Among the challenges that young parents face with their babies, night terrors can be particularly anxiety-provoking. Indeed, this phenomenon occurs in many babies and many parents do not know what to do about night terrors. 

Often mistaken for simple nightmares, they can be very frightening. However, there are ways to combat night terrors.

Definition, origin, causes and solutions, the sleep experts at Kadolis explain how to deal with baby’s night terrors.

What is a night terror?

A night terror is an episode of sudden and brutal awakenings often accompanied by screams. The recurrence of these events is characteristic of this disorder. During a night terror episode, the baby screams, cries and sweats. The baby may also have his or her eyes open during the attack.

Night terrors usually occur during a specific phase of the baby’s sleep cycle: deep slow wave sleep. This phase usually occurs 1 to 2 hours after the baby has fallen asleep. There are several sleep cycles each night, so baby’s night terrors can occur several times.

Although impressive, night terrors do not pose any particular risk to baby and are a common occurrence for many infants.

At what age do night terrors occur in babies?

Night terrors in babies usually occur between the ages of 1 and 4. As this is an average, you should be aware that night terrors may appear earlier in life and remain after 4 years of age.

If your baby’s night terrors persist after the age of 4, it is advisable to consult a paediatrician in order to identify the cause of the night terrors and to combat their occurrence.

How long does a night terror last?

Night terrors are very intense but relatively short-lived events. They usually last only a few minutes.

Remember, however, that baby night terrors can occur several times each night.

What to do about baby night terrors?

Contrary to what you might think, the best thing to do about night terrors is to do nothing. Indeed, waking up your baby during these episodes is not good, and it is better to wait until the night terror is over. Do not touch or talk to the baby. This is a good way to help your baby sleep through the night.

Once the night terror is over or your baby wakes up, act calmly and quietly. As best you can, try not to transmit your fear or worry to your baby. Rock your baby or sing a song to soothe him or her and help him or her fall back asleep. You can also cuddle your baby gently to reassure her after this intense episode.

Finally, leaving a nightlight on in the room can help combat baby’s night terrors and will reassure you. 

Caution: Even if your baby seems awake, it is advisable not to interfere with his night terrors and to let him calm down!

Causes of night terrors in infants

There are several causes of night terrors in babies. The most common is a change in baby’s sleeping patterns. As your baby grows, his or her sleep needs and habits change. In particular, baby’s nap may change from two naps a day to one after 1 year.

By the time baby gets used to his new sleep pattern, night terrors may occur.

There are also other factors that can lead to the appearance of night terrors:

-Your baby goes to bed too late: the accumulated fatigue is greater and his sleep is disturbed.

-Other changes in baby’s life: separation, change of bed or room.

-Your baby suffers from asthma.

The choice of mattress: a way to combat baby’s night terrors

Changes in sleeping habits are the main cause of night terrors in babies. Therefore, it is important to provide your baby with a comfortable and pleasant sleeping environment.

The choice of baby mattress is therefore very important in order to provide stability and comfort for your baby.

The Cocolatex baby mattress from Kadolis combines comfort and quality for your baby. Made of 100% natural materials and certified OEKO-TEX® (chemical free), it is the perfect choice to give your baby the best sleep.

And for an even more pleasant sleep, consider covering your Cocolatex mattress with our organic cotton fitted sheet and our waterproof baby mattress cover! ?