Hearing your baby cry and scream in the middle of the night can be an unsettling experience. Babies are meant to be sleeping, yet sometimes they have bad dreams or episodes that can seem pretty scary to watch from the outside. We often hear parents wonder, “Is my baby having nightmares? Or could it be night terrors?”
This article will tell you everything you need to know about nightmares and night terrors in babies.
We’ll cover the key differences between the two, common causes, and, most importantly, what you can do to help them.
Nightmares in Babies
What Are Nightmares?
Nightmares are scary dreams that cause a baby or toddler to wake up from sleep. Babies who wake up from a nightmare tend to be wide awake (compared to night terrors) and clingy.
Parents are usually woken up when the baby cries out or screams in their sleep. Nightmares usually occur in the second half of the night during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep.
Related: 5 Signs Your Baby Is Ready To Stop Napping
Signs Your Baby Is Having Nightmares
Baby suddenly wakes up screaming or crying in their sleep.
Baby is responsive and seeks comfort from a parent.
Baby might be reluctant to go back to sleep.
Baby is scared or clingy.
Related: How to Help Your Baby Sleep Better
Common Causes of Nightmares in Babies
Developmental changes: As babies grow, their brains process a lot of new information and experiences. This processing can sometimes filter into their dreams.
Separation anxiety: Between 8–12 months, babies become more aware of a parent leaving the room or house. This awareness can carry over into sleep time.
Overstimulation: Whether it’s traveling, moving house, a long day, or not enough nap time, overtiredness is a very common trigger for nightmares.
Illness or fever: Changes in sleep architecture and immune system responses can lead to more vivid dreams.
Related: How to Make Your Baby Fart
Night Terrors in Babies
What Are Night Terrors?
Night terrors (also called sleep terrors) are very different from nightmares. While they also cause crying and screaming in babies, the episodes happen during deep non-REM sleep, usually in the first few hours after a baby has gone to sleep. Babies experiencing night terrors are not fully awake but appear terrified and in distress.
Signs of Night Terrors
Crying or screaming in a loud, intense way.
Baby may breathe rapidly or sweat.
Baby might kick, thrash around, or arch their back.
Baby might not recognize you or push you away.
Baby does not remember the episode the next day and usually resumes deep sleep after a few minutes.
Related: How to Help Your Baby Turn Head Down
Common Causes of Night Terrors
Immature brain development: Babies’ and toddlers’ brains have not yet learned to smoothly transition between different sleep cycles.
Overtiredness: Skipped or shortened naps, late bedtimes, or an otherwise disrupted sleep schedule can trigger night terrors.
Family history: There’s a genetic element to night terrors. If one parent had night terrors as a baby or toddler, their child is more likely to experience the episodes.
Stress and illness: Stressful days, travel, or even a slight fever can contribute.
The Difference Between Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares and night terrors are often mixed up because they both cause loud and alarming episodes of crying or screaming. But while they are somewhat similar, they are different experiences.
Nightmares are scary dreams that cause a baby or toddler to wake up from sleep. Babies who wake from a nightmare tend to be wide awake (compared to night terrors) and clingy. Parents are usually woken up when the baby cries out or screams in their sleep. Nightmares occur during REM sleep, usually in the second half of the night. When a baby wakes up from a nightmare, they are fully alert and often frightened. They usually seek comfort from a parent.
Night terrors (sleep terrors) are different. Episodes of night terrors occur during the deep non-REM stage of sleep and usually within a few hours of going to bed. Unlike nightmares, a baby will often not be fully awake during a night terror, even if they are screaming and distressed. They are unlikely to respond to your attempts to comfort them. Night terrors pass, and babies usually have no memory of them the next day.
Related: 15 Fun Things To Do With Your New Born Baby
How to Handle Baby Nightmares
Offer comfort and reassurance immediately: Pick your baby up, rock them, or speak in soothing tones. Comfort and reassurance can help your baby fall back to sleep.
Keep a consistent bedtime routine: A warm bath, soft music, or rocking in a crib can calm your baby before bed. You can use the same routine to calm your baby if they wake up during the night.
Reduce overstimulation: Reduce screen time, loud noises, or rough play right before bed to allow your baby to relax.
Use a night light: Warm night lights help older babies and toddlers feel safe during the night.
Acknowledge fears in the daytime: For toddlers, talk about their nighttime fears during the day to reduce nighttime anxiety.
How to Handle Baby Night Terrors
Stay calm and don’t wake the baby: It may be tempting to wake your baby or rush to their aid, but you risk prolonging the night terror. Wait until the episode is over, remaining nearby in case your baby needs help.
Keep baby safe: Make sure there are no loose blankets, toys, or other objects that might injure a baby who is thrashing during a night terror.
Have a consistent sleep routine: Predictable nap and bedtimes can avoid the overtiredness that can cause night terrors.
Gently soothe baby back to sleep: When a baby finally stirs at the end of an episode, you can start patting, rocking, or humming until they are back to sleep.
Track time and try preemptive waking: Night terrors tend to follow a pattern and often occur at the same time each night. By tracking when night terrors happen, some parents have success with gently waking the baby 10–15 minutes before the episode usually starts. This can “reset” the sleep cycle and disrupt the night terror.
Related; 10 Reassuring Signs Your Baby Is Doing Just Fine
When to See a Doctor
Nightmares and night terrors are both common and usually not a medical cause for concern. However, there are a few times when it is best to contact your doctor or pediatrician:
The episodes are very frequent and severe.
Your baby is injuring themselves or may injure themselves during a night terror.
You notice symptoms that may indicate a sleep disorder, like pauses in breathing, loud snoring, or loud grunting.
You have concerns about your baby’s sleep quality and overall sleep routine.
Helping Babies Sleep Through the Night
While some nightmares and night terrors are inevitable, there are things you can do to help your baby sleep through the night:
Stick to a consistent bedtime routine. Babies and toddlers thrive on predictability.
Optimize the sleep environment. Dark, cool, and quiet sleep spaces encourage restful sleep.
Reduce stress. A new house, dog, or sibling may require extra cuddles from a parent.
Provide security items. For toddlers, a soft blanket or stuffed toy can help.
Optimize daytime activities. A good nap and playtime balance leads to better nighttime sleep.
The Bottom Line
Nightmares and night terrors can be distressing for parents. It’s easy to imagine that your baby might be hurt or terrified.
But both nightmares and night terrors are very common and part of normal child development. As a baby’s brain matures and sleep cycles become more regular, most children grow out of them. There are also some things you can do to help your baby sleep through the night:
Comfort and reassure if nightmares occur.
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
Ensure the sleep environment is calm and quiet.
Help your baby practice good sleep hygiene during the day.
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