Question
My baby is six months old and still hasn’t outgrown the startle reflex. She sleeps for a short time during the day, waking up after 20 minutes, and usually takes four naps. At night, she sleeps deeply without any startle reflexes. She aspirated water at birth and was delivered with forceps by the midwife. She is very lively, with keen eyes and ears, and can grab things and entertain herself. She might wear more clothes than usual but doesn’t leap around uncontrollably. However, she can flip over when held by one hand. Her fontanelle is a bit large, with the pediatrician measuring it at 2.5×2.5. Is this situation normal for a baby?
Answer
There’s no need to worry about your baby’s condition; it seems to be minor. You can focus on giving your baby vitamin D supplements along with calcium, and take advantage of sunny days to expose her to sunlight more often. The situation you described may indicate that her nervous system is still developing. There’s no cause for concern; as she grows older, her startle reflex will likely improve.