Why Butter Before Bed Might Be the Best Natural Sleep Remedy for Kids

Is your child having trouble sleeping through the night? If you’re searching for the best kids sleep remedy, you might be surprised by this simple yet effective trick: try buttering them up!

I know it sounds a little crazy, but hear me out. This method worked wonders for my son, and after sharing it with our Doctor Mom community, the feedback was incredible! SO many moms reported that it worked for their little ones too.

Why Butter as a Natural Sleep Remedy?

If you’re looking for a natural sleep aid for babies, toddlers, and kids, butter can be an easy and effective solution. Here’s why:

  • High calorie & nutrient-dense – Helps keep your child full longer
  • Easy to eat – No preparation needed
  • Delicious – Most kids love the taste

How Much Butter Should Your Child Eat Before Bedtime?

Let your child decide!

  • One night, my baby ate 3 tablespoons, while another night, just 1 teaspoon.
  • Trust that your child will stop eating when they are full.

What Type of Butter is Best for Kids' Sleep?

We personally use Kerrygold butter, but any grass-fed butter is a great choice for its high nutritional value.

Does it Have to Be Butter?

Not necessarily! Other high-calorie, easy-to-eat foods that may work as a natural sleep remedy include:

  • Ghee
  • Nut butter (if there are no allergies)
  • Coconut oil
  • Full-fat coconut milk (a great non-dairy option!)

Why Does This Help with Baby and Toddler Sleep?

Feeding your child a high-calorie, nutrient-dense food before bedtime can help keep them satiated for longer periods, preventing wake-ups due to hunger.

There’s nothing magical about butter, except that most kids love it! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?

When Can You Start Offering Butter as a Sleep Remedy?

  • For babies under 12 months: Breastmilk or formula should still be their main source of nutrition. If your child is younger than 12 months, continue offering breastmilk or formula before bed and upon waking.
  • For babies 9-12 months and older: If they’re eating plenty of solids, adding butter or another high-calorie food before bedtime can be beneficial.

Will My Baby Still Nurse Before Bed?

This depends on the child! Always offer breastmilk or formula to babies under 12 months. My son was still happy to nurse, even after a belly full of butter. Nothing stopped that little guy from his milkies! 😂

How to Serve Butter to Your Child

  • Serve it plain with a spoon
  • Let them scoop it up off their highchair
  • Mix it into their dinner

💛 Sleep struggles come up all the time inside the Doctor Mom Membership, and you’re not alone in navigating them. This is exactly the kind of question our community of like-minded mamas brings to our Q&A calls, and with direct support from a Naturopathic Doctor, you’re never left wondering what else you can try.

Inside the membership, we share even more sleep remedies that go beyond butter, so your family can get the rest you all deserve.

A Gentle Reminder

This method hasn’t been officially studied, but it is based on my personal experience and the success stories of hundreds of moms.

One of the biggest reasons this may help kids sleep better is that many children simply aren’t eating enough food to sustain their rapidly growing bodies and brains! Adding high-fat, high-calorie foods before bedtime can be a game-changer, especially for moms of young children who are still nursing and unsure if their child is getting enough nourishment during the day.

So, if you’re looking for a natural baby sleep remedy, toddler sleep remedy, or the best kids sleep remedy, try “buttering them up!” You might be amazed at how well it works. Sweet dreams! 🌙✨

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