What are toddler nightmares?

Toddler nightmares are unpleasant, realistic, bad dreams that wake your little one from sleep.

She also may have a hard time falling back asleep after the nightmare.

toddler sleeping, toddler having nightmares

And theyre very common: Roughly half of children ages 3 to 6 report having nightmares.

How can you tell the difference between nightmares and night terrors?

Butnight terrorsarent associated with visual imagery like dreams and nightmares are.

toddler sleeping, toddler having nightmares

She may shout for you, but she cant sense your presence or be comforted by you.

Unlike a nightmare, your child wont remember her terrors when she wakes (even though you will).

They can occur more than once a night, although some kids seem to have more than others.

toddler sleeping, toddler having nightmares

What causes nightmares?

Maybe your toddler saw a scary-looking spider or just had a spat with a friend at preschool.

A lot of times, working out fears and anxieties is what nightmares are all about.

toddler sleeping, toddler having nightmares

An erratic sleep schedule, lack of sleep, fever or certain medications can also trigger nightmares.

What can you do about nightmares?

Start by holding her or rubbing her back and reassuring her that everythings all right.

toddler sleeping, toddler having nightmares

Try not to minimize your little ones fears.

(Dont say, “Oh, theres nothing to be afraid of.")

But keep it short you’re free to get the blow-by-blow in the morning.

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Remember, nightmares are very common in kids.

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