Is it night terrors? What do I do for my baby?

Question

My son is waking up 2-5 times a week, usually during naps but sometimes at night with a terrified cry. I can't seem to sooth him and he usually still has his eyes closed. I try to wake him and sing to him and have tried making him laugh but tears just keep falling for as long as 10 mins! He NEVER cries during the day! It's breaking my heart, I dont let him watch scary movies and I dont watch any disturbing television when he is awake. It just started about a month ago, he just turned 16months! HELP PLEASE!

Answer 1

When you hear how most experts describe night terrors, it is easy to see why parents find them distressing. Children who have night terrors are usually described as 'bolting upright' with their eyes wide open, with a look of fear and panic, and letting out a 'blood curdling scream'.

These kids will usually also be sweating, breathing fast and have a rapid heart rate (autonomic signs). And although it will seem like they are awake, during a night terror, children will appear confused, will not be consolable and won't recognize you.

Typical night terrors last about 5 to 30 minutes and afterwards, children usually return to a regular sleep. If you are able to wake your child up during a night terror, he is likely to become scared and agitated, mostly because of your own reaction to the night terror, especially if you were shaking or yelling at him to wake up. Instead of trying to wake up a child having a night terror, it is usually better to just make sure he is safe, comfort him if you can, and help him return to sleep once it is over.

If you notice these symptoms it would be best for you to contact the childs doctor or even a child psychologist.

Answer 2

My 2.5 year old went through a two weeks spurt a couple months back that I think were night terrors..my doctor said it could very well be, be he said he thinks it's a stage and he'll get over it.

As for night terrors, don't wake your child.. Just try to gently rub his back and sing to him quietly, just try to soothe him back to sleep gently. It's hard I know, My son was waking like 5 times a night. He's get through about an hour of sleep or an hour and a half before waking, and when we'd ask if he had a dream or whatever, he'd say 'i don't know mom'. So, I understand your frustration..I bet your son will just go through this phase too. What a relief when the night comes of sleeping straight through again comes :) Good luck. things will work out fine, soon enough.

Answer 3

This is a psycological term, and you would probably get a better answer going to ask this question, in the medical area.

The child, may not have night terrors at all, it may be sleep apnia of some sort. Ask the medical professionals in this site. They would help you best. Good Luck

Answer 4

My baby girl started having nighmares or night terrors around that age too. She wakes up crying, and usually I would just go in and console her, breastfeed her, and she'd immediate be soothed and go back to sleep. But when she has these nighmares, nothing I do will console her. She will kick and scream and push me away. It's really weird! But after a few minutes, she calms down and goes right back to sleep. I think it's just something in their development that they have to go through. Poor little guys!

Answer 5

I feel for you. Does he by chance hear a lot of arguing between you and someone? This could be scaring him and he is having bad dreams about it. Did something traumatic happen to you during your pregnancy. This child is defiantly having nightmares about something. Talk to your baby's doctor. Poor thing he really needs a good nap........

Answer 6

I would seek the advice of your peditrician as he can give you some hints on what to do! Sorry, not much help here...but damn is he cute! Love the pic!