Stretching Out Your Newborn

There is a lot of misinformation online about newborn “tension” and whether babies need to be “stretched out.” Wobbly heads, big reaching, and flopping over on their tummy or back are not "tension". They are physiological flexion plus an immature motor control system - a completely normal part of early newborn development.

Why Physiological Flexion Matters

In the womb, babies develop in flexion: muscles and joints are gently bent, pressed against the womb walls, and the nervous system is organised in a contained, midline posture. After birth, this posture provides the foundation for sensory and motor development.

Brain development is layered: flexion tone and midline posture come first, while extension naturally emerges over time. Physiological flexion is essential for:

• 🧠 Neurological organisation and sensory regulation

• 💪 Balanced muscle tone and midline stability

• 🤲 A feeling of safety through physical containment and support

How to Support Your Newborn’s Movement

You do not need to stretch your newborn. Their movements are naturally poorly controlled at this stage. Instead, focus on supporting their development through:

• Skin-to-skin contact

• Babywearing

• Cuddles and gentle handling

• Everyday movement and play, including tummy time

As their brain and postural control develop, your baby will gradually extend and explore more through these natural movements.

When to Check In

It’s always worth checking with a healthcare provider if you notice

• Consistent asymmetry or strong head-turn preference

• Flattening of the head

• Difficulty or asymmetry when feeding

• Signs of torticollis

• Marked arching or distress with movement

You can also screen at home using the free Quick Head & Neck Check.

Quick Head & Neck Check

Special Considerations for Preterm Babies

Babies born very preterm may have missed the final stages of flexion development in the womb, and can appear straighter, especially in the legs. Supporting flexed positions in the early days can be comforting and help promote optimal neurodevelopment.

Early intervention from a paediatric physiotherapist provides support for you and your baby during the critical periods of neuroplasticity too.

In Summary

Your newborn’s “squish” and difficulty controlling their movement is not something to fix - it’s a perfectly normal and beautifully organised stage of brain, sensory, and motor development.

Supporting through everyday care and play lays the foundation for future movement milestones from rolling and crawling to walking and running.