1. The startle reflex
Your baby's nervous system is still wired for the womb, where walls hugged them on every side.
The moment they lie flat and open, their brain sounds the alarm: the startle reflex. Arms fly out, their heart races, and they're awake. The stress hormones take 40 to 50 minutes to clear, which is why they wake on that same frustrating schedule.
This results in: Restless nights, tired days and holding your baby upright for hours.
What does this look like?
- Arms and legs suddenly fly out
- Waking 30 to 45 minutes after being laid down
- Settling only in your arms