I was first introduced to the idea of incorporating chamomile tea in baby popsicles by a fellow mom of a parents group I am a member of. She is knowledgeable about herbal remedies for kids/babies, and cleverly refers to the frozen treats as “herbsicles”.
Chamomile is a gentle, naturally caffeine-free herb that not only has the ability to induce a calm demeanor conducive to sleep, but can also settle gastrointestinal upsets, which are common amongst babies. Fortunately, Lily has never suffered from colic, but she is a wakeful 8 month old who sometimes has difficulty settling down for sleep; especially now that she’s actively exploring her new world!
The other two ingredients in these pops – yogurt & banana – are also recognized as gentle & natural sleep aids. The former contains tryptophan (yep, just like Thanksgiving Day turkey!), and calcium, which can reduce stress. The latter are chock full of both magnesium & potassium, which can relax overactive muscles.
I know there is some concern about giving babies dairy products before the age of one, but yogurt & cheese are generally considered safer than cow’s milk. Here’s more information on the topic if you’re interested.
So… am I claiming that these tasty little pops will turn your son or daughter into a magicsleepingbaby? Of course not! But if there’s even the slightest chance that they might help to mellow your baby before bed or naptime, isn’t it worth a shot?
Lily loves the popsicles, but big kids and adults are sure to enjoy them as well!
Sleepytime Baby Banana Pops
| Name | Sleepy Time Baby Banana Pops |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Mixed |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 2-3 hours (including freezing) |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Yield | 8 banana pops (2 per serving) |
Ingredients (yield depends on size of popsicle molds)
- 1 medium-sized very ripe banana, preferably organic, peeled
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt, preferably organic
- 1/2 cup brewed chamomile tea, cooled completely
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend/process until smooth.
Pour into baby popsicle molds (I like these). Freeze until frozen, at least 2-3 hours for small molds (longer for larger molds).
Estimated Nutrition per Serving
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients and optional toppings used.
- Calories: 80 calories per serving
- Protein: 2 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams per serving
- Dietary Fiber: 2 grams per serving
- Sugars: 8 grams per serving
- Fat: 2 grams per serving
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams per serving
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams per serving
- Sodium: 5 milligrams per serving
Please keep in mind that these nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. If you have specific dietary concerns or requirements, it’s advisable to calculate the exact nutritional information based on your ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoy your Sleepy Time Baby Banana Pops!
