Flexion
Promoting Premmie Flexion: Why It Matters and How You Can Help
As a parent of a preterm baby, you’re navigating a unique journey—one that comes with challenges but also incredible opportunities to support your little one’s development. One key aspect of early movement that might not be on your radar yet is physiological flexion.
Let’s explore what it is, why it’s important, and how you can help strengthen your baby’s muscles for key developmental milestones.
What Is Physiological Flexion?
Physiological flexion refers to the naturally curled-up posture that full-term newborns display at birth. This position develops in the final weeks of pregnancy when there’s less space in the womb, leading to gentle resistance against the uterine walls. This pressure strengthens their limb muscles and encourages their arms and legs to naturally recoil when stretched.
Why Do Preterm Babies Miss Out on Physiological Flexion?
Babies born prematurely miss this crucial phase of muscle development, which can lead to:
🚼 Weaker limb muscles – Without the snug resistance of the womb, premmies may struggle to develop strength for key movements.
🌍 The effects of gravity – In the NICU, premmies often lie flat in incubators, where gravity pulls their limbs outward rather than keeping them curled in.
🩺 Restrictive environments – Wires, monitors, and medical equipment can make it harder for premmies to bring their limbs toward their body.
These factors can create an imbalance between extensor (outward) and flexor (inward) muscles, making it more difficult for your baby to:
✔️ Bring their hands to their mouth
✔️ Curl their body
✔️ Perform movements needed for rolling, crawling, and sitting
Have You Noticed?
If your baby tends to keep their body very straight or has difficulty bringing their arms and legs inward, they may need extra support to develop their flexor muscles. But don’t worry—there are simple and effective ways to help at home!
How to Encourage Flexion in Your Premmie
Here are practical, gentle ways to help your baby strengthen their flexor muscles:
1. Encourage Flexion When Carrying
Hold your baby facing away from you, with their legs gently bent and their arms positioned towards the front of their body. This mimics the womb’s natural posture while providing comforting physical contact.
2. Nesting for Flexion
Recreate the snugness of the womb by using a rolled towel in a U-shape around your baby when they are lying on their back:
✔️ The base of the U should support their hips and knees in a bent position.
✔️ The sides of the U can guide their arms toward the middle of their body, encouraging shoulder and elbow flexion.
✔️ If needed, use small rolled towels on either side of their head (only while they are awake) to help with head alignment.
3. Side-Lying Position
Lay your baby on their side with a small rolled towel along their back. This helps them bring their hands to the middle of their body and encourages balanced muscle development.
✔️ Place a rolled towel between their legs, ensuring their top leg stays bent.
✔️ Alternate sides regularly to avoid developing a one-sided preference.
4. Fun Activities to Engage Flexor Muscles
Make strengthening exercises fun and engaging! Activities like blowing raspberries on their belly help activate their abdominal and flexor muscles while making playtime enjoyable.
Why Midline Matters
A term you’ll often hear is midline—the imaginary line running down the centre of your baby’s body from head to toe. Helping your baby bring their arms, hands, and legs toward the midline supports their coordination and prepares them for:
✔️ Rolling
✔️ Crawling
✔️ Sitting
✔️ Reaching for and grasping objects
By promoting midline alignment, you’re laying the foundation for your baby’s future movement skills.Want to learn more about how you can support your baby’s gross motor development?
