Crying in sleep right before waking?

[naturegirl419]

My 12 week old just started crying before she wakes up. It doesn't matter if its a nap or during the night. Her eyes are still closed and once she fully wakes up she stops. However, she seems to wake herself up at night unnecessarily because of this. She doesn't seem too hot or cold. I have considered that it might be gas at night because she also kicks her legs alot, but gripe water doesn't help her and she doesn't kick her legs when she naps, though she still cries.

Any ideas of what this might be or how I might help her?

[cileag]

My daughter has done this off and on since about 2 months of age and I can't quite figure it out either. It breaks my heart and there really isn't a solution I've found other than waking her up---and that just isn't particularly helpful. My personal theory is some sort of nightmare/terror. I had horrible nightmares as a child and while it seems young to start, I too have ruled out most other things.

I usually just pat and soothe her, and offer the breast, which she'll usually take in her sleep for a dreamfeed.

[naturegirl419]

oh that would be so sad!

[MEcatlady17]

My DD has been doing this for a couple months. I have no clue why ...it is so sad. And frustrating because she wakes so frequently at night since 3 months old and will cry (more like a whiny fuss) with her eyes closed for a little bit. I have tried letting her be to see if she will go back to sleep- nope, just starts to really cry and wake up. I've tried shushing, soothing etc. Nursing always works but I don't want to create a sleep association that wasn't there (she is 4.5 months now). I have wondered if babies have bad dreams, or if she is uncomfortable, or just is in light sleep and it makes her feel fussy and uncomfortable/tired. Ugh, no answers, sorry.