3 Ways to Help your Baby Get Through Night Terrors
Hey guys so last month, my baby was experiencing night terrors, which equates to no sleep for us both. It's been a very interesting experience for me because I've been sleep deprived and scared but trusting God to get me through the day. I remember when this first started, my son was about 3 months old and it scared the heck out of me. I thought he fell or someone was in the apartment. I prayed over my baby when it happened and I thought we were done with this situation. But in August this terror became a terror in my home.
What is a night terror? A night terror is when your baby wakes up screaming and scared but still sleeping. It's equal to a person who is sleepwalking.
When this consistently happened for 3 nights in a row some concerns begin to arise in me like is something wrong with my child, is his spirit disturb, or is he having a nightmare?
I couldn't find an answer so I just went to the Lord because I refused to get suggestions from google who would have you thinking you have cancer from a cough. He gave me such peace and these 3 steps to take care of this terror. We haven't experienced any since.
1. Bring your baby to God
This is so important. As parents, we have to realize our kids are not ours, they're Gods. You must begin to pray over your child especially in trying times as such.Including specific prayers for my child has helped me in ways I could never imagine because when you bring your children to God, you are trusting God to help you in situations you have no control over.
2. Create Structure for your Kids
This means having them on a schedule with included naps, which is super important. Taking daily naps for kids is crucial to night terrors. So if they are on a schedule this helps their sleep patterns sink in.If you need an idea of how to create structure, grab the daily routine sheet I created for my baby here.
3. Be their comfort
Another important step. When this recently started back up. I woke up scared poop-less asking my baby “What's the Matter” in a loud voice which is big no-no with night terrors. Saying things such as Its ok, I am here, and you are safe are some words of comfort your baby needs to hear.
Bonus
4. Cry if you need too
Trust this is a hard process but we are built for hard. The last time this happened I was sleep-deprived, tired, and drained because we were up for 2 hours and I just went to sleep and had to get right back up in 3 more hours. I was completely depleted.
I also wanted to share with you a few things “not to do”.
- Depending on your child, do not touch your baby unless they reach for you.
- Do not talk in a loud tone.
- Do not turn the light on (this makes things worse).
These are some things that helped us get through the night. I hope you're encouraged.
Tags: Baby night terrors, night terrors, my baby has night terrors, Night terrors 1 year old.
