Science of baby sleep
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Ask the Expert: Can butter help babies sleep better? A viral trend, debunked by science
Medically Reviewed Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor at Pillar4 Media
Written by Cradlewise Staff
From mashed banana to dream feeds, parents have always been on the lookout for tricks to help their babies sleep better. But recent TikTok and Instagram trend takes things in a buttery new direction, literally.
Some parents are now claiming that feeding babies butter before bedtime helps them sleep longer and more soundly. As with many viral parenting hacks, this one has gained traction fast, with reels and posts racking up views and comments from curious caregivers.
But is there any truth behind it, or is this just another social media myth?
We reached out to a leading sleep expert to separate fact from fiction. Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor at Pillar4 Media and a quadruple board-certified physician in Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Internal Medicine, weighs in on the safety, science (or lack thereof), and better ways to support your baby’s sleep.
Cradlewise: Is there any scientific basis for the claim that butter can help babies sleep better?
Dr. Raj Dasgupta: There is actually no scientific evidence that giving babies butter before bed makes them sleep better.
Cradlewise: What are the potential risks of feeding butter to babies before bedtime?
Dr. Raj Dasgupta: It’s worth noting that butter is high in saturated fat and salt, which may not be ideal for a baby’s diet, especially to be eating before bed.
Sleep is more about routine, comfort, and feeding patterns than any one magic food. Offering butter in chunks to babies can also be dangerous because they may not be able to chew and swallow it safely. Also, butter could upset a baby’s stomach and potentially make their sleep worse.
Cradlewise: How does consuming butter affect a baby’s digestion and overall health?
Dr. Raj Dasgupta: Butter is high in saturated fat and should be given in moderation, and not as a sleep aid, as there’s no evidence it promotes better sleep. Butter is a source of several vitamins, particularly fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
However, it is a dairy product, and some babies may experience bloating or gas after consuming butter due to a dairy sensitivity or allergy, especially if they are not yet ready for solids or have a cow’s milk allergy.
Cradlewise: What evidence-based tips can parents follow to help their babies sleep better?
Dr. Raj Dasgupta: A solid bedtime routine makes the biggest difference: think dim lights, a calm environment, and a predictable schedule. Keeping naps balanced, avoiding overstimulation before bed, and making sure the baby is full (but not overfed) all help. No single food will make a baby sleep through the night, but good habits and consistency will.
Cradlewise: Anything else you’d like to add about baby sleep and nutrition that parents might benefit from?
Dr. Raj Dasgupta: Getting a baby to sleep can be tough. While nutrition plays a part, the real game-changers are a solid routine, a comfy sleep setup, and where they’re at developmentally.
Conclusion
Skip the butter and stick to science. While social media trends can be tempting to try, it’s important to lean on expert-backed advice when it comes to your baby’s sleep. As Dr. Raj Dasgupta explains, there’s no evidence that butter helps babies sleep better, and it could even pose some risks. Instead, focus on what really works: a calming bedtime routine, a comfortable sleep setup, and consistency that supports your baby’s natural rhythms.
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