My Daughter Has Nightmares

Hi my name is A. and I hope I can help you because I know how you fell one of my boys did the same thing. So what worked for me is I got a Beethoven c.d. and played it real soft at night while he slept and it really did help him so I just hope it will help you also.

Dear T.,

At about 9 months a baby's brain has finished the work of developing so that he or she can recognize differences in people - for example, that is why they cry when they see new people. They suddenly know that is a stranger, and they don't know how to react. Just be calm, and love her and put her down again. Nutricious foods help that little darling brain, and a peaceful household with music and laughter and discipline will make her a secure and loving child.

Do not worry, and do not take her to a mental doctor. They are idiots sometimes. I took my husband to a mental doctor and it was a catastrophe and I had to pay $400 for that ! Yikes.

Really, I should not be telling you not to take her to a doctor, but I should be encouraging you to do some research on 9 month old babies on the internet. www.drgreene.com and About.com/pediatrics can help you a lot.

You are a good mom and you will know when to take her to a doctor - but first, read. O.K.?

Sincerely, C. N.

Hi T.,
I'm not sure if it's the same thing but my daughter used to wake up screaming and crying and her eyes would be open but she would be sleeping. She would hit and kick. She wouldn't realize that my husband or I were holding her to comfort her. If this sounds like the smae thing look up Night Terrors.
The Doctor told us it's a part of sleep that our little one wasn't able to pass. The only way to skip this was to go in her room 90 mins after she went to sleep and just move her a little bit. this will cause her to wake up but not really.
I know it sounds odd but it really worked. if you have any questions please just let me know. This was one of the hardest things we had to deal with. I hope this works for you.

Maybe she has some teeth cutting through

T.,

There are dozens of reasons why a baby this age wakes up at night. In my experience with two kiddos (almost 4 and 1), it could be teething, gas, their new-found ability to pull up to stand or crawl, or just about anything. You don't mention what her sleeping habits have been up until now. Talk to your pediatrician. They are usually very helpful since they know the babies history. Take heart, this too shall pass.

She might be teething. Even if you can't see them yet, they might be trying to break through. Try giving her some tylenol before bed and put orajel on her gums and again if she wakes up during the night. Good luck.

It could be what is called "night terrors" (research it online). It's developmental phase and occurs as they get older, and is normal. This is a possible reason for your daughters awakenings. You could also ask your Pediatrician about it, to rule out any medical problems etc., just in case. A good book to read is "What to Expect The First Year" by Arlene Eisenberg. It will answer lots of developmental questions, especially if this is your first baby. Good luck. I don't think it's anything that requires a "mental doctor." She is only 9 months old. If her home-life and everything else is normal, I wouldn't be too nervous about it. But be sure to research night terrors online, it will explain and answer all your concerns. Both my children went through that too.
Good luck.
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo

I have a 2 year old too. One day I was at work and I was interviewing a couple from Canada who had 2 adorable dauhgters. One of them was having emotional problems like what your daughter is going on. they saw Dr's, Psyciotrists etc for 2 years. Long Story she is alergic to yellow dye. Which yellow dye turns out a derivite of burnt coal. Yellow dye is in blue toothpaste, and all sorts of things we eat all the time.
Also check for pestisides and hormones in the milk. Buy organic only, filtered water, no sugar or dies. I know organic milk and cerals food are more expensive but you daughter could be very allergic and sensative. She also may be allergic to Gluten and wheat. I hope this helps. Good Luck.
Lauren

My son Nico had the same thing happen. It turned out that he had seen the television a couple of times, (it was science fiction StarTrek). He doesn't watch television, however we also learned not to let him see "adult" shows even in passing.
Try classical music. It helped Nico to sleep.
Good Luck
E.

All I can say is love her dear. Just continue to put your arms around her. I miss that part when mine were small, now they are 8/6 so enjoy this while you can- don't get all worked up about it, pick your stresses- this is NOT one of them.
All these suggestions you recieved are true. This seems to be the norm, this just gives you more time to cuddle at night, just enjoy it! I know it is hard but once they grow up, you won't have that anymore, don't stress just pray!! Good Luck ~