In the News
Parents are posting on social media about giving their babies butter as a way to encourage better sleep, but is there any reliable evidence behind this popular trend? “While it is true that fats play an important role in a baby’s diet, and getting enough of them is necessary for normal growth and development, the truth is that there just aren’t any scientific studies showing that butter provides special benefits,” said Christopher Klunk, M.D., a neonatologist at Pediatrix® Neonatology of Texas. “I would think of it like this, feeding a baby butter is going to help them sleep better if it provides something they are otherwise missing in the same way that meeting any of their needs makes them feel better,” said Dr. Klunk. “In the case of butter, it may be that they needed a fuller tummy at bedtime or something that would stick around longer and keep them feeling full and content, but just like we don’t reach for a stick of butter when we need a snack, there are probably better ways to provide what your baby needs,” he explained.
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