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2 year old nightmares.. help

lukesbtblukesbtb
in Toddlers: 24 Months+

My 2.5 DD has always been a GREAT sleeper but she has been having nightmares for a week straight now- multiple times a night at that. Most of the time she wakes up shaking and screaming "I am scared. ___ is going to get me" (fill in the blank- each night is different- sharks, frogs, etc)

Sometimes I can tell she is faking/wants attention and sometimes she is really afraid. If i go in and give her a quick hug she usually will go back asleep- for now. I  am trying to comfort her but dont want to make this a habit- its kind of like having a new born again... I am seeking any advice. Is this common? What do you do?

Thanks

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Re: 2 year old nightmares.. help

  • wedseptwedsept member

    It is common according to our pedi. My DD, 2 years old, has been going through the same thing.  The pedi stated they are either nightmares or night terrors (they scream while still sleeping, even though the are standing up or their eyes are open--sort of like sleepwalking, but having nightmares). 

    The problem is that they have these nightmares a few times, and then their bodies get used to waking up at the same time each night.  So, after the first few times, you have to let them CIO.  We usually let her cry it out now, and she is back to sleep in 5 or so minutes.  If she sounds hysterical (rarely), we go in the room and pick her up. 

    Also, there are books like goodnight moon, and a Dr. Seuss sleep book, which she recommended.  We have both which we read to her every night. 

    She also recommended we put a teddy bear/stuffed animal of some sort in her crib that she likes and tell her the teddy bear is going to protect her at night.

     

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  • FrickandFrackFrickandFrack member
    This happens to DS once in a while and it is traumatic for ME.  It takes about 5-10 minutes to get him to understand that mommy is there and most of the time he tries to get away from me while screaming in terror.  I've learned to either let him stay in his bed and just wait until he understands that I'm there or I pick him up, talk loudly letting him know I'm there and turn the lights on.  It is so sad to see him so upset.
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