Toddlers commonly shake when excited, a behavior that can concern parents. This article explores why this happens, distinguishes between normal and concerning signs, and advises when to consult a doctor.
Why Toddlers Shake When Excited
Toddlers often shake when excited due to their developing nervous systems and emerging ability to regulate intense emotions. When a toddler experiences a rush of excitement, the body releases adrenaline, a hormone that prepares the body for action and can lead to temporary muscle responses like tremors or shivers.
The limbic system, involved in processing emotions, is highly active in early childhood. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control, is still developing. This means young children may struggle to manage strong feelings, leading to physical manifestations such as shaking or trembling as they try to contain their joy or anticipation. These repetitive movements can also help young children regulate their sensory experiences or express their emotions.
Normal Shakes Versus Concerning Signs
Normal excitement shakes are usually brief, lasting only a few seconds, and are directly linked to a clear trigger of excitement, such as seeing a favorite person or toy. The child remains responsive and engaged during these episodes, and the shaking stops once the excitement subsides or when the child is distracted. These movements might involve tensing arms and legs, hand flapping, or full-body shivers. Many neurotypical children engage in these behaviors, and they often lessen as children grow and refine their motor skills.
However, shaking might warrant medical evaluation if it is prolonged, occurs without an apparent exciting trigger, or happens when the child is unresponsive or loses consciousness. Other red flags are changes in breathing, unusual eye movements, body stiffness, or lethargy after an episode. Shaking accompanied by a general decline in the child’s health or development, or if the child cannot be comforted or distracted, also suggests a need for professional assessment.
When to Consult a Doctor
It is advisable to consult a doctor if a toddler’s shaking episodes exhibit any of the concerning signs mentioned. Specific triggers for a doctor’s visit include shaking that is prolonged, if the child becomes unresponsive during an episode, or if the shaking occurs without clear excitement.
Parents should also seek medical attention if the shaking is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, unusual lethargy, or any signs of developmental regression. When preparing for the appointment, documenting observations can be helpful. This includes noting when the shaking happens, how long it lasts, a detailed description of the movements, what the child was doing immediately before and after, and any other accompanying symptoms. This information assists the pediatrician in making an accurate assessment.