• About Me
    • Life List
  • Disclosure
  • Work With Me
  • Stock images by Depositphotos

Love and Marriage

And A Baby Carriage.

Simple Toddler Sleep Hack

parenting

Share9K
Pin6K
Tweet
16K Shares

Toddler sleep patterns can be a bit of a roller coaster. Every little thing can throw them off: a late wake up, an evening visitor, the doom of Daylight Savings Time.

Several years ago I read about a certain food that may help you to fall asleep and so I tried it.  And it totally worked.

Want to know why your baby isn’t sleeping through the night? Answer these questions and you’ll find out.

Toddler-Sleep-Hack

(affiliate links included throughout – see my disclosure for more information – thanks for your support) 

Toddler Sleep Hack

The secret food?  Bananas.

Here’s why: this magic fruit has the perfect blend of natural sleep remedies.

  • Magnesium 34 mg – Natural muscle relaxer
  • Potassium 450 mg – Natural muscle relaxer
  • Melatonin (It’s a tiny amount but I’ll take it! Another food with melatonin is tart cherries.)
  • Seratonin

I had no idea!

Toddler sleep hack 2

I started to try and give bananas to Brady at night when he was about 18 months old but we had a problem.  He hated bananas.  I made a compromise and tried banana yogurt.  It didn’t help.

Paityn, however, loves bananas and I can guarantee that if I offer her one in the evening before bed she is going to eat it.  So she does.  And guess what?  She is the absolute world’s best sleeper.  I don’t have any of the problems I did when Brady was a toddler.

(By the way, I just got a new book they are saying is guaranteed to put your kid to sleep. Have you seen it? It’s called The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep and the reviews are incredible. We love it!)

I don’t always have bananas in the house so she doesn’t get one 365 days out of the year, no.  But, it is something we do often.  I absolutely believe in the power of the banana to help your toddler sleep!

 

LOOKING FOR MORE SLEEP HACKS?

Grab my free ebook, Hacking Sleep!

Hacking Sleep Free Ebook

 

Liz Nieman

Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.

loveandmarriageblog.com

Related posts:

  1. You Can’t Hold Your Baby Too Much, Science Says So
  2. There Is Really Only One Thing Your Kid Needs To Know Before Kindergarten
  3. This Sticker Will Track Your Kids Temperature All Night Long
  4. Two Hidden Signs of Anxiety In Children You Probably Missed

By Liz Nieman

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Rabia @TheLiebers says

    December 5, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Never tried it! My kids don’t love bananas, but they eat them sometimes. I wonder if this would work with my insomniac husband?!

    Reply
  2. Bev says

    December 7, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    Oh, how interesting! I would have never imagined. And that picture is absolute adorable 🙂 Stopping by from Mommy Needs a Timeout.

    Reply
  3. Jo says

    December 29, 2014 at 5:16 am

    This 100% worked for me too! I had a terrible sleeper and when I started giving him bananas after dinner he would sleep through the entire night! It was a lifesaver! If I didn’t give him one he would wake up or at least be unsettled that night! God send!

    Reply
  4. Heidi says

    December 29, 2014 at 5:35 am

    My boys are allergic to bananas. 🙁
    My 4.5 year old is a terrible sleeper. And I hardly doubt he’d eat tart cherries before bed. I guess it’s back to the drawing board for me.

    Reply
    • kristy says

      January 21, 2015 at 7:35 am

      They make tart cherry juice. I’ve heard of people drinking it straight, freezing it, or adding it to smoothies. I think they also make it into a supplement but I’m not positive. Dr. Oz and some of his guys swear by it, you might be able to find other recipes on his website. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  5. sarah jane says

    December 29, 2014 at 8:43 am

    my son eats bananas but if he eats one every day he gets constipated any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 29, 2014 at 10:03 am

      Add something with lots of fiber – blueberry and bananas taste great.

      Reply
    • JAMcD says

      September 13, 2015 at 11:38 am

      My daughter also used to get constipated if she ate a banana daily. I cut her back to 1/2 banana and that was enough cutback to prevent the constipation. Might be worth a try.

      Reply
  6. Tracy says

    December 29, 2014 at 10:06 am

    Our doctor also suggested deli sliced turkey and tart cherries. He said on the cherries that could buy cherry juice and mix just a little bit in something my daughter likees. He said it doesn’t take much.

    If he doesn’t like bananas or cherry juice maybe you can try the turkey.

    Reply
    • TDowns says

      December 29, 2014 at 10:08 pm

      Yes – the turkey works the same way as the turkey on Thanksgiving puts everyone to sleep in front of the TV after dinner! 😉

      Reply
  7. Candace Prosser says

    December 29, 2014 at 11:14 am

    I have used each of these with success. My kids are insomniacs and so is thier Daddy. I coppied the info on each from Dr. Oz…. it was funny to find them all there.

