Do Baby Joints Pop and Crack?

Why are my newborn baby’s bones cracking?

Newborn babies, in particular, may experience these sounds more frequently due to their rapidly growing and developing bodies. Newborn babies have soft bones and ligaments that are still developing and strengthening. The bones and ligaments will become stronger and more durable as the baby grows and develops. This process can result in cracking noises.

Why do my baby’s bones crack when I pick him up?

Babies can have a “cracking” or “popping” sound when they are picked up or moved in certain ways. This is usually due to the baby’s soft bones and ligaments stretching and moving as they grow. It is not a cause for concern and does not indicate any pain or discomfort for the baby. It is a normal part of a baby’s development and often requires no medical attention.

I accidentally cracked my baby’s back.

To avoid accidental back cracking and injuries, support a baby’s head and neck when picking them up or carrying them. Handle a baby gently, as their bones and ligaments are still developing and can be easily damaged.

Is it okay if a baby’s back cracks?

A few signs may indicate that a baby’s “cracking” or “popping” sound is abnormal and may require medical attention. These may include:

• Persistent or severe pain or discomfort
• Swelling or bruising
• Difficulty moving or using a limb
• Changes in the baby’s behavior or appetite

Is it bad to pop my baby’s back on purpose?

Not recommended to intentionally “pop” or crack a baby’s back on purpose. While trying and “fix” a baby’s back may be tempting if you think it is misaligned or causing discomfort, remember that a baby’s bones and ligaments are still developing and can be easily damaged. Likewise, attempting to manipulate a baby’s back or spine can be dangerous and may cause serious injury.

Baby flung himself back!

If a baby “flings” its back, it may be a sign that they are experiencing discomfort or pain. Some potential causes may include the following:

• Gas or indigestion
• Teething pain
• Ear or throat infection
• Allergy or sensitivity

Is it normal for a baby’s hips to crack?

When their hips are flexed or extended, babies can have a “cracking” or “popping” sound. This Is usually normal.

It is the nature of every parent to be concerned with everything happening to their baby. Being curious and apprehensive about growth aspects you are unfamiliar with is normal. There are several reasons your baby’s body makes pop or cracking sounds.

It is normal

Given the flexibility of a young ones, they can move their joints in particular ways. Such movements tighten the tendons, thus producing a cracking sound. Regardless of these sounds, your baby’s bone and joint structure are healthy.

No need for concern

As your baby grows older, you will notice that the popping increases. This is because the ligaments’ position in the joints may alter as your baby undergoes rapid growth. Since this is a natural process, it does not require any treatment procedures.

It is not painful

Even though your young one produces popping sounds every time you pick them up, you are not hurting them. You will notice that they are oblivious to the sounds their bodies are making because they are not in pain.

Growth

Cracking and popping signs assure that your baby is growing and their bone and joint structure is developing typically.

The difference is in the joint.

Popping and cracking sounds may be healthy, but only in specific joints. For example, it is completely normal for the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. However, popping in the hips should warrant a visit to the pediatrician.

Audibly so!

The first time you hear the cracking sound may frighten you, and you may think you are handling your baby too roughly. Unless the baby cries, then the audible cracking and popping is something you should accustom to for a while. Regardless of how gently you pick up your baby, you will still hear its body cracking.

Hip click

If your baby’s hip is making cracking or popping sounds, it is a sign that there may be a dislocation. It may also be an indication of improper placement of the femur. Congenital hip dislocation is detectable in the early stages of a baby’s life and is treatable.

You do not require a referral.

Make appointments as early as possible if your baby needs a physical examination. Appointments with pediatric orthopedic surgeons do not require a referral by a physician. However, you may explain your concerns to your pediatrician, and they may refer you to a commendable orthopedic surgeon. Do not shy away from asking your physician for advice.

Do not procrastinate

Make an appointment with your pediatric orthopedic surgeon the moment you notice your baby’s hip is producing popping sounds. Hip dislocation does not fix itself with age; ignoring or procrastinating will worsen the condition. If an improper joint formation is not rectified early, your baby will grow with a bone structure deformity. In addition, structural problems may result in mobility limitations in the future.

Regular check-ups

During their first year, it is imperative to regularly take in your baby for a hip examination. Even though most babies do not suffer from hip problems, they may develop as the baby develops physically.

Hip dysplasia

Sometimes, the physical examination may not be enough to detect hip dysplasia in newborns. Your orthopedic surgeon may require more diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds. Tests also ensure the hip is normal and that your baby will not require treatment.

Be sure

You can examine the baby’s body if your concern is overwhelming. The fact that your baby does not cry should be enough assurance. First, however, check for bruises and swellings at the joints.

Typically, your baby will cry if they are in pain, which will help reassure a fretting parent.

Massages

Before you bathe your baby, gently massage them with almond oil. It will help relax the joints and put them in place. In addition, make a point of feeding the baby as regularly as two-three hours intervals and on-demand.

Sunlight

Every day, expose your baby to direct sunlight for about half an hour. Sunlight will help your baby synthesize Vitamin D, which is essential in calcium absorption in the body. Furthermore, sunlight strengthens the bones and helps inhibit the growth of several cancers. In addition, by exposing your infant to the sun, you help to prevent the development of rickets as they grow up.

Be keen when handling the baby.

Since your baby is developing physically, the cracking sounds are normal. If your baby does not produce popping sounds at the hips, that is a good sign. However, congenital hip dislocation is not easily noticeable since there may be no cracking sounds.

Sometimes, you cannot hear the cracking, but you can feel it. Therefore, be keen when handling the mid-section of your infant and check for any abnormalities in the bone structure.

Check the legs

If you can hear popping sounds from your baby’s hip, there are several signs you should look out for. First, carefully inspect your child’s legs and pay keen attention to the length of the legs. If they are unequal, your baby may develop dysplasia. You may also notice that the leg or hip does not move similarly to the other. Also, the skin will fold under the buttocks.

Practice hip-healthy swaddling

Even though your baby may be bone with no problems at all, it may develop depending on how you handle your baby. How you swaddle your baby plays a substantial role in how their body develops. If your swaddling technique is tight while pressing their legs straight down and together, your child will most likely develop a hip problem.

Instead, allow your baby ample room to move their legs freely. As such, your baby can bend their hips up and outwards.