Screaming for no reason for 2+ hours

[Twosonsmum]

Dear all,

I am writing because I have been a bit shocked my my son’s recent behaviour and would really value some advice. DS is 17 months old, and last night he woke at 10:30 and screamed uncontrollably until past 1am. Not many tears, no temperature, just seemed really angry and upset- arching his back and stamping his feet.

He only calmed down for a while when distracted watching TV with us- previous tack tick of hugs, singing, milk, banana had no impact.

He normally sleeps really well unless is ill/teething.

In the last couple of weeks he has seemed quite unsettled generally and has been screaming more today too.

I’m 34 weeks pregnant with our second son, so I wonder whether he senses anything? Although I guess it’s unlikely given his age.

Is this par for the course with toddlers. It seems like we may have entered the “terrible twos” a bit early.

If this is normal, I would really welcome any advice about how to handle him, and any recommended reading?
Many thanks!

He might have had a night terror. My DD began having them at about this age. If you're sure he wasn't in pain....sometimes, ear infections seem to come on suddenly and not always with a temperature. They can be agony....I remember DD2 screaming like that out of nowhere suddenly in town and I took her into Boots and the pharmacist said "Take her to the doctor....she sounds in pain" and though she wasn't hot, the doctor said her ears were badly infected.

Another vote for getting his ears checked. And yes, they can definitely sense how you are feeling and your mood however old they are

Thank you very much both of you - that’s very helpful. He did rub his ears a bit at first, but we discounted earache when he didn’t keep doing it - but will get his ears checked by doctor tomorrow.

If night terrors- what is the best tactic? To try to comfort him until he goes back to sleep? Thanks again!

I always give calpol if a child is screaming for ages and can't seem to calm down - I'd assume they have a pain. If it happened again I'd go to the doctor just in case.