My baby sobs in his sleep :( - any thoughts?

[pipsicles]

My DS is 8 months old and we have been fortunate enough to crack the sleep issue, but I do find that every now and then he makes this kind of sobbing sound in his sleep :( It sounds like when you're a kid and you've been crying so much that you can't control your breathing. He doesn't usually wake when he does it, and it is usually at night, but I have known him to do it in the day.

It is absolutely heartbreaking and I always go and pick him up to give him a cuddle - even though he's asleep, I hope it will help him settle back down. It sounds like he's having a nightmare, but I have no idea whether babies can have bad dreams or not

Has anyone else had any experience of this? I would really like to hear if he's not the only one!

[CurrantPun]

DS used to make a funny noise - a bit like a single indrawing of breath (or half a hiccup, DH says) when he was younger. Does it sound like what your DS does?

We actually used to take it as a good sign, as he did it when he was properly asleep and was going to stay that way, at least for a while .

[Cheeseandseveredfingersarnie]

all 3 of mine used to do this (awww remembers how sweet they used to be!),its nothing to worry about,hes dreaming.

[pipsicles]

Thanks, Cheese. I just worry they're bad dreams though :( It does sound like hiccups, yes, but prolonged - for about 5mins.

Nice to know at least four other babies have done this too!

[NickNacks]

My 3 all dd this too. I think its a mixture of adjusting their breathing pattern and a dream. My DD even cries in her sleep too but not a distressed cry- more like she's practicing her voice

[Kayzr]

My DS1 does this too. He's 4 now and many times I've been woken up by him crying and he is fast asleep. He also talks now while he's asleep.