Why Is Your Baby Arching Their Back?
Babies arch their backs. Sometimes, this indicates pain, and other times, it's just a way for them to move. In some cases, an arched back, along with other symptoms, can signal a health condition.
If your baby arches their back without any other symptoms, chances are they're just a natural at yoga. Let your baby's pediatrician know about the back arching, just to be on the safe side.
Here's what to look for and what your baby might be trying to tell you.
What may cause a baby to arch their back?
There are many things that can cause a baby to arch their back, including discomfort, pain, or upset. Here are a few more common causes:
Gassiness
Gas can be a painful and common occurrence for babies. Your baby might arch their back when they have gas or an upset stomach.
This could be because arching the back stretches the stomach a bit and might make them feel a little better. You might notice that your baby arches their back after feeding, when trying to poop, and even while lying down.
Colic
Some babies experience bouts of fussiness that last for several days or weeks. This is sometimes labeled generically as colic.
Colic can start when your baby is only 4 to 6 weeks old and cause crying for hours at a time. Your baby may arch their back and cry out. Babies usually outgrow colic by the time they're 4 months old.
Baby reflux
Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, is common in babies right from birth to around 12 months to 18 months old.
Reflux happens in babies because the round muscles that pinch both ends of the stomach closed don't yet work properly in these new little humans. If your baby is premature, they might have more reflux.
A healthy baby can have reflux several times a day. But sometimes, if your baby is spitting up and seems to have other symptoms, they may also arch their back.
Similar to when babies have colic, they might arch their backs because it helps reduce the pain of reflux. You might notice this during and after feeding, while your baby is lying down, and even while they're fast asleep.
Body language
Sometimes your baby might arch their back because they don't want to be held or fed. This kind of body stiffening could be a sign to put them down or change their position.
Some babies have strong back muscles, and this may be the easiest way — other than crying — for their body to tell you what they want. Your little independent one may use the 'back arch method' to get out of unwanted cuddles up to the age of 2 years.
Startle reflex
Most babies have a startle reflex (also called the Moro reflex) when they hear a sudden or loud noise. It might also happen if they feel like they're falling or if they're moved suddenly.
Startling may cause a baby to suddenly straighten its legs forward and throw back its arms. The baby's head may also jerk backward, causing its back to arch. The startle reflex usually goes away by the time the baby is 2 to 4 months old.
Rollover attempts
As your little one gets used to tummy time, they're also building stronger back and neck muscles. They've learned to lift their head and realize that the more they can move, the more they can look around.
Your baby may arch their back during tummy time or while they're lying down on their side or back to get into a better position to explore. Some babies arch their backs when they're trying to roll over or move forward.
Temper tantrums
Some babies arch their backs and throw their heads back when they're upset or frustrated. This can happen while they're lying down, sitting down, standing, or even cradled in your arms. A baby in the heat of a tantrum may also cry, whine, and thrash about.
Many things might set off a tantrum. They may be hungry, finished feeding, want to go play, or frustrated because they can't express their needs to you. If your little one gets into the habit of this, look for warning signs like crying or being upset first, so you might be able to stop a tantrum in the early stages.
Seizure-like movements
Although it sounds serious, your baby may have seizure-like movements and behaviors that might be mistaken for seizures beginning in the first week of life. At this time, your baby's nervous system is still developing, so they may have uncoordinated or jerky movements. It can happen at any time, usually when your baby is awake or just drifting off to sleep.
Nerve injury during delivery
Though it's rare, a baby's delicate neck and back can get sprained or strained during a difficult delivery. Sometimes, the nerves between the neck and shoulders can be injured, which is called a brachial plexus injury.
This may cause back arching in your baby because they can move their back muscles and other strong muscles better than their neck muscles – especially if they are recovering from a birth injury.
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of muscle control conditions. It usually happens when there is brain damage while your baby is still in the womb. About 1 in 345 children worldwide have a type of cerebral palsy.
Signs of this condition might show up while your little one is a baby or toddler. Signs include muscle floppiness, strong reflexes, and stiffening (like arching the back). Babies with cerebral palsy may also have trouble swallowing and moving their eyes. Some babies with this condition may also be more likely to have seizures.
Sandifer syndrome
Sandifer syndrome is a rare movement condition almost always associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It starts in babies or small children. Once the baby is treated for GERD (or it goes away on its own), this condition goes away.
