Dr. Jérôme Valleteau de Moulliac, pediatrician in Paris, gives us his advice on food to favor (and those to avoid) in the evening to improve the quality of sleep of the child.
Sleep is essential for the good physical and intellectual development of the baby and the child. He participates in particular in the growth, brain development and the consolidation of achievements. Also, poor quality sleep can have repercussions on cognitive faculties and child’s behavior. To promote falling asleep, certain foods are therefore to be avoided, others to favor. Explanations from Dr Jérôme Valleteau de Moulliac, pediatrician in Paris.
What foods to avoid before sleeping?
According to Dr Jérôme Valleteau de Moulliac, The following foods are to be avoided in children before sleeping:
- Industrial foods : pizzas, quiches, pies and other prepared dishes are to be avoided, because they contain added sugars and salt which, in addition to being harmful for health, have no nutritional interest.
- Fat food: Once food diversification is installed, it is better to avoid foods rich in fats because they are difficult and long to digest. Fats draw energy from the body, which can delay sleep. The consumption of fried products, sausages, cold meats, mayonnaise, crème fraîche, butter, pastries is to be banned.
- Proteins : red meat, chicken, eggs, fish, seafood are to be avoided because they stimulate motor activity and slow down to sleep.
- Sugarness: Sugar is an exciting who, in addition to being poor from a nutritional point of view, is bad for teeth.
- Drinks : Dr. Valleteau de Mouillac is also advised not to give too many drinks to children in the evening, especially if they are in times of acquisition of night cleanliness.
What meal to give to baby in the evening, up to 6 months?
Until the age of six months, Breast or infantile milk covers all nutritional needs of the infant, even if diversification can start from four months. It is also at this age that we can start adding Cereals in the evening bottle In order to satisfy the baby for the night.
What meal to give to baby in the evening from 6 months?
From six months, It is possible to give it vegetable puree In addition if he is still hungry, knowing that milk must remain the priority.
What meal to give to baby in the evening between 10 and 12 months?
Between 10 and 12 monthsthe composition of the evening meal depends on that of the south. If the baby had proteins at noon, The typical dinner is a pot of vegetables associated with starchy foods of approximately 120g followed from 180 to 210ml of milk. “On the other hand, if baby does not drink a lot of milk, an iron intake is essential. 20 to 30g of red meat can help meet this need. Anyway, you should never force baby to eat if he is not hungry, because he could associate the meal at an unpleasant time“Comments the specialist.
What to give food to children at dinner?
Unlike a received idea, Starchy foods have their place in the food of children in the evening. Potato, sweet potato, rice, pasta, quinoa, semolina, bulgur, pulses … Whatever their shape, starchy foods represent a significant energy intake which promotes falling asleep and decreases night awakenings. Ideally, They must always be associated with vegetables. For dessert, a dairy product: It can be cheese or yogurt without added sugar. If your child is still hungry, do not hesitate to offer him fruit.
Thank you to Dr Jérôme Valleteau de Moulliac, pediatrician in Paris
