can a baby have rls? - Restless Leg Syndrome Message Board

sarabearblue · 09-23-2003, 08:36 PM

I have RLS although I have never been diagnosed by a Dr. I also know my 7 yr old does too. I think it is causing problems with her missing out on sleep to the point that it is causing problems in school but that is a different subject. I was wondering if a baby can have RLS? I have a 4 1/2 month old boy and he has a habit of lifting both feet and slamming them down. This may seem like a normal thing for a baby, but he does it constantly at night while asleep. This will go on all night. He will start thumping his feet every 30 seconds for a half hour then stop for a while then start up again. He also does it a lot durring the day. It is to the point that we are all missing out on a lot of sleep. While being held he will make his legs really stiff and stands on my legs, he can't just be held with out standing. He has been standing on my lap since 1 month old. I have started to give him leg rubs to try to put him to sleep. He seems to have problems sleeping/getting to sleep/staying asleep. He doesn't sleep much for his age. He always wakes by thumping his feet and legs. We also delt with colic up until he was 3 months old. Has any one heard of a study done to see if babys have RLS?

Zazzaz · 09-23-2003, 11:51 PM

There's a strong familial connection with RLS. Also, many websites that give info on RLS include info for treating kids who have RLS. There should be a lot of info available in this subject if you look for it.

Have you and your family been tested for iron deficiency? Read the paper called "Study Links Restless Legs Syndrome to Poor Iron Uptake in the Brain" for more info.

Good luck ~ Z

sarabearblue · 09-24-2003, 11:18 AM

I did have iron deficiency as a child and was on medication until my early teens. As for my children, they are tested once a year and have always been in the normal range. As for Poor Iron Uptake in the Brain I will have to read more on that.
Thanks