Why Does My Baby Wake Up Screaming From Naps?

Many parents wonder why their babies wake up screaming from their naps. This is a common problem that can be distressing for both the baby and the parents. Several factors may be at play, including hunger, discomfort, and even night terrors. Understanding these reasons behind waking up screaming can help parents solve the problem more effectively and ensure that their baby feels safe and comfortable.

Below, we will talk about why a baby wakes up screaming from naps in detail.

• Why do babies scream during naps?
• Do babies have nightmares?
• How do you help a screaming baby fall asleep?
• How to make your baby sleep safely?
• Conclusion

Why do babies scream during naps?

There are some reasons why do babies scream during naps:

Hunger

Babies often wake up screaming from their naps because they are hungry. Babies’ stomachs are small and cannot hold much food, so they need to eat often. If babies don't have enough to eat before a nap, hunger may wake them up and they will express their needs by crying.

Discomfort

Discomfort is another common reason why babies wake up screaming. This can be because of a dirty diaper, feeling too hot or cold, or sleeping in an uncomfortable position. Checking and addressing these basic needs can often help your baby sleep soundly.

Sleep Cycle

Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults, usually lasting about 50-60 minutes. Babies may wake up briefly as they transition between these cycles. If babies are unable to self-soothe, they may begin to cry or scream.

Night terrors

Although night terrors are more common in older children, infants can also experience night terrors. These are intense fears that occur during deep sleep. Babies may wake up screaming and seemingly unable to calm down, but usually, they won't remember these nightmares the next morning.

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety occurs as early as 6 months of age. At this stage, babies begin to understand that objects are permanent and realize that people and things exist even if they can't be seen. If they wake up and find themselves alone, they may scream out of fear or anxiety.

Teething pain

Teething can cause significant discomfort and pain that can disrupt your baby's sleep. The pressure on the gums from the newly erupted teeth can wake your baby up and cause them to cry out in pain.

Illness

If your baby is sick or not feeling well, they may wake up screaming from their nap. Common illnesses such as middle ear infections, colds, and even mild fevers can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.

Over-stimulation

Before naps, babies may be overstimulated by too much activity. This overstimulation can make it more difficult for babies to settle down and fall asleep, leading to frequent waking and crying.

Sleep regression

Sleep regression is a temporary stage in which your baby's sleep pattern changes. It may occur at different stages such as around 4 months, 8-10 months, and 18 months. During this period, your baby may wake up frequently and have difficulty falling asleep.

Do babies have nightmares?

Whether or not babies have nightmares is a topic of concern for many parents. While it can be difficult to determine what babies experience during sleep, experts believe that younger infants are less likely to have nightmares. This is because nightmares are thought to be associated with more advanced cognitive and emotional development, which usually occurs later in babyhood.

Babies go through different stages of sleep, including rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is associated with dreaming. However, the content and nature of dreaming in infants are poorly understood. Dreams that appear to be nightmares may actually be responses to discomfort such as hunger, a dirty diaper, or teething pain.

As they get older and their brains develop, babies begin to form more complex thoughts and emotions. Around the age of two or three, a baby may begin to have nightmares as their ability to imagine and understand the world around them increases. Prior to this, parents often thought that nightmares in young babies could be their natural response to various physical discomforts or the process of switching sleep cycles.

How do you help a screaming baby fall asleep?

Here are some strategies of how to help a screaming baby fall asleep:

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine

Maintaining a bedtime routine can help your baby feel secure and know that it's time to go to sleep. A bedtime routine may include activities such as a warm bath, reading a short story, or singing a lullaby. Being consistent helps signal to your baby that it's time for bed.

Create a comfortable sleep environment

Making sure your baby's sleep environment is comfortable can help them fall asleep more easily. This includes a cool, quiet room with dimmed lights. Using a white noise machine can help eliminate background noise that could wake your baby. It's also important to make sure your baby has clean diapers and is dressed appropriately for the room temperature.

