Foods That Help Toddlers Sleep

If you're like most parents, you've probably experienced at least one night when your toddler just refused to go to sleep. You may be surprised to learn that just as certain foods stimulate your toddler's brain, other foods naturally help his brain relax and get drowsy. Knowing the foods that calm your toddler's brain--as well as how those foods interact with other foods--may be just the ticket you and your toddler need to get started down the blissful road of sleepiness.

  1. Tryptophan

    • Found in certain foods, tryptophan is an amino acid that your toddler's body utilizes to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that brings on feelings of drowsiness by telling her body to slow down and relax. It takes about an hour for tryptophan to reach your toddler's brain, so plan bedtime accordingly.

    Tryptophan Foods

    • Foods that contain high amounts of tryptophan include milk, eggs, nuts, bananas, turkey, chicken, beans, fish, and cheese.

    Calcium

    • A mineral that helps relax your toddler's nervous system and promote sleep, calcium is present in dairy foods, sesame seeds, leafy greens, oranges, sardines, and almonds. Milk is an ideal sleep agent for your toddler since it contains both calcium and tryptophan.

    Magnesium

    • Like calcium, magnesium is a mineral that helps your toddler fall asleep by calming his nervous system. Foods rich in magnesium include seeds, nuts, and green vegetables.

    The Magic Combination

    • According to Lilian Presti, a registered holistic nutritionist at NaturallySavvy.com, your toddler is more likely to fall asleep after eating foods with tryptophan if you offer them with foods high in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates inhibit the absorption of other amino acids, which allows your toddler to absorb more tryptophan, thereby making her sleepier.

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