Nightmares can be frightening for children and stressful for parents, who may wonder how to help their child through the experience. It's important to remember that nightmares are normal and part of the way your baby's brain processes the emotions and experiences of the day. 

However, there are things you can do to help your baby feel safer and more confident, and so avoid nightmares or even night terrors, which are a way for a child to express fear and worry.

What should you do if your baby has a nightmare?

First, make sure your baby is in a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. Make sure that your baby's room is dark, quiet and cool enough to promote peaceful sleep. It is also important to establish a stable bedtime routine to help your baby relax and fall asleep more easily. The mattress and bedding your baby sleeps on should also be comfortable, safe and breathable to prevent your baby from overheating during the night. 

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If your baby wakes up with a nightmare, reassure him or her immediately. Speak softly and reassure them that everything is fine and that they are safe. You can also give them a kiss, a hug or put your hand on their tummy to show that you are there for them.

It is also helpful to talk to your baby about nightmares when they are awake. Ask your baby about his dreams and help him understand what is going on in his head. This can help reduce the fear and anxiety associated with nightmares.

Finally, if the nightmares become too distressing, you may want to talk to a professional about how to deal with your baby's nightmares. A paediatrician or psychologist can help you understand the causes of your baby's nightmares and strategies for dealing with them effectively.

What to do if your child refuses to go to bed for fear of nightmares? 

  • Avoid exposing your child to images or stories that could cause anxiety or increase existing fears (on TV, the internet, video games or even age-inappropriate books).
  • Talk openly about nightmares and reassure your child that it is normal to have them. Take the time to explain that you have them too and that it's OK.
  • If you feel that your child is very active and is having difficulty falling asleep because they are worried about having a nightmare, take a long time with the evening routine. Suggest that they take long breaths, listen to soft music or an audio recording of nature sounds, such as the sound of a river or the wind in the trees.
  • Leave the bedroom door open and turn on a small light if this helps to calm your child.
  • Give your child a blanket with your scent on it or hang a dream catcher in their room, explaining that it will protect them at night.
  • Avoid letting your child sleep in your bed if he or she asks for it for fear of nightmares. They may think they are right to be afraid. It is better to reassure them, listen to them and make their sleeping environment so comfortable and reassuring that they will want to sleep in their own bed.