Provide comfort items

Comfort items such as small blankets or soft toys can help soothe your baby. These items can give your baby a sense of security and comfort, making it easier for babies to relax and fall asleep. Make sure the items are safe and appropriate for your baby's age.

Practice gentle rocking or swaying

Gentle rocking or swaying can be very soothing for your baby. Holding your baby and gently rocking them back and forth can mimic the comforting movements they had in the womb. This helps to soothe your baby and make it easier for them to fall asleep.

Try breastfeeding before bedtime

Making sure your baby is fed before he/she falls asleep will help prevent him/her from waking up hungry. Feeding or nursing for a short while before a nap or bedtime can keep your baby full and sleeping comfortably.

Using a pacifier

For some babies, sucking on a pacifier can be very soothing and help them fall asleep. Pacifiers provide comfort and help to satisfy your baby's natural sucking reflex. It can be helpful to give your baby a pacifier at bedtime if it is comforting.

Stay patient and calm

Babies can usually sense the emotions of their caregivers. Staying calm and patient even if your baby is upset will help create a soothing environment. Speaking softly to your baby can soothe them and help them calm down.

Swaddling your baby

For younger babies, swaddling can work. Wrapping your baby tightly in a blanket can make them feel secure and prevent the startle reflex from waking them up. Make sure the swaddle is not too tight and that your baby can still move their hips.

Addressing any discomfort

Sometimes babies wake up screaming because they are uncomfortable. Checking your baby for common problems such as wet diapers, signs of illness, or painful teething can help identify and address the cause of discomfort. Offering comfort and making necessary adjustments can help your baby get back to sleep.

How to make your baby sleep safely?

Follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep alone, on their backs, and in their cribs. This reduces sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related risks. Whether napping or sleeping at night, always put your baby on his or her back.

Use a sturdy sleep surface

Make sure your baby sleeps on a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet. Soft mattresses, pillows, and loose bedding increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Cribs, bassinets, and portable play yards that meet safety standards are good choices.

Keep sleep areas free of hazards

Your baby's sleep area should be free of toys, pillows, blankets, and bumper pads. These items can pose a choking or strangulation hazard. The safest option is to keep the crib bare with just a fitted sheet.

Maintain a smoke-free environment

Exposure to smoke increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Make sure your baby's sleeping environment and home are smoke-free. If possible, ask smokers to smoke outside, away from babies.

Control the room temperature

Keep your baby's room at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold. Overheating increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Dress your baby in clothes that are appropriate for the room temperature and avoid thick blankets or overdressing.

Consider a sleeping bag

Sleeping bags or wearable blankets can keep your baby warm without the risks associated with loose blankets. These blankets are designed to keep the baby warm while making sure he or she doesn't put anything over his or her face.

Offer soothers at naptime and bedtime

Using a soother during sleep can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. If breastfeeding, it is recommended to wait until breastfeeding has matured before using the soother. If the soother falls out during sleep, there is no need to reinsert it.

Share a room, not a bed

For the first six months to a year, it is recommended to share a room rather than a bed with your baby. Having your baby's crib or bassinet in the same room as the parents makes it easier to monitor your baby and meet their needs while ensuring a safe sleep environment.

Avoid using positioners

Sleep positioners and other similar products are not recommended for use during sleep as they can pose a choking hazard. These products are unnecessary to use and can be dangerous.

Consistency in following safe sleep practices

Consistency is the key to safe sleep. Make sure that anyone caring for your baby, including grandparents, babysitters, and daycare providers, follows these safe sleep practices. Education and awareness will help ensure that your baby's sleep environment is always safe.

Conclusion

Understanding why your baby wakes up screaming from a nap can help parents address the problem more effectively. Common causes include hunger, discomfort, and short sleep cycles. Babies may also wake up due to night terrors, separation anxiety, teething pain, illness, overstimulation, or sleep regression.

Once the underlying cause is identified, parents can take steps to soothe their baby and create a more restful sleep environment. It's important to remain patient and attentive to your baby's needs to ensure they feel safe and comfortable.