    Oats contain melatonin and complex carbohydrates that can help more tryptophan get into the brain to help you sleep. It also contains vitamin B6, a vitamin which is a co-factor that helps more serotonin get produced in the brain as well. I recommend Irish steel cut.

    Montmorency cherry are great because they have about 6 times the amount of melatonin than a regular cherry. If you can find a cherry juice concentrate, this will also increase the concentration of melatonin even more.

    Pumpkin seeds and the powder from pumpkin seeds have relatively high amounts of the amino acid tryptophan.

    Reply
  8. Jenn says

    December 29, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    My son just turned 3 this month. We’ve found that a full tummy is critical to a good night’s sleep, especially since he sleeps ~11 hours. It doesn’t really matter what he eats as long as he’s well sated before bedtime.

    Reply
  9. Natalie says

    December 29, 2014 at 1:56 pm

    Totally agree! My 8 year old loves bananas and sleeps like a charm. My 6 year old doesn’t but when I occasionally get banana and milk into him he sleeps so much better.

    Reply
  10. tina says

    December 29, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    I have a 6 month old, how early did u start. Do u think banana gerber food would work?

    Reply
    • Anni says

      January 3, 2015 at 6:49 pm

      Just mash some regular ol banana and feed bubs that, no need to spend a fortune on jar food

      Reply
  11. makis-mom says

    December 29, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    I wish! My son hates bananas.

    Reply
  12. Sara says

    December 29, 2014 at 7:06 pm

    How about you just give your kid melatonin? I give it to my 4 year old most nights to help him sleep. We get the chocolate flavored ones and call it his “night night medicine”. He’s asleep within 20 minutes and sleeps all night. Otherwise he would be up until midnight and waking up multiple times. I can’t tell you how nice bedtime is at my house now 🙂

    Reply
    • Becca says

      December 29, 2014 at 10:58 pm

      Where do you buy the chocolate flavor melatonin? I have a 3 soon to be 4 year old son who still sleeps like a new born. Up every couple of hours. I would love to just sleep one full night.

      Reply
      • Michelle says

        December 29, 2014 at 11:24 pm

        You can get gummy melatonin at most stores (Walmart, target, etc…). Tastes fruit snack 🙂

        Reply
    • Erin says

      December 29, 2014 at 11:37 pm

      I would not recommend just giving your child melatonin without talking to their doctor first as tempting as it is. Melatonin is a hormone and can do more harm than good in your child.

      Reply
      • April says

        January 9, 2016 at 11:02 pm

        It is not recommended to give a child melatonin younger than 10 years old. Natural melatonin such as in bananas is fine, but not in medicine form, unless a doctor tells you otherwise.

        Reply
  13. Tara says

    December 29, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    I’m interested in trying this with my 12-month old who wakes up every 2-3 hours. How much banana do you give in the evening & how long before bed time? Thank you!

    Reply
  14. Jessica W. says

    December 29, 2014 at 8:31 pm

    I put a small scoop of epsom salts in the evening bath for magnesium and relaxation.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      December 30, 2014 at 11:34 pm

      I also use the Epsom salts in my girls bath. I do this once or twice a week. I also add a tablespoon of coconut oil and a few sprinkles of essential oils.

      Reply
  15. Pam says

    December 30, 2014 at 11:32 pm

    My girls are 3 & 4. They love bananas with breakfast. I’m doing to try switching it to an evening snack.

    I use lavender oil to help calm them at bedtime. I either put a few drops in their bath water or I sprinkle it on the back of their teddy bears. Since starting this, they seem to have a more restful sleep. I also sprinkle it on my pillow and noticed I sleep better as well.

    Reply
  16. Jenna says

    January 5, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    I’m blessed with good sleepers (Ok…I had to force the oldest of the two boys but still) but I love this idea. Particularly since in the past few weeks I’ve had some struggles at bedtime. Being hardcore, I don’t cave and give a lot of attention to the antics but I love any concept that can help at night time. And who can argue about bananas? Great idea!

    Reply
  17. Alison says

    January 23, 2015 at 9:01 pm

    I am going to try this on my 1 year old. Fingers crossed that I can get her to eat enough grapes to combat any constipation issues. Thanks.

    Alison
    Theguiltymommy.com

    Reply
  18. Jessica says

    June 3, 2015 at 8:52 am

    Omg! My son used to beg for a banana every night and he slept so good! Lately not so much and I realized we haven’t been buying bananas! What?! Maybe this is why?! Crazy! Must try!

    Reply
  19. JAMcD says

    September 13, 2015 at 11:42 am

    My daughter is 2 and when we established our bedtime routine it involved nursing. Once we were done with that, we just substituted a sippy cup of milk. We have had to cut back to about 2/3-3/4 full sippy as she overfills her overnight diaper if it is full and we are beginning potty training – want to make it easier for her!

