Toddler Shakes When Excited

If your toddler shakes when excited, there is no need for alarm at first. It’s typical for babies to shake or display extra movements when they get excited or see someone they know.

It’s similar to when a person is cold, they usually shudder. This is typically a momentary reaction that will pass as soon as they warm up.

Involuntary body motions, such as shivering, are, on the other hand, uncontrollable.

Hiccups and sneezing are two more involuntary actions. Read on to find out why your toddler shakes when excited. 

Toddler Shakes When Excited

You’re not alone if you’ve ever seen your toddler suddenly tremble with excitement.

Parents have posted questions on forums, wondering if this is normal and a common occurrence.

A toddler’s tics when he is excited are often mild reactions to adrenaline. They can, however, be concerning at times.

The shaking could indicate a motor stereotypy, developmental disability, or even seizure if the vibration is severe or specific symptoms are present. 

The health of a child is the most important thing to a parent.

Unfortunately, children’s behavior can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between normal and what needs to be checked out by a pediatrician.

By closely examining your child’s shaking, you can determine if it’s a normal reaction to excitement or a more severe one. 

When cold, people usually shiver to stay warm. However, shivering can also be caused by other factors, which may indicate an underlying health issue.

For example, the muscles in a person’s body contract and relax quickly to generate heat when cold, and shivering or shaking can result from this process.

In addition, people should know that a cool breeze or sitting in the shade can make them shiver on a warm day.

1. How Common Is It For Babies To Shake When They’re Excited?

Absolutely! It happens pretty often. The reason is the baby’s weak nervous system.

They have too many electrical impulses traveling through their nervous system, causing their muscles to twitch. So whenever they see a familiar face or a favorite toy, it’s normal for babies to shake with excitement.

There are many different ways to show this: full-body shaking, clenching the fists and shaking, or tensing up the whole body when excited.

Some babies can shiver or shake at seemingly random times when they have no particular reason to be excited; this may last for a few seconds or longer.

There is no clear understanding of the cause of this infant’s shuddering, but it doesn’t hurt and usually dissipates by the time they reach the age of four.

Infant shuddering syndrome, shuddering attacks, and shuddering spells are all terms used to describe it.

Also read: Babies Shaking Head Back And Forth

2. Fever

Shivering is generally the result of a fever, which the medical profession defines as a body temperature above 100°F.

Temperature can also increase due to inflammation or an allergic reaction, although fever is usually caused by infection.

Fever may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms for some people, while other people will not experience any additional symptoms.

You can reduce the temperature by drinking plenty of fluids and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The person should seek medical advice within 24 hours if they exhibit any other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing.

A doctor will only need to be consulted if the fever lasts for three days without other symptoms.

3. Movement Disorders Caused By Psychogenic Factors

Shivering and other involuntary movements can occur in some people due to stress or mental health issues.

The cause of this usually stems from a psychogenic movement disorder, which can affect any part of the body.

Psychogenic movement disorders are typically diagnosed by a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in conditions of the brain.

The following characteristics can help make the diagnosis:

  • Movements that happen suddenly and without warning
  • Actions triggered by traumatic memories
  • When a person is distracted, their activities stop
  • Depression, for example, is an underlying mental health issue

Quite often, there is no damage to the brain and even the nerves. Plus, because of stress body shivers frequently. 

Summary

Still, concerned to know why toddler shakes when excited?

In case your child is shaking during their routine activities or is repeating a motion or sound, this might be a sign of a tremor.

However, this might be a medical situation also; thus, consulting a doctor is recommended. Otherwise, the baby is healthy, growing, and developing typically. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can be the potential reasons for infant shudder syndrome?

As per a report, the shuddering attack can be linked with benign myoclonus in the early years of birth, which are also present with similar movements that trigger eating and fun.

However, unlike the timid activities, this situation might be erratic and can be remitted by two years.

My child is constantly shaking his hands when he is excited. Is it okay? 

The flapping of hands is often linked with vestibular stimming. Children might do this when they store feelings like the excitement of playing a game.

This type of behavior can be self-satisfied when they experience stress. You should allow your little one to retreat to a quiet area when they are feeling stressed. 

How does shudder syndrome look like?

During the initial birth years, shuddering attacks are good-natured events in your child.

These clinical events include rapid shivering in the head, shoulder, and quite often the trunk. In several patients, this has not lasted for even a few seconds. 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top