Nightmares in a 2-y.o. Any advice?

[TurquoiseTranquility]

Hi there, DS is 2 yrs 4 mths and has recently started waking up shaking and crying. He did occasionally wake up crying before but was quick to settle, this time it takes both of us to settle him, and he insists that we both lie in bed with him. This is a big change actually, because DH used to be "no good" between 9pm and 8 am, he only wanted mummy.

He's too young to say what the nightmare was about, but he just shakes and whimpers like a little puppy

Today he woke after just an hour of nap (he rarely does less than 1.5 hrs), again shaking and wanting comfort.

I'm not worried as such as I know it's developmental and a lot of kids have nightmares for no apparent reason, and he's only had them a few times. I was just wondering, is there anything I can do to help him if it turns into a nightly occasion?

Many thanks.

just plug on.
reassure and tuck back in.

dd2 had night terrors for 6 mos. it was awful, but they disappeared. just a developmental stage with imagination.

slightly older kids might benefit from a dream catcher or special toy that scares monsters away, or a can of monster spray that you can squoosh under the bed () but he's a bit young. just reassure and tuck back in as you are doing.

Oh thanks. I was just hoping there may be some weird tricks, like don't give him bananas before bedtime or something

Oh if only there were! My 2.8 year old has been having them for ages and I'm the only one who can comfort him.

The good news is that he can go weeks without one. The bad news is then he can have them 3 nights in a row.

This too shall pass...