You might notice that your baby experiences tremors or quivers, especially in the first few weeks of life. However, this is not cause for concern and is another sign of your baby's nervous system needing time to develop.

Normal baby shakes

It's typical for newborns to experience tremors and shakes, especially during sleep. These involuntary movements are known as benign sleep myoclonus and are considered a part of the baby's developing neurological system. You may notice these little jerky movements in your baby's limbs or even their face, such as chin quivering or lip tremors. These tremors are usually brief and tend to resolve on their own.

You may also notice jerky movements when your baby's arms flail up as part of the startle reflex or even when crying, which can cause shaking, too.

When to worry

While baby tremors are harmless and self-correcting, infant seizures are different and require medical attention.

During an infant seizure, you may observe your baby stiffening their body, twitching uncontrollably, or experiencing repetitive movements in their arms and legs. Unlike typical baby tremors, infant seizures are often accompanied by changes in consciousness, altered breathing patterns, or a lack of responsiveness.

If you suspect that your baby is experiencing seizures or if you notice any concerning changes in their movements, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.