Dreams can start as early as 6 months old, though they are more noticeable around the age of 2 when toddlers begin to communicate about them.
When Do Babies Start Dreaming?
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment dreams begin, research suggests that babies can start dreaming as young as 6 months old.
Why It's Hard to Know For Sure
- Babies cannot tell us about their dreams.
- We rely on observation and physiological cues like Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is associated with dreaming.
Signs of Dreaming in Babies
Even if they can’t tell us, there are some signs that suggest babies might be dreaming:
- Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep: Babies spend a significant portion of their sleep time in REM sleep.
- Facial expressions: You might see babies smile, frown, or make other faces while sleeping.
- Startling: They might move their arms or legs suddenly during sleep.
Toddlers and Dreams
Around the age of 2, toddlers start developing the language skills to communicate about their experiences, including dreams.
Talking About Dreams
- Toddlers may start to describe what they saw, heard, or felt during their dreams.
- This is when bad dreams, or nightmares, become more apparent.
Nightmares
Nightmares are more common in older children, with a peak between the ages of 3 and 12 years old.
How to Help Children with Nightmares
- Comfort and reassurance can help a child who's had a nightmare.
- Establish a calming bedtime routine.
- Talk about the dream if the child is able to share.
- Try to understand and address any stressors that might be contributing.
| Age Group | Likelihood of Dreams | Communicating Dreams | Nightmares Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babies (6 Months) | Likely | Difficult | Uncommon |
| Toddlers (2 Years) | Likely | Emerging | Rare |
| Children (3-12 Years) | Likely | Clear | More Common |
