Naptime Terrors?

My son had night-terrors as a very young baby (around six months or older), and it seemed like he had them about once a week for a couple of months. He would seem to be awake, crying and screaming like something scared him in his dreams. The only thing that stopped it was holding him or patting his back and consoling him. It would usually take ten to fifteen minutes before he calmed down and either woke up or went back to sleep. It seemed like he didn't even know something made him scared. I think I've heard from other moms that you're not supposed to try to wake babies when they're having night terrors. They usually grow out of it just fine, which is what my son did.

My daughter has had them, and she has outgrown them now. But they were just as terrifying on the parent so hang in there. I remember her blood curdling screams and telling me not to let "him" hurt her while staring so intently behind me. Hers happened at night and her pediatrician told us we had to break the cycle. We were supposed to wake her about an hour after she fell asleep which was about the time the terror occurred so the terror wouldnt come, and it did help. I am just not sure how that would help you during naps.

Both of my children had these at naptime and at night. Make sure she gets plenty of rest and she will outgrow them. Do not try to wake her and just make sure she doesn't hurt herself(or you). She is not really awake and not really asleep and will not remember these episodes. It's just one of those things that while awful to look at are not harmful. It is a sign her sleep is messed up but sometimes it is just from their age. In my children's case it was made worse by snoring and sleep apnea that had to be corrected with tonsils and adenoids being removed for the both of them.

Try playing a kids music cd in her room during naptime. It may distract her from scary thoughts.

my one old does that too. i put him in the bed with me and he settles down

What is she doing before nap time? Don't let her watch any TV before nap time. Try to read a soothing story.

Research "Night Terrors."
It is developmental based.
It is involuntary.
It is normal.
It can also happen when the child is over-tired.

Night Terrors does NOT only occur at night.
It is just a term.