Whether you’re a first-time parent or a veteran, or you’re bringing a new baby home, there’s one thing in your mind: sleep.
Everywhere parents are always keeping an eye on tips and tricks that will help their little ones sleep soundly. New social media trends claim to do just that, suggesting that parents will feed their babies a small amount of organic or grass-fed butter before bedtime. Many moms and dads praise this idea, but what is the basis for it?
Dr. Rebecca Greenberg Carter of the University of Maryland Health System tells people that there is nutritional evidence, but it loses context in the talk of online crowds.
“First and foremost, healthy fats are encouraged in pediatric diets only after the introduction of solid foods. Before starting any other solids, this is generally not recommended as a food referral for 4-6 months,” she shares.
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Dr. Carter also states, “While the production of fatty milk is associated with being more fulfilling and better sleep, it may be dangerous to jump to this without exploring other reasons why babies and toddlers struggle to sleep all night.”
“The most important thing is to address these issues and follow up with your pediatrician,” she adds.
“Children who struggle to sleep are given butter so they don’t magically become big sleepers,” said Brittany Sheehan, a pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Brittany Sheehan Sleep.
“The truth is, like an ideal diet, what actually works to help babies and toddlers sleep is by no means a hack, trick or shiny new product. It’s much simpler and less exciting.
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Dr. Carter points out that many parents are likely to try “hacks” before finding science. As a result, they should know that “butter does not contain other essential nutrients needed for infant growth, so it should not be given in a size that suppresses the infant’s appetite for breast milk or formula at ages under 12 months.”
“Like infants, butter should not be a substantial part of your diet, as it can take away from other important nutrients you get through a healthy diet,” she continues.
She says parents should generally learn to tire of online “parenting hacks” as such offers.
“I should avoid anything that we call “hacks” that involve our bodies and health,” Sheehan says. “Under circumstances, parents should not be pressured to follow a baby or toddler sleep “hack” that can be at best a waste of time and energy and at worst an incredibly dangerous. ”
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Both experts agree that prioritizing overall sleep health through a consistent routine and building healthy habits is key to helping your child sleep well.
“The most important thing for a healthy sleep is a regular, consistent bedtime routine, with a screen before bedtime and consistent bedtime every night,” says Dr. Carter.
“Developing healthy sleep habits can help your child more in the long run and make sure they don’t have years of sleep difficulties in the future.”
