My Baby Twitches in Their Sleep
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NSF guidelines
Last reviewed:
Sleep concerns affect nearly every family at some point. When it comes to twitches in their sleep, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Twitching, jerking, and sudden movements during sleep are completely normal in babies, especially newborns. These movements occur during active (REM) sleep and are actually a sign that your baby's nervous system is developing properly. Most babies outgrow frequent twitching by 3-6 months as their sleep cycles mature.
Key takeaways
- Twitching, jerking, and sudden movements during sleep are completely normal in babies, especially newborns. These movements occur during active (REM) sleep and are actually a sign that your baby's nervous system is developing properly. Most babies outgrow frequent twitching by 3-6 months as their sleep cycles mature.
- Usually normal when: Twitching occurs during sleep, is brief and irregular, and stops when your baby wakes up
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures in a row
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“To reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, the AAP recommends that infants sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat surface, without any soft bedding.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NSF guidelines, twitching, jerking, and sudden movements during sleep are completely normal in babies, especially newborns. These movements occur during active (REM) sleep and are actually a sign that your baby's nervous system is developing properly. Most babies outgrow frequent twitching by 3-6 months as their sleep cycles mature. At 0-3 months, newborns spend about 50% of their sleep time in active (REM) sleep, during which you'll see lots of twitching, jerking, smiling, frowning, and eye movements under closed lids. This is completely normal and is how your baby's brain processes experiences and builds neural connections. You may also see the startle (Moro) reflex, where your baby suddenly throws their arms out. This reflex is normal until about 3-6 months and can wake your baby, which is why swaddling often helps. It is generally considered normal when twitching occurs during sleep, is brief and irregular, and stops when your baby wakes up. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures in a row.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Newborns spend about 50% of their sleep time in active (REM) sleep, during which you'll see lots of twitching, jerking, smiling, frowning, and eye movements under closed lids. This is completely normal and is how your baby's brain processes experiences and builds neural connections. You may also see the startle (Moro) reflex, where your baby suddenly throws their arms out. This reflex is normal until about 3-6 months and can wake your baby, which is why swaddling often helps.
3-6 months
As your baby's nervous system matures, you'll notice less frequent and less dramatic twitching. The percentage of active sleep decreases and deep sleep increases, so movements become less common. The Moro reflex typically disappears by 5-6 months. Occasional twitches, especially of the hands, feet, or face, remain normal. If your baby seems to be having rhythmic jerking that doesn't stop when you gently touch them, or if twitching occurs while awake, mention it to your doctor.
6-12 months
Older babies still have occasional twitches during sleep, but they should be brief and irregular. Your baby may jerk awake occasionally or move their hands and feet, especially during dreams. Some babies this age grind their teeth or talk/babble in their sleep as their language skills develop. If you notice new onset of repetitive, rhythmic jerking, stiffening, or movements that seem different from typical sleep twitches, contact your pediatrician.
12-24 months
Toddlers may have occasional hypnic jerks (the sensation of falling) when falling asleep, just like adults. They may also move around frequently, talk, or even sit up briefly during sleep. This is normal. However, if your toddler has repetitive movements, seems to "zone out" or stare blankly while awake, or has concerning behaviors during sleep like stiffening or rhythmic movements, these should be evaluated.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed twitches in their sleep and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if twitching movements are rhythmic, repetitive, or always involve the same body part.
- Mention if movements don't stop when you gently touch or hold the affected limb.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Twitching occurs during sleep, is brief and irregular, and stops when your baby wakes up
- Your baby has jerky movements of arms, legs, face, or eyes during active sleep
- The Moro (startle) reflex causes sudden arm movements in babies under 6 months
- Twitching decreases as your baby gets older and sleep cycles mature
- Your baby is developing normally, eating well, and meeting milestones
- Twitching movements are rhythmic, repetitive, or always involve the same body part
- Movements don't stop when you gently touch or hold the affected limb
- Twitching occurs while your baby is awake, especially if they seem unaware of it
- You notice eye movements side-to-side or staring spells while awake
- Your baby seems excessively tired, irritable, or is regressing in developmental skills
- Your baby has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures in a row
- Twitching is accompanied by difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, or unresponsiveness
- Your baby has rhythmic jerking along with fever, vomiting, or signs of serious illness
- Your baby is limp, extremely lethargic, or very difficult to wake
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice twitches in their sleep — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that twitching occurs during sleep, is brief and irregular, and stops when your baby wakes up — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine. Keep the sleep environment cool, dark, and quiet.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures in a row.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Baby Sleep Guide
Age-by-age sleep needs, schedules, and evidence-based sleep strategies.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is twitches in their sleep normal?
When should I call the doctor about twitches in their sleep?
When is twitches in their sleep normal?
What causes twitches in their sleep?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about twitches in their sleep?
Is twitches in their sleep normal at 0-3 months?
Is twitches in their sleep normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for twitches in their sleep?
Does twitches in their sleep go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Twitches in Their Sleep.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed twitches in their sleep and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if twitching movements are rhythmic, repetitive, or always involve the same body part.
- Mention if movements don't stop when you gently touch or hold the affected limb.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Twitching movements are rhythmic, repetitive, or always involve the same body part
- Movements don't stop when you gently touch or hold the affected limb
- Twitching occurs while your baby is awake, especially if they seem unaware of it
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures in a row
- Twitching is accompanied by difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, or unresponsiveness
- Your baby has rhythmic jerking along with fever, vomiting, or signs of serious illness
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of twitches in their sleep are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures in a row.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Is My Baby's Bedtime Too Early?
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