As babies grow, they go through captivating stages that new mothers gradually come to understand. They know how to express and communicate with their moms in their own way. It is something they are born with. They are a source heartwarming of enhancing smiles, adorable coos and interesting behaviors.
Around three to four months, babies start a cute and unique behavior of kicking their legs frequently, which can last until they are 12-13 months old. This may drive you crazy to watch your baby throwing their leg up in the air and slamming down repeatedly. This phase is often referred to as the “Whale Kicking Phase“, but it’s completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.
However, it’s important for new parents to understand the reasons behind this leg-kicking behavior.
Discover the reasons behind babies’ frequent leg kicks and what they want to communicate.
Leg Kicking is a natural reflex that babies are born with and also a self soothing method. Kicking starts as early as they are in the womb. It is a sign of growing physical strength as well as motor and cognitive development of the baby.
But what are the Reasons Behind Babies’ Constant Leg Kicking? Lets Discover 5 Unexpected Explanations!
- Muscle gain and Physical development – As babies grow their muscles start strengthening. Leg kicking helps babies to develop muscle and gain strength. It is a part of physical development. It helps in blood circulation When they kick their legs they develop overall physical strength and motor skills.
- Exploring their environment – Infants possess an innate curiosity, driving them to investigate their surroundings and bodies as they develop. Their leg movements serve as a means of exploring the world around them, allowing them to understand how their bodies interact with the environment. As the baby’s body becomes more mobile, their legs act as a sensory object. They kick toys with their legs and make them move. Through this act their legs feel the sound, texture and movement of the toy. Leg kicking is a type of communication here about how excited they are about their body movements.
- Way Of communication – Babies have their own way of communication. It takes time for new moms to understand their language. Leg kicking is a way of communication for babies to express their discomfort,excitement or if they need attention. When they kick their leg while playing or see something new, it means they are trying to communicate their excitement with you.
- Self Soothing – Leg kicking is also a way to self soothe and self comfort. Babies around three to four months are seen to adapt this soothing technique by kicking their legs. It is a way to release energy and relax while they are sleeping. Kicking their legs helps them to let go of the energy and tension before they sleep. It helps them to control their emotions.
- Gas discomfort or reaction to external stimuli – Gas discomfort can be the reason for legs kicking. Babies kick their legs when they feel digestive discomfort or want to pass out the gas bubble inside their stomach. Babies might respond to sounds, light or any stimuli in their surroundings and kick their legs. One more reason for leg kicking can be hunger or discomfort due to diapers being full.
Is Your Baby a Leg-Kicking Machine? Find Out the Causes and How to Handle Them.
- Give space for movement – Provide plenty of time during the day to move freely. You can give a musical piano toy to keep them engaged by kicking the keys and making musical sounds.
- Ensure comfort – Babies can kick their legs if they are uncomfortable. As they cannot speak they tend to kick their legs to communicate. Check if they are not uncomfortable due to hunger, diaper full, or feeling too hot or cold.
- Give them gentle massages – As babies sometimes kick their legs to soothe themselves while sleeping, try to give them a soft massage to soothe them. Gentle massage will make them feel relaxed.
- Swaddling – This process also helps the babies to calm down. Swaddling makes them feel secure and prevents overstimulation. Especially for a newborn, swaddling is very helpful.
- Try “Rugby Hold” – This technique is very helpful and creates a strong bond between mother and baby. Rugby hold is a breastfeeding position. In this position the baby is tucked under the mother’s arm on the same side that they are feeding. This position is a lifesaver when babies tend to kick too much.
Wrapping Up
As babies start growing they go through many phases. Leg kicking or whale kicking phase is one of them. As they cannot talk, moms or caretakers need to understand their behavior because it’s sometimes difficult and frustrating for babies as well. From physical development to overstimulation, from exploration to communication, from discomfort to self soothe, everything is natural and part of a baby’s development.
As a new mom or caretaker, you can help them to go through this phase smoothly by providing the right environment, physical toys, activities and most important motherly love and hug when they go through this phase.
Be calm and patient with your baby. This phase is very important for a baby’s physical and mental development. Give them love and care. I hope you can now understand what are the reasons for babies to kick so much. I am sure you find these points and tips helpful. If you have anything to share please comment below.