Five foods that keep babies awake at night
Your little one is fussing and refusing to go to sleep. As you gently rock back and forth, comforting your baby, you question what might be causing their irritability.
Could it be something they've eaten?
It's possible—there are certain foods that keep babies awake at night!
Let's uncover some of the culprits that may be stopping your baby from getting the sleep they
need.
1. Caffeine
While it's unlikely your little one will be sipping on a cappuccino anytime soon, you might be surprised at how easily caffeine can slip into your child's diet. For example, soft drinks and chocolate contain a small amount of caffeine, as can certain medications.
Unfortunately, that comforting cup of warm chocolate milk designed to settle your little one could have the opposite effect, leaving them overstimulated and unsettled at bedtime.
And if you're nursing, remember that caffeine passes through your breastmilk. If your baby is sensitive, that cup of coffee may lead to restlessness and trouble sleeping. Don't worry, tired mama. We're not suggesting you have to give up your caffeine fix—just be mindful of the timing and watch your little one for any adverse effects.
2. Citrus fruits
Seeing your baby in pain with reflux is distressing, and while it is a common condition in infants, some will experience significant and continued symptoms that impact growth and sleep.
Babies are thought to be more susceptible to reflux due to their mostly liquid diet and the fact that they spend a lot of time lying flat on their backs. However, certain foods can aggravate the condition.
Citrus fruits, like oranges, pineapple, and grapefruit, are high in acid and can worsen reflux symptoms, resulting in disrupted sleep.
3. Sugary treats
Fruit juice, ice cream, chocolate, custard—there is no doubt that kiddos love sugar! But indulging in a sugary treat before bedtime may not be the best idea.
When your little one consumes sugar, their body gets a boost of energy. Any parent who has witnessed the frenzy of hyperactivity in children at a birthday party can attest to this fact. And what goes up must come down!
Your little one's blood sugar levels will eventually drop, leaving them cranky and restless. If you're trying to get your baby to sleep, hyperactivity and restlessness are certainly not helpful.
So, avoid the blood sugar rollercoaster and skip the sweets for a more restful night.
4. Tyramine-rich foods
If you are questioning what could be disturbing your little one's sleep and start researching foods that keep babies awake at night—you might be surprised that seemingly healthy options like tomato and eggplant could be to blame.
Tyramine is an amino acid found in foods such as aged cheese, soy sauce, tomatoes, eggplant, and cured or aged meats. This amino acid causes the brain to release stimulant neurotransmitters such as adrenaline and norepinephrine that keep us awake.
If your little one is sensitive to the effects of this amino acid, simple meals such as spaghetti with a tomato-based sauce could leave them feeling restless and unable to fall asleep.
5. Cruciferous vegetables
We all know broccoli is packed with nutrients that your little one needs to grow up big and strong. However, broccoli and its other friends in the cruciferous family, like cauliflower and cabbage, might be the culprit behind your baby's disrupted sleep.
The cruciferous family of vegetables is high in sulfur and a compound known as raffinose, which can cause unwanted gas and bloating in the intestines. And let's be honest—no one wants to deal with that discomfort, especially not your little one when they're trying to get to sleep.
If you notice your baby is experiencing gas and discomfort after eating these particular vegetables, try switching to more tummy-friendly options like sweet potato or zucchini.
Take a balanced approach
It's important to be mindful of the possible foods that keep babies awake, but remember, it is only one part of the puzzle. Sleep is complex, and various factors could contribute to your little one's restlessness.
If your baby is struggling with sleep, try a balanced approach to examining the cause. For example, look at their sleep environment, routine, and nutrition collectively to better understand what's behind your kiddo's sleep disruption.
And finally, don't be afraid to reach out for help. The team at My Sweet Sleeper is here to support you, and together we can develop a plan to get your little one back on track.
Contact us today to explore how we can help you and your family sleep more sweetly.
Related Articles:
My Sweet Sleeper - What to do when your toddler only wants junk food.
My Sweet Sleeper - Five ways nutrition/feeding can affect your baby's sleep
