What are the best snacks for your little one before bed?
Once your little one is fully established on solids, a sleepy snack before bed can be super helpful! You need to ensure it is not full of sugar and that it is easily digestible, so a full and uncomfortable tummy doesn’t keep them up at night!
Together with the Sleep Charity (UK) we have put together our top picks for a sleepy snack, and these may actually aid sleep too!!
Almonds contain magnesium which promotes sleep and muscle relaxation. They also help keep sugar levels stable overnight
Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium. They also contain tryptophan and amino acid that helps us to sleep but don’t forget fruit contains sugar too.
Dairy including yoghurt, milk and cheese contain tryptophan helping us nod off more easily. Calcium is affective in stress reduction and it’s not true, cheese does not give you nightmares!
Oatmeal makes an excellent supper time choice. It’s rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon and potassium all of which help promote better sleep. (It can also help with younger children as it appears to help prevent the middle of the night dirty nappy).
Cherries have been found to naturally boost melatonin production. Drinking a glass of cherry juice has been proven to aid sleep but you could also try fresh, frozen or dried cherries before bedtime.
Cereal contains complex carbohydrates which increase the availability of tryptophan in your bloodstream. Avoid sugar coated cereal so these will give your little one sugar rush and wake them up
There have also been sleep inducing qualities found in lentils, turkey and also wholemeal bread.
As always, if you’re experiencing any problems with your little ones sleep, please do get in touch for a free 15 minute chat – We would love to help!