Sandifer syndrome causes serious back arching in babies that can last for up to 3 minutes. It causes a frozen kind of back arching that can sometimes be mistaken for a baby seizure.
Back arching from this syndrome can happen about 10 times a day, usually after your baby has eaten. During back arching, your baby will also stretch their legs out backward and be very stiff. Other symptoms of Sandifer syndrome include:
tilting the head to one side
nodding head movements
poor feeding
vomiting
difficulties with eye movements
Is there a link between back arching and autism?
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically show several signs. This sometimes includes repetitive motions like back arching, but remember that back arching is much more often due to other causes.
Autistic children may show symptoms around the time they are a year old (or earlier), but most kids aren't diagnosed until they're 3 to 4 years old.
A newborn or a baby that is only a few weeks to a few months old will likely not show signs of this condition. If your child is on the autism spectrum, they'll likely have several other signs along with back arching.
By the end of the first year, an autistic baby may show characteristic traits that are more common, like:
not smiling spontaneously at parents or caregivers
not using eye contact to communicate
not gesturing (waving or pointing) on their own
Later on, your child may show other repetitive motions, such as:
stiffening their arms
flapping their hands
walking on their toes
Solutions and treatments for back arching in babies
In most cases, your baby's back arching will go away on its own as they learn to roll over and control their body better, outgrow the startle reflex, and get more comfortable with people around them.
If there's a health problem that's making your little one arch their back, treating the underlying condition will solve the back arching. For example, treating common baby problems like gas and acid reflux will take care of the back arching.
For typical gasiness and baby reflux, you can try simple, low risk home remedies like:
holding or propping your baby upright after feeding
avoiding overfeeding
giving smaller feeds more often
using a smaller bottle and nipple size to stop air-gulping if this seems to be an issue
thickening breast milk or formula with a tiny bit of infant cereal (check with your pediatrician first, as this can have risks)
If your baby is throwing their head backward and arching their back in a toddler temper tantrum, gentle behavior training may help stop this. Teaching your child how to express themselves in a less dramatic way might help. Ask your pediatrician for recommendations.
When to call a doctor
Sometimes gassiness and fussiness can start to be accompanied by other symptoms that won't go away, and acid reflux might be a sign of a more serious health condition. Call your child's pediatrician urgently if your baby:
is crying for 3 hours or longer
is arching their back and showing other signs of pain
throws up every time you feed them
is irritable during feeding
refuses to feed
isn't gaining weight or has lost weight
isn't wetting their diaper
Look for symptoms of brain or nerve problems along with back arching. Contact your child's doctor or go to urgent or emergency care right away if your baby experiences:
sudden difficulty latching or feeding
weak sucking
difficulty swallowing
high-pitched cry
seizures
bulging or swollen soft spots on the head
stiffness
floppiness
strange head or neck posture
jerking movements
muscle spasms
»FIND CARE: Find a pediatrician in your area today.
The takeaway
If your baby's got back (arching), you probably don't have to worry. Babies arch their backs for many reasons — or for no reason at all. In a happy, comfortable, healthy baby, back arching likely has no cause and is just one of those things they do.
This common baby movement can also be a sign of other underlying health problems — sometimes serious. If you notice your baby arching their back, look for other symptoms. Let your pediatrician know what you notice. Make sure you take your new bundle of joy to all their regular check-ups.
