Getting your little one off to sleep can be a nightmare, and just when it's all quiet, he's sure to wake up and it will all start again. Give your baby and yourself the best shot at a good night's sleep by using the most soothing foods throughout the day.
Warm Milk
You may think it an old wive's tale, but milk contains the amino acid tryptophan, which has a mild sedative effect and is scientifically proven to help the brain relax. It also contains calcium, which helps the brain utilize the tryptophan to its full potential. Breast milk is full of essential nutrients to make your baby feel full and satisfied, which will in turn make your baby feel calm and comforted. If your baby has been weaned, some warm milk will also have a soothing nostalgic effect that will induce him into sleep.
Porridge and Potatoes
A few carbohydrates in the evening will make your baby feel sleepy since they contain serotonin, a hormone that promotes relaxation. Mash porridge and potatoes together and add to milk for extra soothing effects. The healthy porridge oats will increase melatonin, which has a sedative effect on your baby's brain.
Bananas
These are excellent for bedtime as they contain soothing melatonin and serotonin, and muscle-relaxing magnesium. They're also great for mashing with the other foods in the list to make them more palatable for young babies.
Whole-wheat bread
Mash whole-wheat bread with some banana or milk, says Sammy Margo, author of The Good Sleep Guide for Children. She says, "In order for the tryptophan to help your child feel sleepy they need to eat these foods combined with healthy carbohydrates. Carbohydrates cause the release of insulin, which helps tryptophan reach the brain and cause sleepiness".
Turkey
According to Netmums, the local parenting network, turkey is also a great sleep inducer. Mash this up with the whole-wheat bread and some milk and your baby will be out like a light.
White Grape Juice
If your baby wakes up crying and it has not been long since his last feeding, he may benefit from some white grape juice, which for infants is more digestible than other juices. Studies have shown that juices that are less sweet, unlike apple juice or orange juice, help your baby sleep longer. Try giving him some white grape juice before bedtime. If your baby hasn't tried fruit juices before, speak to your doctor first before incorporating them into your baby's diet.
