Babies do dream in some sense, but the content and extent are not well understood and likely differ from adult dreaming. Here’s what current science and expert guidance suggest, with the caveat that direct reports from babies are impossible. What science suggests

• REM sleep is present early in life and makes up a large portion of infant sleep. Since dreaming in adults is tied to REM sleep, researchers generally believe that babies experience some form of dreaming or dream-like brain activity during REM, even if the content is not accessible to us. This is supported by descriptions of newborn REM patterns and the association between REM and memory development in infancy.

• The purpose of REM in infancy may be more about brain development and wiring than about the kind of narrative dreams adults report. The infant brain is busy building neural connections, and REM sleep is thought to play a role in that developmental process.

• If babies do dream, the content is unlikely to resemble adult dreams. Hypotheses suggest dreams could reflect sensory experiences, such as sounds, rhythms, or familiar faces, or even womb-related sensations, rather than complex plot-driven narratives.

Common myths and practical notes

• Babies do not have nightmares in the same way older children do. Nightmares are tied to cognitive development and the ability to imagine fear-inducing scenarios, which evolves later in early childhood.

• Even when experts discuss “dreaming” in infants, it does not imply they recall past events or conjure stories; it may be more about processing sensory input and facilitating brain development.

• Some parenting sources suggest that if a baby appears unsettled during REM, it might reflect hunger, diaper needs, or discomfort rather than a nightmare. Caregivers should assess immediate needs rather than interpret it as a dream or nightmare.

How this translates for parents and caregivers

• Expect that sleep in the first months involves significant REM activity, but don’t expect babies to recount dreams or have coherent narratives. Focus on healthy sleep routines and meeting basic needs, which supports development and well-being.

• If a baby seems unsettled during sleep, first check for hunger, diaper changes, temperature, or comfort needs rather than assuming a dream content or nightmare.

• As children grow, dream content can become more complex, and nightmares may appear with age, particularly around ages 2–6 when imagination and cognitive development are accelerating.

If you want a quick takeaway

• Babies likely experience REM-related brain activity and may dream or dream-like experiences, but the content is unclear and probably not like adult dreams. The primary function of REM in infancy is tied to brain development rather than storytelling or recall.