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These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Best overall multivitamin for kids (back to top) More multivitamins for kids we like in 2025 (back to top) Types of kids' multivitamins Text Gummy: Perhaps the most popular option, gummy vitamins have kid-appeal thanks to their sweet taste and chewy texture. They can be a good option for kids who dislike or have difficulty taking chewable vitamins. Other than safety concerns around overconsumption, the main drawbacks are these vitamins are often high in added sugar and aren't vegan-friendly. They also tend to contain few minerals, which may be a pro or con, depending on your child's needs. Chewable or dissolvable tablets: Chewable and dissolvable tablets are typically lower in added sugar than gummies and tend to have more comprehensive formulations. The downsides? They're often chalky and not always a hit with kids. Liquid: Liquid kids' multivitamins are typically either flavored and administered via a measuring spoon or cup, or unflavored and stirred into a cool food or beverage. They may be a better choice for younger kids or those who dislike taking other supplement forms. However, many liquid products have a shorter shelf-life and can have a strong taste or thick, syrupy texture that kids might not like. Powder: Powder multivitamins are similar to liquid ones in that they can be stirred into a cool food or beverage, making them handy for picky eaters or younger kids. However, depending on the powder, it may alter the taste of the food or beverage you add it to. These products also tend to be pricier and harder to find. 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That said, there are a few key nutrients that are generally good to look for in a kids' multivitamin. "Calcium, vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 (especially for vegetarian or vegan children) and zinc are some important ones to consider," says Ellis. Nutrient amounts: Equally important as which nutrients are included in a multivitamin is how much of each is provided. With the exception of vitamin D, I generally recommend choosing multivitamins that contain less than 100% of the DV for most nutrients. Unless your child has a diagnosed deficiency, they likely don't need high doses — and in some cases, too much of certain nutrients can actually do more harm than good. Form: "When choosing a multivitamin for kids, one key factor to consider is the form. Young children may not be able to swallow tablets, so chewables, powders or liquids may be more appropriate. Gummy vitamins are quite popular, but it is important to use caution with these and store them out of reach as they look and taste like candy," says Ellis. Ultimately, the best form is the one your child can take safely. Sweeteners: Ideally, look for products with no more than 2 grams of added sugar per serving. Some products use natural sugar substitutes, like monk fruit, or artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, to add sweetness without added sugar. While generally well-tolerated, some artificial sweeteners can cause digestive side effects, like bloating, and kids may not always like the taste or aftertaste of sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia. Colors and flavors: When possible, opt for products that are naturally colored and sweetened using ingredients like fruit or vegetable juice. Allergies: If your child has a food allergy, it's important to choose a supplement that's free of the allergen and ideally made in an allergen-free facility. This helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination and gives you extra peace of mind. Third-party testing: To make sure your child's multivitamin actually contains the nutrients listed on the label — and is free from contaminants like heavy metals — look for products that are tested for purity and potency. Ideally, choose ones that are certified by trusted third-party organizations such as NSF or USP. Value: There are kids' multivitamins available at a range of prices. Choose a product that doesn't sacrifice on quality but still fits your budget. (back to top) How we chose To help you make an informed decision for your child, I drew from my experience as a mom and registered dietitian — along with insights from four pediatric dietitians. Combining expert guidance with years of reviewing supplements, I carefully evaluated 20 kids' multivitamins and personally tested 12 of them with the help of my own two little ones (a toddler and a preschooler). I considered everything from ingredient quality and nutrient content to taste, added sugar and how easy they are for kids to take. The result? A list of dietitian-approved multivitamins that kids will actually take. (back to top) Other multivitamins for kids we tested In my search for the best multivitamins for kids, six products didn't quite make the final cut, but that doesn't mean they're not worth considering. Depending on your child's specific needs or preferences, one of these runner-ups may still be a great fit. Here's a closer look at the other contenders: EllaOlla Kids' Essential Multivitamin: EllaOlla stands out from other vitamin brands with its line of toddler- and kid-friendly vitamin powders — a unique option for families looking to avoid gummies or pills. It was one of Ellis's top picks for its "good variety of key vitamins and minerals" and how easily it mixes into a range of foods. I was genuinely impressed by how truly tasteless and undetectable it was when I stirred it into my son's overnight oats. That said, there were a couple of drawbacks. Since my son rarely finishes an entire meal or drink in one sitting, I couldn't be sure how much of the nutrients he actually consumed. It's also on the pricier side, at $49 for 30 servings. Nordic