Can babies have nightmares?

Question

a couple of nights ago my 8 month old son woke up in the middle of the night screaming and looking terrified. My question is can babies have "nightmares?" if not, what else could have caused him to do that?

Answer 1

Since they cannot talk they cannot tell us for sure.  It seems reasonable though.  They probably do not have nightmares like older children and adults - monsters, killers, trapped in fires, etc.  But they certainly can have the fear of being alone.  

In this specific case, who knows?  Maybe it was even a gas pain or a quick jerk of an arm of leg that woke him and scared him. Although you got there quickly, it can seem like an eternity to an infant. At this point, it is probably more distressing to you than to him.

I would tell you not to worry about it, but that is what mommies do.  Wait until he starts walking and climbing and opening doors - aaaauuugh!

I am an RN.

Answer 2

yea

Answer 3

about you, ya! lol

Answer 4

ohmygosh thats so sad...I would assume that babies can have nightmares, they seem to dream when they're asleep-so why not nightmares as well?

Another thought-though not a great one-could he have been bitten by a bug or a spider? that would be horrible as well.

Poor baby, hopefully it doesn't continue for him.

Answer 5

yes they can

Answer 6

i have an 8 month old son also and have wanted to know if he has "nightmares" or "night terrors"  too, my son has also woken in the midle of the night screaming and had the extreamly scared look on his face but once i picked him up and held him for a few minutes he calmed back down.i know its heartbreaking to see him so upseti know how it feels, i hope that your little one doesnt have too many, wishing you all the best.

Answer 7

At 8 months old, was he aware you were there?  If not it could be nightterrors.  Yes they can have nightmares and nightterrors just like children and adults.  

Answer 8

yes