26/05/2026
Bananas are one of my favourite bedtime snack options for older babies and toddlers.
Here's why:
Bananas are high in nutrients that support healthy sleep:
Magnesium and potassium - support muscle relaxation and help the body wind down.
Tryptophan - used by the body to produce serotonin and melatonin, hormones involved in sleep regulation. Melatonin promotes feelings of sleepiness.
Vitamin B6 - acts as an essential cofactor in the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin, supporting the production of melatonin.
Bananas also provide complex carbohydrates and fibre, helping little tummies feel satisfied for longer and reducing the likelihood of hunger disrupting sleep.
⏰ When offering a bedtime snack, aim for around an hour before bed to allow time for comfortable digestion. Eating too much or too close to bedtime can sometimes have the opposite effect, making it harder for little ones to settle as their tummies are still busy digesting food.
A simple, nutritious option that’s naturally toddler-approved 🍌💛
What’s your little one’s favourite way to eat a banana?
📱 Don't forget to follow along for evidence based baby and toddler sleep tips from a Pharmacist mum & Baby Sleep Consultant