Clenched Fists

k.martell

LO's fists are pretty much always clenched and my Mom is "very worried as it's a sign of pain!".  I told her it's normal, but I don't see it mentioned in my WTE book.  Am I wrong?

blissfully_caffeinated

My LO clenches his fists the majority of the time.

Neen33

My lo is the same and I know my inlaws were horribly concerned. I wonder if this isn't some kind of old wives tale cause dd definitely isn't in pain.

lljns

My son doesn't have this issue but I know a friend of mine had a baby girl who always had clenched fists (every bath they had to pry the little fingers open to get lint out).  I think it is normal.  If you're concerned, you could ask your pedi at the next appointment.

carrotcake06

I've read it's a hunger sign - so, normal.  Though DS clenches his fists sometimes when he's not hungry, too.

DiMattoni

It's completely normal.  We have to dig the lint out of our LO's hands all the time.  Once baby gets to be about 3 months (somewhere around there) and LO starts to gain control of his/her fingers and starts to grab at things, he/she won't keep them clenched.  It's just reflexive right now.

FutureMrsNAH

Oh I'm so glad to hear that others have to dig lint out of their LOs fists! I still don't know where mine gets this lint from though! He's gotten better about opening his hands more but they're still in fists most of the time.

kimandjared

Actually my SIL just told me she heard a study about this. Clench fists are actually a sign that a baby is comfortable in their environment. If their hands are constantly flexed open, they are stressed.

Princessn678

kimandjared:

Actually my SIL just told me she heard a study about this. Clench fists are actually a sign that a baby is comfortable in their environment. If their hands are constantly flexed open, they are stressed.

That make since. When LO is upset they are usually open, but when she is relaxed they are clenched.