    Reply
  20. Michelle says

    September 27, 2015 at 7:35 am

    when my son was growing up (9 months +) I would mash several bananas and freeze them in ice cube trays. Each evening we would take out a cube and microwave it. We would then add oatmeal. It filled him up and he loved it. He is an excellent sleeper!

    Reply
  21. Ella says

    November 7, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    Just wanted to comment on the book, because I bought it. I won’t say it was a complete waste of money since I’ve had a laugh with my sisters about how poorly it is written. Maybe not written, maybe translated into English poorly. Fair concept I guess. The premise is to emphasize words in the story for a kind of subliminal message: “rabbit says go to SLEEP NOW”. My kid didn’t like it at all.

    Reply
  22. Hayley says

    November 8, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    I’ll definitely give this a try but was told to never give bananas to kids after 4pm as it gives them too much energy and so they fidget and can’t get to sleep.

    Reply
  23. ora says

    December 15, 2015 at 10:38 pm

    good tips! definitely will try for my toddler !!

    Reply
  24. Melanie says

    December 17, 2015 at 5:20 am

    I just bought the book you mentioned and in my opinion it’s insanely long. The author recommends you read it all the way through but its excruciating long and the only people it’s putting to sleep currently are my husband and I. ? Our daughter is 4 months old though and I’m trying to create a peaceful night routine. The book may work better for an older child who understands the story better.
    Thanks for the banana tip.

    Reply
  25. Holley C says

    December 21, 2015 at 1:27 am

    Nursing moms know this. Best: Nursing them down. VOILA! But it’s also why squished over-ripe bananas (which are sweet like boob juice), are the best first food.

    Reply
  26. April says

    January 9, 2016 at 10:55 pm

    Its opposite for my 5 year old. If she has a banana at night, she is wired for a few hours. Same thing with Benadryl. We have to limit bananas to the morning or mid afternoon, to give time for it to wear off. Coffee, sodas or anything with a stimulant calms her down, so I let her have a little bit of soda at dinner now and then.

    Basically just saying bananas are not a sure all trick for every child.

    Reply
  27. Tikla Millares says

    February 8, 2016 at 7:41 am

    I need help acctually my 5 years old son doesnt eat rice either meal he only eat crackers juice and milk for his age he is old enough to feed by milk so i want him to eat a full meal but i had a hard time making him agree with me to eat rice just rice it self no chicken,egg,meat,veg., just rice it self can any body help me i already try not to give him food one hour before lunch still no change i already try to keep his milk and crackers i empty the Refrigerator he will starve his self by drinking water

    Reply
  28. Katie says

    February 8, 2016 at 9:41 am

    I had read about the helpful properties of both bananas and oatmeal while trying to find ways to help my baby sleep through the night. Since he was about 9 months old, the last meal of the day for him is always a cup of oatmeal with a mashed banana mixed into it. It works like a charm for me and I swear by it. If you have any issues getting your child to sleep through the night, I recommend trying this.

    Reply
  29. H2Fr says

    March 3, 2016 at 12:10 pm

    Hi… your blog theme doesnt seem to show up under the browser Demonecromancy 84 I suspect its a problem coming from WP or your WP theme http://bestmmo.tumblr.com/post/140367087478/chivalry-medieval-warfare-the-best-combat

    Reply
  30. cs go skins by color says

    March 28, 2016 at 10:38 pm

    Thanks really useful. Will certainly share website with my pals.|

    Reply
  31. cs go skins addiction says

    April 6, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    I adore this site – its so usefull and helpfull.|

    Reply
  32. Lynda says

    July 22, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    How did you give the “Toddler Sleep Hack” recipe to your child? Did you blend all together and have them swallow it or did you put it in a drink or something?

    Reply
  33. Jennifer says

    April 27, 2017 at 8:54 pm

    Would banana chips work?

    Reply
  34. Zahabia says

    May 17, 2022 at 11:52 am

    Hi, I will surely try this hack with my six months old baby girl. But can you please guide me that how many hours before should I feed her bananas before her bedtime. She usually sleeps at 9 p.m. She has been a really bad sleeper 🙁 wakes up after every one/two hours and it’s super exhausting.

    Thankyou in advance,
    FTM 😊

    Reply
POPSUGAR Select PLUS

How To Start A Blog That Will Make Money

Start a blog and make extra money.
  • PARENTING
  • MARRIAGE
  • TRAVEL
  • Money
  • FOOD
  • Privacy Policy
11 Fun Leprechaun Trap Ideas - these are the most fun DIY traps to make to finally catch a leprechaun!
backyard discovery grill gazebo feat
Bisquick
Copyright ©2023, Love and Marriage. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs