Babies often show up in dreams. Sometimes the dreams are disturbing ones where one has a child and is neglecting it in some way or doesn't like the baby. Sometimes dreams about babies can be hopeful especially when one is trying to have a baby. No matter whether the dream is disturbing or hopeful, it is important to keep in mind that babies dreams are symbolic just as all dreams are. Below are some ideas about what babies in dreams may symbolize.

New Life

In waking life, babies are exactly that - brand, new life. Each of us comes into this world fresh and new with an entire future of endless possibilities ahead. As we grow, we become weighed down with commitments, emotional upheaval, and patterns that we believe limit our choices and our lives. Dreaming of a baby can symbolize a fresh start, or release from limitations. Dreaming of a baby can also symbolize a desire for the same.

Creativity

If you think of the amazing way in which babies are created and it is easy to see how babies are the ultimate symbol of creativity. Babies, in dreams, can also be symbolic of this creativity. Pregnancy dreams are another symbol of creativity but they are more indicative of the creative potential whereas a dream baby may indicate creativity that is fully developed.

Dead Baby or Miscarriage

First off, if you have lost a child or suffered a miscarriage, you have my deepest sympathy and prayers. The trauma of losing a child is one of the worst of life's tragedies. I have included some links below that may help you deal with your loss. If you are dreaming about your lost child, you may be attempting to cope with your loss. Our psyches work to heal emotional pain and will work to that end even in dreams.

If, however, you have not lost a child, seeing a dead baby in a dream may indicate the end of something in your life. It may be something quite precious such as a career or a relationship. It is important to remember that despite the pain that comes when something we love ends, new life will follow.

A miscarriage in a dream may symbolize some part of yourself that feels lost, or may symbolize some missed opportunity, or some plan of action that has been aborted. Alternatively, a miscarriage dream may indicate that a current course of action will lead to destruction.

Many women who are pregnant dream of miscarriages and these dreams can be anxiety dreams about losing one's baby. Dreams are symbolic or they mirror anxieties from waking life. One anxiety when one is pregnant is the fear that one will lose one's baby so remember that and remember that dreaming of a miscarriage is not a prophecy that you will lose your baby.

Self Symbols

There is the theory that all the people and symbols that appear in dreams are actually symbols of one's self or aspects of one's self. If we look at baby dreams through that lens, then even a baby in a dream is standing in for some part of one's self. Babies are vulnerable and dreaming of them may indicate some part of one's self that feels vulnerable or helpless. Babies are also lovable and can therefore represent some part of one's self that desires love. Babies are also innocent and may stand in for your own innocence or some part of you that is as pure as a newborn. Babies need care and attention so again, in a dream, the baby may reflect a need for care and attention to some aspect of one's life. Look at all the things that babies symbolize for you in waking life and see if you can apply those symbols to yourself.

Neglecting a Baby

Some of the more disturbing dreams are those where one has a baby that one is not caring for in some manner. These dreams may take the form of abusing a baby, not taking care of a baby, starving a baby, or not liking the baby.

Dreams of neglecting a baby or abusing a baby in some manner again are usually dreams that are calling attention to some aspect of one's self and in particular calling attention to some part of one's self that is pure which is not being treated with the kindness and love it deserves. In our society which is so concerned with getting ahead we often neglect our health. Everyday many of us abuse our bodies through overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, not getting adequate rest, or by simply not taking time out for ourselves. Starving a baby can indicate some part of one's self that is starving for attention.

Forgetting a Baby

Forgetting one has a baby may be symbolic of forgetting some aspect of one's self - a part that may be a powerful link to one's creativity and a source of inspiration. The forgotten part of one's self may also be a part of one's self that is innocent and pure. Many times we judge ourselves quite harshly and oftentimes we may accept responsibility for things that aren't our fault. For example, many abused children believe themselves guilty of the abuse or responsible for causing it. If you were abused as a child you may have forgotten your innocence or forgotten that despite the abuse you are still a pure, beautiful human being worthy and deserving of love.

Forgetting one has a baby may also be symbolic of feelings of guilt or of feeling that one is not being responsible. Look at your life and see if there really is something you are not taking care of or if these feelings of guilt are false. Many times we try to take on the responsibilities of others - responsibilities that are not really our own.

Not Liking a Baby

Not liking a baby or hiding a baby in a dream may indicate some aspect of one's self that one does not like or is ashamed of. Ironically, dreaming of hiding a baby may also symbolize one's attempts at hiding one's own fragility; of trying to keep up a front of false bravado. Hiding a baby may also symbolize hidden talents well worth developing.

Until next time, sleep well and dream out loud!

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*~Aisling Ireland~* is an ordained Spiritual Counselor providing dream interpretation and Tarot readings. To make an appointment check out her website at: web.mac.com/aisling.ireland