Nightmares?

[annieb73]

Just wondering whether a 14 month old can get bad nightmares?  She is a great sleeper, always has been.  The last week or so she has been crying a lot in the night.  Not a real cry but sounds really scared and whimpering.  A few times it's been so bad I've picked her up but even though her eyes are open it's like she's not there...  Normally if she's picked up she will stop crying immediately.  So I'm thinking it might be really bad dreams?  Last night I just went in and watched her and she was obviously fast asleep but really distressed.

Any ideas?

[Layla]

I had to google this cause I honestly never researched nightmares in babies. Found a few interesting sites which you might want to read through...

http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articles/do-babies-have-nightmares-the-idea-of-whether/
http://www.drgreene.com/21_619.html

So.... technically yes, they can experience nightmares at this age.

I am also wondering though if the crying is not from something else. How is your lo during the day (naps, etc...). Could you please post your routine because waking at night crying can also be a sign of overtiredness and possibly the transition to 1 nap...

Layla