We all have nightmares sometimes, but as adults, we are able to wake up, shake it off and understand that it's not real. For our babies, however, it can seem a lot more realistic, and a lot harder to move on from.

Nightmares typically happen during the lighter hours of sleep, the portion we call REM sleep. This is usually during the earlier morning hours. Nightmares are very common, with roughly 50% of children up to age 6 experiencing them.

Growing toddlers and young children are working overtime to develop their brains every single night. Their memories are developing, which means they are running visuals of people they’ve seen, frames from TV, noises, sounds, and experiences from throughout their days in their brains as they doze off.

Not everything they will have witnessed that day will have been pleasant. Things like creepy crawlies, loud traffic, aggressive dogs, scary cartoons, etc. can enter their dream space, and create a very realistic negative scenario that they have to navigate on their own.

Change can also lead to bad dreams; something like moving house and sleeping in a new location can startle a toddler, and introduce new shadows and noises that they have to adjust to.

Then you must also consider tiredness, fever, or medication which all also be a trigger.

If they wake up in a panic, screaming and crying, it can be incredibly hard to console a toddler who does not understand that they were merely in a dream. Things will feel incredibly real and like they are in imminent danger, however, it is still very important that they get the sleep they need for their developing mind.

Photograph by Rodnae productions

Begin by holding your baby and reassuring them that you are there and that they are safe. Telling them that it was “just a dream” is not often a successful technique, as they are not old enough to understand that concept. Instead, focus on creating a safe space. Show them that you are checking their wardrobes, under their bed, behind the curtains, etc. for any danger and that there is none.

While you do this, try to be extremely upbeat, playful, and loving, to show that you are not afraid. Talk about how sleep is really great, and you can’t wait until you can also go to bed and get some sleep! How lucky that your child can do it right now!

It will be tempting to allow your child to come into your bed if they are still scared. It is highly advised that you don’t do this - it is incredibly hard to get your baby to go back to their own room and their own routine if they believe they can enter yours any time they wish.

If you are looking for ways to avoid nightmares whatsoever, look at creating as much calm as possible during your wind-down time and sleep routine. Make sure any books you read have cheerful storylines, with colorful, positive illustrations. Be cheerful when you say goodnight, with lots of love and warmth, and if your child likes a nightlight try to get one with a warm low glow that isn’t too disruptive to their sleep. Avoid giving much to eat before bed, as food can also activate areas of the brain that enhance the imagination in which your baby sleeps.

Nightmares are incredibly common in young children and for the most part, you should certainly not be worried. However, if this starts to happen frequently, it could be beneficial to keep track of what may be the trigger and make small adjustments to see if this eases the nightmares.

If they continue despite trying everything to make your baby comfortable, and if the nightmares begin to affect the way they feel throughout the day, you can consider talking to your pediatrician. They will then be able to advise if you should talk to a specialist or sleep consultant about other ways you can combat the nightmares and help your child get the high-quality sleep they deserve.