What to do when you have a nightmare?

Nightmares are terrifying dreams that can wake your child from sleep. Often horrible dreams are very common in all ages older than six months. When your baby has a nightmare, he will cry and scream until someone comes to him. When preschoolers have a nightmare, they often cry and run into their parents' bedroom. Older babies begin to understand what nightmares are and can return to sleep without waking their parents. 

The cause of nightmares in young children

We all most dream four or five times a night. Some of the dreams are very good, others are terrifying. Dreams help recall complex events or information that the brain has encountered in everyday life. The content of nightmares is often related to the difficulties that babies experience during development. Toddlers often have nightmares about being separated from their parents, preschoolers have dreams about monsters or shadows, and school-aged babies often have trouble with dreams about death or real danger. Frequent nightmares can also be caused by violent television shows or movies that the baby watches during the day. 

Deal with your nightmares with your child

Parents can help their children sleep better by:

Reassure and cuddle your baby

Explain to your child that he had a bad dream. Sit on the bed until your baby is calm, then leave and leave the door open (never close the door when scared). You can also equip your baby with a night light, especially if he's afraid of the dark. Most babies will return to sleep fairly quickly after being reassured by their parents.

Encourage your baby to talk about these nightmares during the day

Your baby may not remember what he dreamed unless you remind him of something he said when he dreamed. If your child dreams of falling or being chased, reassure that lots of kids dream about it too. If your child has worse dreams, help him imagine a good end to these bad dreams. Encourage your child to imagine a powerful character or a magical weapon to help him defeat bad people. You can also help your child draw or write about dream stories with a new, happier ending. Dealing with your baby's fears often takes time, but the results can be very positive.

Avoid letting your baby watch scary movies and TV shows

For many children, violent or horror movies often cause fear and nightmares while sleeping. These fears can last for months or years. It is absolutely forbidden to watch these movies before the child is 13 years old. Around the time your child is between the ages of 13 and 17, you should be careful when deciding to show your child R-rated movies (containing violent or adult content). In addition, also need to be alert when your baby participates in a sleeping party or Halloween party.

When should you let your baby see the doctor?

A nightmare can disturb the daily life of a baby and family. You should take your baby to the doctor when you notice:

Your baby's nightmares get worse;

Nightmares don't go away after you've used the methods above for two weeks;

Fear interferes with your baby's daytime activities;

Your child is always worried and shy;

You have questions or other questions.

You can learn more about

Terrible sleep syndrome

8 simple tips to help your baby sleep well