In the ever-evolving world of parenting hacks, a new trend has emerged on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram: giving babies a spoonful of butter before bedtime to help them sleep through the night. Proponents of this method claim that the high fat content in butter keeps babies fuller longer, potentially reducing nighttime awakenings.

For instance, TikTok user @bridgette_.gray shared that her toddler began sleeping eight hours straight after she started giving her a tablespoon of grass-fed butter before bed. Similarly, @abbyexplainsitall touted butter as the "best sleep hack for kids," stating that the fats help keep them satiated, leading to better sleep. 

However, health experts strongly caution against this practice. Dr. Nina Jane Chad from the University of Sydney and the World Health Organization warns that butter may harm infants, especially those under six months, potentially altering gut flora and increasing infection susceptibility. Dr. Fallon Cook of Infant Sleep Australia agrees, stressing there’s no scientific evidence linking butter or other fat/calorie-heavy foods to improved infant sleep. 

Source: The Guardian

Paediatric dietitian Chacha Miller and Dr. Gary Kirkilas also express concerns about the safety and efficacy of this practice. They caution against the trend due to the risk of choking and potential digestive issues. Instead of relying on butter, they suggest nutrient-dense alternatives like avocados and healthier fats from yogurt and whole milk. 

Source: Parents

Experts emphasize that there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that butter improves sleep in infants and young children. They recommend focusing on establishing good sleep habits and routines tailored to each baby's unique needs to improve sleep patterns safely and effectively.

What SlumberPod Recommends

At SlumberPod, we understand the challenges parents face in ensuring their babies get restful sleep. While viral trends can be tempting, we advocate for evidence-based practices: