My eighteen month old used to sleep perfectly right through the night but he's recently strated having night firghts. He wakes up screaming, terririfed and in a hot sweat. It was very concerning the first few times and has now started to happen more regaularly. What can I do to stop this or is it just a stage he's going through? I'd really appreciate any advice so that we can both get a good nigth's sleep!

My little girl did the same - it happend at about 9 months. I think it was just a phased, lasted about 3-4 weeks.

My little boy has just started doing the same, he is only 7 months though. He starts screaming in the night (not the same time each night) and is not even awake. I thought it may be cetain foods I have given him (I have been weaning him for a couple of months now so am still trying new food), or that he is too hot - since the weather has got cooler I have piled on the blankets (proably too much). I know this isnt offering any solutions - but just to let you know it is common. In my case, I dont think it is anything to do with a story or something Harry has seen.

Hi, have delt with these situations so many times and there can be many causes. Has his daytime routine changed in anyway? What is he watching,or what story is being read to him before bed? You may think what he is watching, or being told is not frightning, but to him it may be. At 18 months old he cannot tell you. Other problems might be: Has he changed from a cot to a bed? Is there a new baby on the way? Have you had to leave him with anyone and go away say for the weekend just recently? What I normally say to clients when they phone me is lets go though the last couple of months and look at what changes may have happened and when we do this we find the problem. Please come back to me and let me know if any of these changes have happened, what he is watching or what stories you read to him. I have had many situations where bedtime stories have upset the child, but it's only when I speak to the mum and go though it with her,that we find out.I hope this has helped you .susie