean
When your baby suddenly becomes stiff in your arms, it can be scary, especially if it seems painful or happens often. Sometimes, stiffness is a normal part of development, but persistent stiffness may also be an early sign of a muscle tone or neurological issue, including cerebral palsy. Learn why babies become stiff, when it's normal, and when you should be concerned.
Why Does My Baby Feel Stiff When I Hold Them?
When parents say that their baby "feels stiff," they first start noticing things like:
- Arms or legs that feel "tight" or hard to bend
- Their body feels rigid when you lift them
- Back arching away from the parent
- Legs that cross or "scissor" when lifted up
- Hands that stay clenched together often
- Body feels stiff during feeding or when trying to burp them
- They seem uncomfortable when you move their limbs
- Diaper changes feel difficult because their hips or legs don't relax
These signs are related to muscle tone, which is the natural level of tension in the muscles when the body is at rest. Babies with high muscle tone (hypertonia) can look stiff and may be harder to cuddle or position.
What Is Hypertonia?
Understanding Muscle Tone in Babies
Muscle tone is the natural tension that muscles have at rest. It's not about strength or how much muscle they have, but rather how tight or floppy a muscle feels when you move it. In hypertonia, the muscles are tight because of how the brain and nerves are sending signals, which can make movement harder.
Hypertonia and Cerebral Palsy
In cerebral palsy, damage to parts of the brain that control movement can lead to:
- Spasticity: Stiff, tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes
- Rigidity: Muscles that stay stiff even when they're not moving
These oftentimes make a baby stiff when held, especially in the arms, legs, or trunk.
Neurological and Medical Issues
There are other conditions that can cause hypertonia, including:
- Brain malformations or injury (before, during, or after birth).
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) - a lack of oxygen to the brain around the time of birth.
- Infections of the brain or coverings, such as meningitis or encephalitis.
- Genetic or metabolic conditions that affect the nervous system.
- Increased pressure in the skull (hydrocephalus, tumors, bleeding).
- Periventricular leukomalacia - softening of the brain matter in areas that control movement, and increases risk factors for cerebral palsy.
Is It Normal for Babies to Be Stiff Sometimes?
Yes, mild stiffness in newborns can be normal, especially in they are excited, startled, or discovering new movements. Infants also have natural reflexes and sometimes hold their bodies in curled positions from being in the womb.
Other times babies briefly tense up, including when:
- They are startled
- They are crying
- They are overtired
- They are cold
- They are uncomfortable or gassy
Note: Generally, if your baby's stiffness is brief and occasional, it is most likely just a normal part of their development. However, if the stiffness is persistent, increasing, or happening alongside other developmental delays or asymmetry, it may be a sign that something is off.
Normal Reasons Babies Sometimes Feel Stiff
Babies can briefly stiffen their bodies for very normal reasons, including:
- Startle (Moro) reflex: Young infants might fling their arms out and stiffen when they're put down or hear a loud noise. This usually goes away after 3 or 4 months.
- Excitement or frustration: Some babies will kick, straighten, or stiffen when they're excited, trying to roll, fussy during diaper changes, or when trying to put them in a car seat.
- Trying to control their bodies: As babies gain strength, they start to experiment with their bodies by pushing against you, arching, and straightening.
Concerning Reasons Babies May Feel Stiff
On the other hand, frequent stiffness or unusual postures can be a sign that your baby's muscle tone or nervous system needs a closer look.
- Hypertonia (high muscle tone): Babies with hypertonia have muscles that feel unusually tight. They may resist being moved, keep their arms or legs rigid, and seem "strong" or difficult to position.
- Spasticity: Specific muscle tightness caused by injury to the brain or spinal cord. Stiffness that worsens when you try to move the limb quickly, legs that scissor or cross, and rigid posture are common signs of spasticity.
- Neurological conditions or brain injury: Brain injury from lack of oxygen, such as birth asphyxia, neonatal stroke, bleeding or infections in the brain can cause stiffness.
- Early signs of cerebral palsy: Cerebral palsy affects movement, muscle tone, posture, and coordination. Some early signs include stiffness or rigidity, abnormal muscle tone, delayed motor milestones (rolling, sitting, crawling), preference for one side of the body, or unusual posture or movement patterns.
Note: Only a doctor or pediatric specialist can say for sure whether stiffness is serious or not. Many babies who feel stiff at first do not necessarily end up with any long-term disabilities. Always speak with your child's pediatrician or doctor if you have any concerns.
