4 Early Signs Your Child Has Suffered a Birth Injury

Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Successful Black Parenting Staff

The signs of a birth injury are not always obvious in the first days of life. Below are four early signs of a birth injury to watch for, plus clear next steps if something does not feel right.

When your child is born, you look forward to seeing them grow, reach milestones, and thrive. But sometimes, things may not go as expected. Some children experience birth injuries, which can affect their early development.

Recognizing the signs early is key, as it allows you to get medical help and support to give your child the best care possible. Here, we explore four early signs that could indicate your child has suffered a birth injury.

Delayed Developmental Milestones

Most children reach specific developmental milestones as they grow, such as holding their heads up, rolling over, walking, and talking. These developmental stages give clues about your child’s physical and mental progress. If your child doesn’t reach these milestones at the expected times, it might signal an underlying issue.

Developmental delays can sometimes be linked to birth injuries that affect the brain or body. If you notice your child not making eye contact, responding to sounds, or showing interest in play, you should pay close attention.

Talking to a pediatrician can help assess whether these delays are related to a birth injury or part of a different developmental pattern. If the birth injury was a result of a doctor’s negligence, you should reach out to the Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alliance to get legal assistance.

Abnormal Muscle Tone

Muscle tone is the strength and firmness of a person’s muscles, even when not actively used. When a baby has abnormal muscle tone, it means their muscles may be too tight (hypertonia) or too floppy (hypotonia). Either extreme can signal a potential birth injury, especially when noticed early.

A baby with a high muscle tone might seem stiff or rigid. You might feel resistance when you try to move their arms or legs. In contrast, a baby with low muscle tone may feel “floppy” or limp, making it difficult to hold their head steady or sit up without support.

You may notice these signs during everyday activities, like lifting your baby or during play. Watch for unusual tightness or looseness in your child’s arms and legs. This abnormal muscle tone could indicate a birth injury, especially if it affects their ability to reach other developmental milestones. If you observe these traits, consult a pediatrician who might recommend physical therapy to help strengthen or relax your child’s muscles.

Difficulty Feeding or Swallowing

Feeding time should be a natural bonding experience for you and your child. But for some children with birth injuries, feeding and swallowing can be challenging. Birth injuries affecting the muscles or nerves involved in sucking and swallowing can make it hard for them to eat properly.

You may notice your baby struggling to latch onto the bottle or breast, making gagging or choking sounds, or drooling excessively. Some babies might have trouble coordinating their sucking, swallowing, and breathing, which are all essential parts of feeding. If your child regularly takes a long time to finish feeding, coughs often or seems to get tired quickly, it might be a sign of a birth injury.

These feeding issues can be frustrating for you and your child, but they’re often manageable with professional support. Pediatric feeding specialists or speech therapists can work with your child to improve their feeding skills, allowing them to grow and thrive more comfortably.

Seizures or Unusual Movements

Seizures can be a serious sign of an underlying birth injury, especially when they appear in the early months of life. Seizures might not look how you’d expect; in babies, they can sometimes be subtle, like unusual jerking movements, eye-rolling, or stiffening of the body. Even small, repetitive motions, like lip-smacking or rapid blinking, might be signs of a mild seizure.

It’s important to watch for these movements and not dismiss them as ordinary baby behaviors. Seizures in newborns are sometimes linked to a lack of oxygen during birth or other physical stress that may have affected their brains. If you think your baby is showing signs of a seizure, contact a medical professional for guidance.

Early medical evaluation is crucial for seizures. Doctors can assess the cause of the seizure activity and recommend treatments or therapies to support your child’s development.

Common Types of Birth Injuries

“Birth injury” is a broad term. Some injuries are minor and heal on their own, while others need ongoing care. Ones parents may hear about include:

• Brachial plexus injury (such as Erb’s palsy): stretching of the nerves in the neck and shoulder, which can cause weakness in one arm.
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): brain injury from a lack of oxygen or blood flow around the time of birth.
• Cerebral palsy: a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It has several possible causes, and not every case is linked to a birth injury. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development explains cerebral palsy and how it is diagnosed.
• Scalp swelling or bruising: such as a cephalohematoma, which usually goes away on its own but should be checked by your pediatrician.
• Broken collarbone: which typically heals well in newborns with gentle handling.

What to Do If You See Early Signs of a Birth Injury

You know your baby best. If something seems off, speak up, and keep speaking up until you get answers. These steps can help:

• Write it down. Note what you see, when it happens, and how long it lasts. Short phone videos of unusual movements are very helpful for doctors.
• Call your pediatrician and ask for a developmental screening. Bring your notes and videos.
• Ask for a referral to a specialist, such as a pediatric neurologist, physical therapist, or feeding specialist.
• Request your child’s early intervention evaluation. Every state runs a free or low-cost early intervention program for babies and toddlers under age 3 under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. You can find your state’s contact through the ECTA Center’s list of Part C coordinators, and you do not need a doctor’s referral to ask.
• Get copies of your medical records for both you and your baby from the birth.
• Seek a second opinion if you feel unheard. Families of Black children are too often told to “wait and see,” and you have the right to ask more questions.

Early intervention can make a real difference, whether the cause turns out to be a birth injury or something else. Our guide to understanding birth injuries in Black families covers awareness and support in more depth, and if feeding or speech is a concern, here is what to expect from speech therapy for kids. For more on acting early, read about early intervention for Black children.

The Wrap- Up

Recognizing the signs of a birth injury in your child can be challenging, but early detection helps ensure they get the care and support they need. You can identify potential issues early by staying attentive to developmental milestones, muscle tone, feeding, and movements.

Remember, noticing these signs doesn’t always mean a serious problem, but paying attention helps you and your child find the best path forward.