The Toddler Sleep Aide That (May) Actually Work(s)
Description
We begin this recipe with a disclaimer: we cannot guarantee this toddler sleep tonic will work; you may not even be comfortable trying it out in the first place. But we can say with relative confidence that we’ve found it to be a calming sleep encourager—again, no guarantees it takes with your child—that you can adapt to a myriad of sleep-challenged situations: when your child is sick, when your child is wound up, when travel throws off your typical wake/sleep cycle, et al. Even better: it’s completely melatonin free.
That said, our version does leverage this “nighttime multivitamin,” which has some magnetism in it; it is completely optional, to say nothing of the very small dosage. Warm milk and a little cinnamon is plenty relaxing for many, so feel free to strip the recipe down to not include the chamomile tea; you can also build it up by adding a splash of tart cherry juice, which has some natural melatonin.
(Note: we typically make this tonic without measurements, which is how it’s described in the directions; approximate proportions, however, are provided in the Ingredients section for those looking for more specific guidance—just know these proportions will produce more liquid than your child will require or should have before bedtime. But you can always save the rest for another bedtime.)
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep
- Boil a cup of water. Steep the tea bag in the water for 3-5 minutes.
- Pour a big splash of milk into a child-size tea cup, followed by the nighttime mineral (if using) and a big splash of the tea (i.e., 1-2 ounces, or more). If lukewarm, microwave for 15-20 seconds to heat up.
- Squeeze in honey: just a drizzle if you’re just looking for your kid to drink it; a big big dollop if you’re looking to reduce the strain of a cough. Mix until blended.
- Add a few shakes of cinnamon to the top.
Serve
Obviously, check the temperature of the liquid before serving to your child. We like to serve it 45-60 minutes before bedtime.
Adapt
If serving during the daytime, feel free to switch up the tea type–we like to do a berry or mint flavored one. If you’re desperate for a quick solution to prolonged putdowns–and this recipe didn’t help–a little bit of this has never failed us.