Signs That Stiffness May Be Cerebral Palsy
Muscle Tone and Movement Signs
- Arms or legs are difficult to bend or feel "locked"
- Legs scissor or cross when lifted up
- Hands are still tightly clenched after about 3 months
- Stiffness seems to be worse on one side of the body
- Your baby appears "stuck" in certain positions or postures
Developmental Delays
- Trouble lifting their head up during tummy time
- Not rolling over by around 6 months
- Unable to sit independently around 9 months
- Limited reaching, grasping, or kicking
- Not using both hands or both sides of the body equally
Feeding or Behavior Concerns
- Difficulty sucking or swallowing
- Choking, gagging, or coughing frequently during feeds
- Excessive arching while feeding or when picked up
- High-pitched crying, unusual irritability, or seeming uncomfortable when moved
When Should I Worry About My Baby's Stiffness?
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your pediatrician soon (within a few days):
- Your baby feels stiff or rigid when held or picked up
- They arch their back or push away from you during cuddling
- Their legs always straighten and cross like scissors when lifted
- One side of the body is consistently stiffer or weaker
- They miss milestones like rolling, sitting, or reaching for toys on time
Emergency Signs: Go to the ER or Call 911
Go to the ER or call 911 if stiffness appears with:
- Trouble breathing, turning blue, or pauses in breathing
- Seizure-like movements (rhythmic jerking, eye deviation, unresponsiveness)
- Fever, lethargy, or difficulty waking
- Recent head injury or fall
It's important to seek immediate medical attention, as these signs can signal a serious birth injury that needs urgent care. If something is wrong, early intervention can make a huge difference in outcomes, especially in cases of cerebral palsy or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
How Do Doctors Evaluate a Stiff Baby?
Since stiffness can sometimes appear to be a part of normal development for a baby, doctors and specialists will perform examinations and tests to accurately find out exactly what is causing the stiffness.
Your pediatrician may first ask questions like:
- When did you first notice stiffness?
- Is it constant, or only in certain positions or times of day?
- Were there any pregnancy or birth complications (early delivery, NICU stay, lack of oxygen, or infections)?
- How is your baby doing with milestones like rolling over, sitting, and reaching?
They will also perform:
- A neurologic exam testing reflexes, muscle tone, posture, symmetry, and head control.
- A developmental check, including how your baby moves, holds toys, and interacts.
Depending on what the exam shows, your baby may be referred to a pediatric neurologist or developmental specialist to perform further testing, such as:
- Brain MRI: Scans for injury, malformations, or changes linked to cerebral palsy or other conditions.
- Metabolic or genetic tests: Determines whether a hereditary or metabolic condition is suspected.
- Standardized tone and motor assessments: Used to measure hypertonia and track progress over time.
How Is Hypertonia Treated?
Although there is no cure for hypertonia or stiffness caused by a brain injury, there are a few different ways early treatment can significantly improve comfort, mobility, and long-term function, such as:
- Physical therapy: Stretches tight muscles, improves range of motion, increases strength, and helps your baby to learn positions like rolling, sitting, and standing.
- Occupational therapy: Works on fine motor skills, positioning for play, and improving coordination for daily tasks like dressing and feeding.
- Speech therapy: Helps if there is stiffness affecting the mouth, jaw, or swallowing, or if there are any challenges with speaking or communication.
How to Help Your Baby at Home
Your baby's therapists can teach you how to incorporate daily movements and exercises to help improve your baby's condition, such as:
- Gentle stretches and play positions that reduce stiffness
- How to properly hold and lift your baby up so they feel secure and not overwhelmed
- Ways to support tummy time, rolling, and reaching without triggering more tension
Always speak with your child's therapist before introducing any new exercises or movements to ensure that they will be beneficial and safe.
Long-Term Outlook of Hypertonia and Stiffness in Babies
Long-term outcomes will depend on what is causing the stiffness. Babies with mild hypertonia may improve significantly with early treatment and even have a near full recovery in some cases.
Stiffness that is caused by cerebral palsy or other brain injuries may be long-term, but early treatment can reduce pain, prevent joint problems, and increase independence over time.
Many children with early stiffness go on to walk, play, and learn with the right combination of medical care, therapy, and family support.
My Baby Is Stiff When Held FAQs
Written and Medically Reviewed by:
Cerebral Palsy Hub Team
Cerebral Palsy Hub was founded to help support children and their families with cerebral palsy and to create a safe space for those affected. We strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information, and tools to help give your child the life they deserve.
Last Updated: January 24, 2026
