Why Does My Baby Shake with Excitement? Have you noticed your baby shaking with excitement at the sight of a favourite toy or a loving face? It’s adorable, isn’t it? But it might leave you wondering: Why do they do that? Is it normal? Don’t worry—this is a perfectly natural part of your baby’s development, and here’s why.
Expressing Big Feelings in a Little Body
Babies have so much emotion and energy packed into their tiny bodies. When they get excited, they haven’t yet learned how to channel that energy into more refined movements. Instead, it comes out in enthusiastic wiggles, shakes, and flailing arms.
This is their way of showing joy, curiosity, or even anticipation. It’s like when adults do a happy dance—but for babies, the movements are less controlled and more spontaneous.
A Sign of Neurological Development
Your baby’s shakes and wiggles are also connected to their growing nervous system. As their brain and body learn to communicate more effectively, movements become more purposeful. In the meantime, shaking with excitement is a sign their nervous system is active and developing.
Learning Through Movement
Babies explore and respond to the world through movement. When they shake or wiggle, they’re not just expressing emotion—they’re also developing motor skills, strengthening muscles, and improving coordination.
When to Be Concerned
In most cases, shaking with excitement is entirely normal. However, if the movements seem unusually jerky, happen during sleep, or occur in a way that doesn’t align with your baby’s age and developmental milestones, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Encouraging Positive Development
Here are a few ways you can support your baby as they explore their excitement:
- Celebrate their energy: Smile, clap, or laugh when they wiggle with joy. This encourages them to express their feelings.
- Offer sensory stimulation: Fun activities like Adventure Babies sensory storytelling classes can provide an outlet for their energy while boosting their development.
- Create safe spaces: Ensure your baby has a safe, soft area to move freely and explore their excitement.
Every shake, wiggle, and giggle is a reminder of how wonderfully your baby is growing. So next time you wonder why does my baby shake with excitement? Join in the joy—it’s their way of sharing their happiness with you!
