My 11 Month Old Wakes Up Screaming

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My 11 Month Old Wakes Up Screaming

by Anonymous

My daughter just turned 11 months. Lately she has been waking up in the middle of night SCREAMING. Even when I pick her up, she is still screaming. She has screamed so loud and hard that I have considered taking her to the hospital. She already takes pepcid, mylanta and motrin before bed, and she has been doing waking up for 6 months or so.

She has slept through the night without making a peep on many occasions, but wakes up more often than not. Since she has been doing this for so many months, we have tried to sleep train her and let her cry it out, which has worked, but then a few nights later or so, she is back to screaming. I wouldn't be so bothered by it if she just woke up and went back to sleep, but she even cries in my arms or in my bed. I've seen her fall asleep on me and wake up screaming.

She has a bedtime routine, and goes to sleep in her crib on her own, awake, each night. She also goes to sleep on her own for naps. I have taken her to the doctor about 8 times, convinced she had an ear infection after these types of nights and she never has anything wrong with her. She is already on a special formula (alimentum) although at 10 months she was switched to a sensitive similac formula to try to get her ready for milk. I would normally think it was a change in formula that is affecting her, but she acted this way on alimentum as well.

I truly believe there is something bothering her and I nor the doctors can figure it out. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Baby Help Line Response:

Hi mom!

You seem to be having a tough time! Two possible reasons that come to my mind are acid reflux and night terror.

Has your daughter been checked for reflux? That could be a reason why she wakes up crying, i.e. if stomach acids are giving her heartburn. Usually babies tend to grow out of reflux at around 1 year old, but not all do. Try elevating the crib some 30 degrees to see it it helps. If it does, you should definitely discuss this possibility with a doctor.

While night terror usually occurs for babies older than 1 year, may be that could be something your daughter has. If your baby seems to still be asleep or at least doesn’t recognise you and is very hard to console, it could be night terror. One of our kids had that for a couple of months at around 1,5 years old. It is quite scary, but the child is not awake and doesn't remember the episode in the morning.

If you think it might be night terror, don't try to wake her up. Just be there for her, talk to her gently, snuggle her and wait for the terror to pass. If it comes on very regular times at night, you can try waking her up about 15 minutes before every night for a week to break the “habit”. This might make the terror go away.

A third possible reason could be some food allergy, if your baby seems to have tummy pain and is very gassy.

Those were a few ideas… But I’m not a doctor and as a MOM I think you’re doing the right thing by not giving up. Talk to another doctor for a second opinion!

I wish you good luck! (And if you find out what’s wrong, I’d love to hear from you!)

/Paula

The information provided on this site is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.

Comments for
My 11 Month Old Wakes Up Screaming

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Mar 25, 2008

Homeopathic colic tabs
by: Anonymous

I dont know why but I will say that our 11 month old suddenly started screaming like all out fierce which was unusual to say the least as he was always able to go to sleep easily.

Having ruled out everything else we opted to try Highlands colic tabs, these area miracle, you get them at food coops they are homepoathic, but we are not a family that usually uses homoeopathic remedies so this was different for us.

You don't touch the tab as it is small and they say it diminishes its potencey, you shake 2-3 on a small baby spoon and put some water over the tabs to help disolve them, then wait 15 mins and repeat , we get our son to lay down in his crib give him all his comfort iems and then let him cry for a few in 15 mins we come back and give him another round, we try not to pick him but just keep saying no its night night time, take some medicine, by the third round he passes out.

This has been the only thing to work for us, and we are finally getting some sleep again. I do not know what caused this sudden crying to begin with but I can tell you this really worked for us!!

Good Luck!

Jun 08, 2008

You sound just like us!
by: Linda

Wow, I thought I was reading about myself! This so sounds like our daughter who is 13 months old now and is STILL screaming all night long! She was put on Prevacid for silent reflux at a few months old but nothing has helped! I am so stressed out and afraid something is terribly wrong! if you ever find anything that works please email me at suedollz@hotmail.com!

