13-Month Old Wakes up from Nap Screaming

Could be "night terrors" (I know, they happen during the day). These are different from nightmares, in that they usually happy early in the nap or night, within 30 minutes to 2 hours after falling asleep. It's a disruption in the sleep cycle where you wake up scared, even if you haven't had a nightmare (usually we don't dream until a couple hours into sleep, so this is pre-dreaming). Some people are just prone to them, and they are especially common in young kids (but I STILL get them as an adult sometimes). Being overheated or overtired can make them more likely.

It is probably seperation, make sure it isn't teething though, try motrin before nap or teething tablets, lay her down and DO Not go back in. The fact she is laying there for a while before freaking out, something may be upsetting her like teeth or ear infection. Just lay her down and don't go back in. If she knows you will come it could be a new pattern setting in too. Do your best to try and lay her down and leave her alone for a while.. Wait 15 minutes before you go back in if she cries. A crying child after nap is a sure indicator she isn't done napping. Maybe try skipping the morning nap too as she may just be ready for one really long one? I know my son was down to one by the year mark whereas my daughter took two until 18 mos. All kids are different.
Good luck! Hang in there.

My daughter did that alot during teething as well as chronic ear infections. The other thing is she could be having gas bubbles since it is after a meal. I would try some Mylicon after she eats and that will have help if she has gas. Than I would go for the teething tablets or tylenol.
I hope this helps.
M.

I have a 22-month old son who does the same thing you describe. It's not everyday, and it only seems to happen when he naps at our house. He's with a babysitter 3 days a week, and it doesn't happen at her house. I think it's worse when he's overtired. When we put him down a little earlier, he seems to nap better. It's ironic, because when he's really tired he needs more sleep, but then doesn't sleep as well. And he is completely inconsolable for 15 - 30 minutes (sometimes longer) after he's awake.

I read a book on sleep by Dr. Mark Weissbluth (Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child). He talks about something called sleep inertia, which is the best explanation I can come up with for what's happening. I've tried to find out more, but haven't had much success. If you find anything that works, please share with me. I'm looking for ideas too.

Sorry I don't have much other advice. But I do understand what you're going through. It's very frustrating. Hang in there!

Jodi

Two of my 7 did the samething, I never found a cause or reason for it. I wish I had some better advice, but it lasted at it's longest 2-3 months.

Have you tried playing soft smoothing music while she is sleeping, I have done this to all five of my girls and they slept better and longer.

Good luck and have a great week