Sleep Terrors?? Nightmares??

J.,
You didn't mention whether or not you put her down at night asleep or awake. If she's going in asleep, then it is likely that she is waking up after her first sleep cycle (30-40 minutes), confused. Confused about how she ended up there and where you went since you where the last thing she saw before peacefully dozing off. That is just a developmental stage before she realizes that things that are not seen (you) are not gone forever. Hide and seek helps with this a little but mostly just growing helps. If you are up to it, try putting her in bed sleepy but not completely asleep, so she has an easier time adjusting to the whole process.
good luck

I know you said she's not in pain, but does she have her first tooth yet? I remember my daughter crying harder for that first tooth then any other teeth (besides the molars).
I'm not sure that 6 months old dream yet. I remember reading about how they start dreaming about their moms or dads and when they wake up and the parent isn't in the room it freaks them out. I also remember (sorry, it's been a little time and I have a bad memory) reading that you should try to leave the room alone once you put them to bed. So if they wake up and the book that's on the chair is now put away, that will confuse them.
Just my two cents.
Best of luck,
C.

My duaghter has boughts with tremors- the situation sounds very similar. I usually have a difficult time "wking her up" from these as it feels like she is still "asleep" when she is hysterically crying. The good news is they don't remember anything in the morning, although its heart-breaking for the parents to hear. I got good advice from a friend- since trying to soothe/wake her usually upsets my daughter more during a tremor, I usually turn on the light and don't touch her, just try to talk in a soothing tone, and she should wake up faster. Good luck!

Hi J.,

I don't think it's nightmares or night terrors. She's too young. Our son used to have frequent nightmares and occasional night terrors. For night terrors, you can't wake up or comfort them. Their eyes are open, but they act like you are a stranger they are terrified of. I don't remember exactly when they started, but our son was definitely a toddler, walking and standing in the crib. Maybe 2 or 2.5yo.

It's often hard to figure out the cause of this type of thing. Hopefully this is a phase that passes quickly...

-D.

Hi J.,

I am sorry your daughter is scaring you in the middle of the night. That's the worst!

I am a mother with alot of experience with Night Terrors. And to ease your mind, I really don't think your precious daughter has any problems with those. It doesn't sound at all like she has them. I am not even sure if Night Terrors can occur in a 6 month old. That's pretty young.

I am willing to bet it's teething. Kids can act so different when they get teeth, especially her first tooth. It's time to invest in Hylond's Teething Tablet's. I also allowed my babies to "chew" on a cold small washcloth. It seemed to really help with the teething.

Anyway, I would try to 'treat' her as is she were teething this week, and see if that changes her discomfort.

Teething is sooooooo hard for both kids and parents. They seem to teeth until they are 6!!! The sooner you can "identify" your daughter's teething signs, the sooner you can treat them and the better life will be for both of you.

Good Luck, J.

~N. :o)

J.,
It sounds to me like she might be beginning to have some seperation anxiety. It sounds like she wakes up terrified that you are not there with her. You might try sleeping with a stuffed animal for a few nights, and then leaving it in or close to her crib so that she can smell that you are near by. I have also heard (if you are breast feeding) to sprinkle some milk on the bedsheet. That way her bed will smell like you, and she will associate her bed with comfort. Good luck!