Naturals Nordic Berries: Nordic Naturals is one of my go-to supplement brands, thanks to its use of third-party testing and commitment to transparency — it's one of the few companies that makes its testing results easily accessible online. Its Nordic Berries gummy is also one of the most comprehensive kids multivitamins I've come across. I especially appreciate that it includes choline, a nutrient that plays a key role in brain development and isn't found in many children's multis. My son loved the taste — he said it reminded him of orange juice — but one major drawback is the sugar content. With 8 grams of added sugar per 4-gummy serving, it's one of the highest-sugar options out there, which may be a deal breaker for some families. OLLY Kids Multi Gummy Worms: These gummy worm-shaped gummies were a close contender for our "best gummy" pick. These gummies are naturally flavored and colored, third-party tested for purity and potency, contain just 2 grams of added sugar and offer a good variety of vitamins and minerals. The biggest difference between it and SmartyPants is OLLY's kids' vitamin doesn't include omega-3s. However, for kids who eat fish regularly, these gummy worms may be a better pick. Flintstones Complete Chewable: Considered the OG kids' multivitamin by many parents, Flintstones Vitamins are still going strong and now come in both gummy and chewable options. Since I had already tested several gummies, I went with the Complete Chewable. The classic chalky texture from my own childhood is still there, though the taste was a bit more sour than I remembered. My son didn't seem to mind, but the flavor might be off-putting for some kids. Nutritionally, it's a comprehensive formula, with many vitamins present at 100% of the DV, making it a better fit for kids with very limited diets or those needing extra support. However, it does contain artificial ingredients, including food dyes, which may be a dealbreaker for some families. Li'l Critters Gummy Vites: It's clear why this multivitamin is so popular on Amazon: It's affordable, and the gummy bear shape and sweet taste is sure to be a hit with kids — though my toddler found them too sticky for his taste. As with many other gummy vitamins, it doesn't contain many minerals and isn't suitable for vegan diets. Unlike Nature Made Kids' multivitamin, Li'l Critters doesn't contain omega-3s and isn't third-party tested for purity and potency. Zarbee's Complete Kids Multivitamin Gummies + Immune Support: This honey-sweetened multivitamin is unique in that it contains black elderberry extract, which may help support your child's immune system and prevent or shorten the duration of respiratory illnesses, though more research is needed. Suitable for kids ages 2 to 12, it provides a good range of vitamins, though doesn't contain many minerals. It's free of artificial dyes, flavors and sweeteners and contains 1 gram of added sugar per gummy. It's also third-party tested for label accuracy. The biggest drawback is the taste, which my son said was too tart. (back to top) FAQs Are kids' multivitamins worth it? It depends. Most healthy kids who generally eat a balanced diet don't need to take a multivitamin daily. Instead, they might benefit from a multivitamin on days when their appetite is low or during periods of extreme pickiness. Some multivitamins contain smaller amounts of key nutrients and could be helpful for simply bridging gaps in your child's diet. That said, multivitamins can be helpful for ensuring adequate nutrient intake in kids who are at risk for nutrient inadequacies or deficiencies. "Some signs that suggest a child may benefit from a multivitamin include noticeable changes in energy or focus, ongoing fatigue, growth concerns or frequent illness. Additionally, if a child has a very limited diet or is consistently excluding entire food groups over a long period of time, a multivitamin may be helpful. If there are any concerns about nutrient gaps or growth, it's always best to consult with your child's healthcare provider to determine the root cause and appropriate supplementation," says Ellis. Can kids' multivitamins cause constipation? Yes, some nutrients, especially iron and calcium, can be constipating in some kids. If your child has fewer than three bowel movements in a week, it's best to talk with a pediatrician or registered dietitian to determine the root cause. Are kids multivitamin HSA/FSA eligible? Most over-the-counter kids' supplements are not HSA or FSA eligible, unless prescribed by a pediatrician. That said, eligibility requirements vary, so it's worth double checking with your HSA or FSA plan provider What is the best multivitamin for kids with ADHD? The best multivitamin for kids with ADHD depends on your child's diet. Research on supplements to help manage ADHD symptoms in kids is limited. That said, being low in certain nutrients, including vitamin D, zinc and iron may worsen or contribute to ADHD symptoms. Avoiding products that are high in added sugar or that contain artificial food dyes may also help, though larger, higher-quality studies are needed. Hiya may be a good option for kids with ADHD as it contains zinc and vitamin D, plus it's free of artificial dyes and added sugar. For an iron-containing supplement, Renzo's Picky Eater may be worth considering. Ultimately, it's best to talk with your pediatrician to determine the right supplement for your kid. (back to top) Meet our experts Brittany Brown, RD, CDE, a pediatric dietitian and lactation consultant in Nova Scotia, Canada Alicia Miller, MS, RD, LDN, maternal and pediatric nutrition specialist Yvette Hill, RDN, board-certified lactation consultant and pediatric food allergy specialist Ali Ellis, MS, RD, pediatric dietitian and founder of the Toddler Kitchen (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
