As a mom, you’ll try just about anything for a better night’s sleep, right? I’ve done everything from magnesium baths to blackout curtains and while some things helped, I started doing something a little unexpected and I swear it made a difference.
I gave my baby grass-fed butter before bed. Yup, butter. Let me explain.
First, Let’s Talk About Sleep and Blood Sugar
One of the things that can cause night-wakings in babies and toddlers—especially after they’ve started solids—is unstable blood sugar. If your baby goes to bed without enough healthy fats or protein, they might work through their last meal too quickly, leading to blood sugar dips and cortisol spikes, which can cause early night-wakings or restlessness.
That’s why it’s important to make sure their last meal or snack has some fat and protein—not just carbs.
Struggling with your baby’s sleep? I’m here to help. Join my affordable holistic sleep membership, the Gentle Sleep Society, for expert guidance, practical tips, and a supportive community. Use code GENTLESLEEP to save 20% today and start your journey to better sleep!
Why Grass-Fed Butter?
Grass-fed butter is one of those traditional, nutrient-dense foods that gets overlooked nowadays, but it’s so beneficial, especially for growing bodies. It’s rich in:
- Healthy saturated fats that help support the brain and nervous system
- Vitamin A, D, E, and K2, all crucial for development (and harder to get from other foods)
- Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut health and reduces inflammation
- Omega-3s, if it’s truly from grass-fed cows
Plus, babies and kids love it. Butter is easy to digest, and the flavor is comforting and familiar. And when it’s grass-fed, it’s more nutrient-dense than conventional butter (and free from additives).
How to Use It Before Bed
I started giving my baby (who was already on solid foods) a small amount of grass-fed butter with dinner or as a part of a bedtime snack if he needed something before nursing. Here are some simple ways to offer it:
- Let your baby (6+ months and already on solids) nibble on a small piece of plain, cold butter (if they like it—mine does!)
- Spread a little grass-fed butter on a piece of sourdough or sprouted toast
- Add a pat of butter to mashed sweet potatoes, carrots, or squash
- Stir it into warm soup made with bone broth or milk
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Even just a teaspoon can go a long way in helping them feel satisfied and full longer.
What I Noticed
When I made sure my baby got a quality, healthy fat—especially grass-fed butter—before bed, he slept deeper and woke less often in the early part of the night. It’s not a magic fix, but it became part of our overall rhythm. And I really believe it supports sleep, growth, and overall health.
A Note on Introducing Butter
Please note that babies who are not at least 6 months old and who have not started solid foods should not be given butter before bed.
If your baby is already eating solids and has done well with dairy, grass-fed butter can usually be introduced around 6–8 months in small amounts. (As always, talk to your pediatrician or nutritionist if you’re not sure.) It’s naturally low in lactose and casein, making it easier to tolerate than other dairy products for many babies. If not, organic ghee might be an option to consider.
Or, you could always introduce it through your breast milk if you are nursing. Then, you could gradually shift to offering it to your baby once you have established that they tolerate butter directly.
Struggling with your baby’s sleep? I’m here to help. Join my affordable holistic sleep membership, the Gentle Sleep Society, for expert guidance, practical tips, and a supportive community. Use code GENTLESLEEP to save 20% today and start your journey to better sleep!
Grab a Stick of Grass-Fed Butter!
If your baby is waking shortly after bedtime or not sleeping as well as you’d expect, experiment with offering a little taste of grass-fed butter as part of their evening routine. It’s such a simple thing to do, but it might just make bedtime a little smoother—for both of you.
Let me know if you try it!
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