18 mnth so scared at night scrambles to get under door

[mamabearwithme]

Please help! Our first child had night terrors for a while but nothing like this. Our 18month old has recently become TERRIFIED (it warrants capital letters) at night. Grips hold of us, screams, if the door is shut his fingers poke out underneath trying to get out. As soon as he is cuddled, or put in bed with us, he is soundo - it is like he is still asleep the whole time. Please help me with this - I am at a total loss. He is 100% distressed. Am Hans-Solo tonight as husband is out. So, any instant remedy (HA!) appreciated but long term ones too.
Thanks,
Hannah

We are complete softies so when DS had a phase like that, we made a little bed on the floor of our bedroom and he would crawl into it when he was scared at night. Before his bed we would go around the cupboards and 'boo' away any bad thoughts. Difference though is that our DS was awake, so I'm not sure it counts as night terrors.

Oh dear bless him. Try wrapping a pillow in your dressing gown, take the cord or belt off first and snuggle him up to it at bed time. I used to find this really helpful as its something big and soft to cuddle which smells comforting like mummy. xx

At 18 months i would just have him sleep in bed with me and not make a big issue out of it. I would also talk to my gp and hv to see if they can refer you to a sleep centre/consultant to find out what is going on.

I think the instant remedy is to keep him safe and if he needs you be there for him.

Also can he remeber it in the morning?

The only thing that helped my son with his night terrors was co-sleeping.

Other ideas, door open, night light, bathroom light left on, cuddles and just go with it. He will prob grow out of it but its worrying at the time. My 2nd son of 4 used to have them and used to sit bolt upright crying and frightened for 1/2 hour. Used to cuddle him back to sleep. We then worked out what time he would most likely have these and gently wake him before it happened . He would then go back to sleep and be more settled. Keep strong and positive, its common and they do usually grow out of it fairly quickly. Best wihes xx