Jan 06, 2009

Motrin?!?
by: Effie

I have an 11 month old as well that is waking 3-4 times per night and I certainly agree with all the other comments. However, I believe you mentioned that you give your daughter Motrin every night?!?....This can be causing tummy problems as well...Motrin has been known to be much more damaging to the stomach lining vs. tylenol...I know the affects of tylenol are not as quick and as effective at times, but it still does the job. I would use motrin only when my daughter has a high fever that is difficult to reduce. You're pediatrician will most likely be indifferent, but if I were you I would do some research on over the counter meds prior to administering them to child. Hope this helps a bit! You all will get through it!
-Fe, Doc. of Physical Therapy

Feb 03, 2009

metaphsyical or otherwise spiritual
by: Listenw/urmind

babies are highly sensitive to environmental factors like financial stress, marital problems, and spiritual turmoil or unrest of all types.

Yes in this western medicine world we live in its very easy to forget that we are all just spiritual beings suffering from the human condition, furthermore the very young are still closer to the source of creation and universal harmony in our X value of age, whichever it may be when we become parents.

I know that sounds very left but trust me, its no lie that certain people are born with certain gifts, be it the term i so hate in "paranormal", or what i like to look at as over the top empathetic ability, children are not used to this material, image driven, fact paced world. The first 3/4 of a child's life are spent literally attached to another being, and the inner source that makes that smile up comes from somewhere else, still up for argument. I digress, however my point being, Babies are not adjusting to teething, eating, gas, sleeping....they are adjusting to being physical beings, some of our children are fortunate enough to retain some of their inner abilities which escape the bounds of science and explanation and the majority of "NORMAL" people...

I am not here saying your daughter is carol anne from poltergeist, but i am suggesting you take steps, look into your property history, see if their where any deaths in the house, especially children, even natural ones(if your in an apartment, or some other kind of conjoined mass living space, look into the surrounding units history, or perhaps even current goings on. Contact your local priest, rabbi, or flying spaghetti monster, whatever faith fancy's your flavor, have your home blessed...not to be assumptive but if you have any skeletons, or your immediate family now is the time to pull them out, as is the saying "the sins of the father" spiritual trauma can last for centuries...(family history??? any blood feuds, vendettas, controversy of any kind from the old day)...

on that note, your child just could be gifted, and you will have to learn to be a supportive parent of a gifted person. Heck, all these guys with their logic are probably right, however i speak from experience....its not every day the roman catholic church of Los angeles condones a clerical investigation into your family history like they did when my daughter was waking up in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder at the top of her lungs so fierce her veins were bulging, its no coincidence when common place doctors looked at me like a nut when i would bring her in soon after fit as a fiddle, only to return to my home and feel her claw at me as she perceived something inconceivable to the adult, 9-5 mind....fortunately for her and my Family, we got help

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Feb 03, 2009
Rating

Submitted by: Listenw/urmind

Title

Comment
babies are highly sensitive to environmental factors like financial stress, marital problems, and spiritual turmoil or unrest of all types. Yes in this western medicine world we live in its very easy to forget that we are all just spiritual beings suffering from the human condition, furthermore the very young are still closer to the source of creation and universal harmony in our X value of age, whichever it may be when we become parents. I know that sounds very left but trust me, its no lie that certain people are born with certain gifts, be it the term i so hate in "paranormal", or what i like to look at as over the top empathetic ability, children are not used to this material, image driven, fact paced world. The first 3/4 of a child's life are spent literally attached to another being, and the inner source that makes that smile up comes from somewhere else, still up for argument. I digress, however my point being, Babies are not adjusting to teething, eating, gas, sleeping....they are adjusting to being physical beings, some of our children are fortunate enough to retain some of their inner abilities which escape the bounds of science and explanation and the majority of "NORMAL" people... I am not here saying your daughter is carol anne from poltergeist, but i am suggesting you take steps, look into your property history, see if their where any deaths in the house, especially children, even natural ones(if your in an apartment, or some other kind of conjoined mass living space, look into the surrounding units history, or perhaps even current goings on. Contact your local priest, rabbi, or flying spaghetti monster, whatever faith fancy's your flavor, have your home blessed...not to be assumptive but if you have any skeletons, or your immediate family now is the time to pull them out, as is the saying "the sins of the father" spiritual trauma can last for centuries...(family history??? any blood feuds, vendettas, controversy of any kind from the old day)... on that note, your child just could be gifted, and you will have to learn to be a supportive parent of a gifted person. Heck, all these guys with their logic are probably right, however i speak from experience....its not every day the roman catholic church of Los angeles condones a clerical investigation into your family history like they did when my daughter was waking up in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder at the top of her lungs so fierce her veins were bulging, its no coincidence when common place doctors looked at me like a nut when i would bring her in soon after fit as a fiddle, only to return to my home and feel her claw at me as she perceived something inconceivable to the adult, 9-5 mind....fortunately for her and my Family, we got help

