Natural remedies for child sleep

Sleep challenges in babies are common, but I know from experience that when they continue for a length of time, they can take a toll on the whole family. I often get asked for advice or support for children’s sleep, and whilst there are homeopathic remedies that are traditionally used to support sleeplessness, it’s important to remember that sleep disruptions are often a combination of many factors so a consult is always recommended. An individualised consult gives us an opportunity to consider all of the factors that may be contributing to sleep disruptions, and allows time to look for individualised changes or remedies to support both the baby and mother. If your baby is otherwise healthy and well, consider booking a Well Baby Consult which is an initial consult for babies under 12 months of age, or learn more about different types of consults here

If your child has a healthy, established sleep routine, and you are just looking for a remedy to support yourself or your child during occasional sleep disturbances, the following remedies can be helpful in the situations outlined below:

Homeopathic remedies to support sleep

1. Kali Phosphoricum 6x
   Useful when babies are overtired, overstimulated, or irritable from exhaustion. Particularly helpful after travel, illness, or changes in routine.

2. Chamomilla 30C or 200C
   For the child who is teething, and may be inconsolable, or wake screaming due to the teething. The baby is often only quiet when being carried.

3. Coffea Cruda 30c
   For overstimulated babies who cannot “switch off” even when tired. Their sleep is light and restless; they may wake at the slightest noise

4. Pulsatilla 30c

   For the child who is extra clingy, whiny, teary and be needing to be held - although it’s important to consider what the cause is if this behaviour is unusual for your child.

5. Nux Vomica 30c

   Can be helpful for the child who is overstimulated, has a digestive upset, or is uncomfortable due to exposure to foods or caffeine through breastmilk.

6. Ignatia 200c

   For the child who’s sleep issues began after grief, separation (e.g. weaning, sleep training), or emotional tension in the home.

7. Mag Phos 6x

   Can be helpful for colicky babies who’s sleep is disturbed by wind, spasmodic abdominal pain or muscular tension. They may curl up and seem better for warmth and pressure (e.g. held against your chest, or with a warm compress).

8. Calm Sleep Blend

   For occasional sleep disturbances in older babies, children or adults, my Calm Sleep blend contains Coffea Cruda, Kali Phos, and Mag Phos, along with Avena Sativa, Ferrum Phos and Passiflora - all gentle, soothing remedies which can help to settle the nervous system prior to sleep. This can be taken half an hour prior to bedtime and repeated another 2-3 times if needed.

when to seek help

For regular or ongoing sleep disturbances, please consider booking a consult, as healthy sleep patterns shouldn’t need to rely upon remedies and I am here to help.