J.L. asks from Vine Grove, KY on March 29, 2009
Baby Trembles When Woken Up
I've notice the last few days that my 7 month daughter is trembling and shaking when she wakes up. It seems like she does it when she gets suddenly woke up - like a couple days ago she fell asleep in her stroller at the mall. when I walked outside with her she woke up suddenly and was trembling. I've seen her do it a few times since she's been born, but I've been off work the last week and have been with her 24/7 and am noticing it more. I did some online searches and found a few sites that said it's probably nothing to worry about - just her undeveloped nervous system. I'm thinking about calling the ped tomorrow to check, but has anyone else ever heard of or seen a baby tremble when they wake up?? I'm nervous because I took her on a plane for the first time this week and now I'm noticing the trembling more. don't think the two are connected, but I'm not sure.
So What Happened?™
Thank you for all your responses - made me feel a lot better! I did call the Dr and they pretty much agreed it wasn't too much to worry about, but did say to keep an eye on her. If she starts trembling more often, or while she's awake or her eyes roll back in her head it could be a seizure. Of course, now I'm watching her like a hawk! But, looks like everything is OK.
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S.S. answers from Raleigh on March 30, 2009
Hi, my son has been doing this since he was very little. At first I thought it was because he was startled. As he got older I noticed that when he fell asleep and wet his diaper he would get cold, and when he woke up it was like it had chilled him. He will also do this if has a coat or to many layers on. Its like he got hot and sweaty and then cooled off to the point he would get a chill and shake when he woke. There seem to be a variety of factors, none which seem to be a big concern. Hope this helps.
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W.M. answers from Nashville on March 30, 2009
For sure call her doc, better to be safe than sorry.
S.S. answers from Raleigh on March 30, 2009
Hi, my son has been doing this since he was very little. At first I thought it was because he was startled. As he got older I noticed that when he fell asleep and wet his diaper he would get cold, and when he woke up it was like it had chilled him. He will also do this if has a coat or to many layers on. Its like he got hot and sweaty and then cooled off to the point he would get a chill and shake when he woke. There seem to be a variety of factors, none which seem to be a big concern. Hope this helps.
R.H. answers from Clarksville on March 30, 2009
It could be a call for alarm or it may not be. It is worth checking it out. I have been on both sides of the spectrum. My first daughter would have tremors as a baby and it stressed me out. Doc checked her out and said it was nothing. On the other hand, my second daughter too had tremors but hers ended up being seizures. She is now 11 and has a seizure disorder.
The best thing to do would be to make an appt with a peds neurologist and get her checked out. If it's nothing then your mind is at ease. But if it is something then you need not wait for treatment. God bless~
N.K. answers from Memphis on March 30, 2009
My son did that as well. I just learned to wake him up gently while he was going through that phase. He eventually outgrew it. My husband is very similar in that if he gets woken up suddenly, he startles easily. So I learned quickly with him when we first got married. Maybe it's genetc. Who knows. I just know my son doesn't do it anymore.
A.A. answers from Charlotte on March 30, 2009
Hi J.,
I have a 10 month old little girl who's chin trembles/quivers when she wakes up. I posted the same question a few weeks ago! Like you, I was very concerned. I made an appointment with our Ped. She asked me to try and put my hand on her chin and stop the quivering when it happened. She said if I could stop it, no worries for now, it is most likely something she will grow out of and we would re-address it at one year if she was still doing it. (She also asked me several questions about her behavior during the quivering, etc.) However, if I could not stop the quivering, she was concerned she might be having small seizures. I was able to stop her chin quivering by simply placing my hands on her and am so thankful. I have noticed it decreasing as time goes on. Definitely take a trip to your Ped. I am sure the chances are it is the same thing happening to my daughter and nothing to be really worried about. All the best!
C.D. answers from Raleigh on March 30, 2009
Hi J., I know everything is scary when you have a tiny one like 7 mos. It seems like I remember something like this with one of mine. My first instinct is to say that everyone has different reactions to waking up from deep sleep or different stages of REM sleep. I would try a more indirect way of waking her up (opening her door and making noise in the other room for a little while, singing in her room lightly, etc) to see if a more subtle approach makes a difference. My 7 still year still to this day does a few strange things when woken up quickly. I also agree with the doc in that it could be just her developing and trying to catch up when woken up quickly. I'm sure she's just fine!
E.M. answers from Louisville on March 30, 2009
I have my degree in early childhood and I remember learning about this because like you I found it odd. All babies have what's called the startle reflex. If their is a loud sound or they are woken up the will shake some kids will do of only for a moment and some for a few mind after it just depends how sensitive your baby is. So don't worry and enjoy your little one!
L.T. answers from Charlotte on March 30, 2009
My daughter will be two this week and she has done this since she was little. Mostly after naps in the afternoon and it only lasts a few seconds or a minute and then she's fine and playing happily. Our ped never worried b/c she has no other signs of a problem. I really think it's because my daughter is a "hot" sleeper and gets sweaty while she naps and this is her body regulating her temp. It has never caused any problems for her but if you're worried def. talk to your doc. Good luck!
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