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Jun 17, 2009

11 month old on meds?
by: Anonymous

I am surprised that your 11 month old is on so many medications. Have you tried talking to a naturopath? If I were you I'd switch doctors asap.

Aug 27, 2009

Dont let your child cry it out
by: Mum2Emma

I have a 9 months old. I noticed that he wakes up screaming in the night only on those days when he has cried alot during the day or in the evenings. On those days when he spends the day happy and playing he doesn't get these night escapades. You mention that you let your baby cry it out at times. Am so against this coz it solves one problem and creates another. Babies dream about it and therefore they cry even in their sleep.

Oct 03, 2009

Child maybe feeling very insecure
by: Anonymous

I personally believe a baby that is left to cry has been given the message of abandonment. Its hard to tell when they're young (heck even abused children seem to act like evrything is fine) These issues surface way later in life, like the teen years. Crying is a babies way of communicating and ignoring that is like saying what you have to say doesn't matter, its not valuble enough to pay attention to. Thats why they give up. They feel deep down that they just dont matter enough. It has nothing to do with manipulation or control. Babies who feel insecure are more likely to learn manipulation and control sooner because its a survival mechanism. They realize they have to fight for moms affection and attention. Babies who are so secure and know momma will always be there are confident and when they are ready they will become independant the natural way. I have never let my baby cry it our and she is the most patient easy going happy baby. She is rarely fussy about anything. I dont know if the crying is causing the problem but I really am against it. It is way more work but like so many things in life, more work now often pays off big time in the end. When they are teenagers they will remember the trust they have for you and that sense of value and it will be crucial in that time. The easy way out almost always has negative consequenses in the long run. Hope this helps. I really sympathise with you because I know how hard it can be. I'll be praying for ya!

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Oct 03, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

Title

Comment
I personally believe a baby that is left to cry has been given the message of abandonment. Its hard to tell when they're young (heck even abused children seem to act like evrything is fine) These issues surface way later in life, like the teen years. Crying is a babies way of communicating and ignoring that is like saying what you have to say doesn't matter, its not valuble enough to pay attention to. Thats why they give up. They feel deep down that they just dont matter enough. It has nothing to do with manipulation or control. Babies who feel insecure are more likely to learn manipulation and control sooner because its a survival mechanism. They realize they have to fight for moms affection and attention. Babies who are so secure and know momma will always be there are confident and when they are ready they will become independant the natural way. I have never let my baby cry it our and she is the most patient easy going happy baby. She is rarely fussy about anything. I dont know if the crying is causing the problem but I really am against it. It is way more work but like so many things in life, more work now often pays off big time in the end. When they are teenagers they will remember the trust they have for you and that sense of value and it will be crucial in that time. The easy way out almost always has negative consequenses in the long run. Hope this helps. I really sympathise with you because I know how hard it can be. I'll be praying for ya!

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Nov 09, 2009

noticed the same
by: Anonymous

My daughter is going on ten months and just started the same. We have been dealing with colic like issues from birth with little to no help from ped. She is on Enfamil nutramigen and it is not helping much. She has frequent painful bouts of gas and bowel movements. Dr. does not think it is reflux because there is no spitting up. Please if any ideas help; no one in family is sleeping.