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Original poster

Drop of alcohol to help him sleep? What do you use?

234 replies

Martha91 · 01/09/2016 16:03

I have a 1 year-old who (like many I'm sure) is an absolute nightmare with sleeping. Not often but occasionally I've popped a few small drops of brandy (he seems to quite like the taste(!)) to help him off. It was something my nan used to do to me.

I wondered if this was something others did and which alcohol they tended to use?

Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
Koan · 01/09/2016 17:02

People did do this: MIL was quite open about brandy on DH's teething gums, so probably for sleep too. Caught her with some on her finger ready to apply to DD's gums, declaring, 'that child's teething' Angry (She wasn't). I had a good relationship with her, but she would never have been left alone with DC.

When mine were younger, I got the impression that parents regularly using Calpol when not strictly necessary had become the modern 'socially acceptable' version of this.

pictish · 01/09/2016 17:02

What happens as a result of the inability to process alcohol? bearing in mind we're discussing a few drops at a time.
People used to dip a dummy in whisky for the same purpose. What fate became those babies?

Ilovewineandcrisps · 01/09/2016 17:02

I don't believe this is real for a minute Confused

Sootsprites · 01/09/2016 17:01

Total just leave a menu and the phone on speed dial. If you leave the stairgates unlocked they can even answer the door to the delivery man alone.
I sleep right through.

PacificDogwod · 01/09/2016 17:01

Young livers cannot metabolise alcohol appropriately or quickly which can affect neurofunction and brain development. Apart from the fact that alcohol is also a respiratory suppressant and can lead to respiratory arrest.

MrsHulk · 01/09/2016 17:00

OP, on the offchance you are serious, you are breaking the law and endangering your child's health. You really cannot give alcohol to your baby and should stop immediately. It's normal for them not to sleep through at this age, unfortunately you just have to learn to cope on less sleep.

FurryDogMother · 01/09/2016 17:00

I've heard of people giving their kids a few drops of Rescue Remedy - which has always tasted like brandy to me - and I just checked - it is alcoholic :) My Mum used to give me a few drops of whiskey in hot milk when I was very young, but as someone said above, we know better now. It also put me off whiskey for a very long time.

Heratnumber7 · 01/09/2016 16:58

Pictish. For starters babies' livers can't process alcohol in the way that an adults liver can.

ExitPursuedBySpartacus · 01/09/2016 16:58

Having a horse gives me direct access to ketamine, which works a treat when they are bigger.

Horsegirl1 · 01/09/2016 16:58

This has to be a joke ?never ever ever would I give my children alcohol . My 2.5 year old still waked 4/5 times a night and I'm beyond exhausted but no way would I ever give her alcohol

SophieofShepherdsBush · 01/09/2016 16:57

.

Only kidding, now what can I add to this discussion?

My mum swears by collis brownes mixture(for herself when she's ill)Could try that, its got a drop of morphine in it apparently.

TotalConfucius · 01/09/2016 16:56

As long as you don't mind them shouting for kebabs at 2am.
Personally, I do mind that as I can't stand the smell of onions in the nappies next day, so we stick with Cow&Gate follow-on.

pictish · 01/09/2016 16:56

Their tiny systems aren't up to it
In what way would their tiny systems be damaged?

People used to do it because they did not understand the problems with it.
What are the problems with it? Can you elaborate please?

deathtoheadlice · 01/09/2016 16:56

isn't alcohol one of the main ingredients of teething gel?

yes, my dad's mum had a russian friend who apparently did it a lot - letting the baby chew on a cloth with vodka on it (!!!!). don't think she did it. but it's very much Not Done now, in case you were serious.

my dad's mum was also advised by her doctor to smoke while pregnant, to "calm her nerves". Not something you'd hear now, and for good reasons...

PenguindreamsofDraco · 01/09/2016 16:55

Good Lord, the responses on this thread. I feel sad for your children.

I find champagne by far the most effective. Happily Ocado delivers it virtually to the nursery if you ask nicely.

PacificDogwod · 01/09/2016 16:55

My dad who is over 80 was given poppy seeds in honey to aid sleep... this was Rumania, early 1930s Hmm

Just because it 'is what my nan did' does really, truly not make it a good thing.

MrsHam13 · 01/09/2016 16:54

Medised for the kids and diazepam/tramadol for me.

plutoisnotaplanet · 01/09/2016 16:53

I've heard opium works really well, excellent once they're addicted too because you can use it for blackmail disciplinary consequences by withholding it when they're naughty...

Jizzomelette · 01/09/2016 16:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

QOD · 01/09/2016 16:53

Apparently tequila has fat burning properties too so, ya know, you won't be stuck with a fat baby

Sootsprites · 01/09/2016 16:52

I just about pissed at flaming sambuca 😂😂

pictish · 01/09/2016 16:52

This used to happen a lot. It was common practice in amongst our grandparents generation.

I've never done this but can anyone taking the piss/expressing outrage explain to me what actual harm, as in physical or mental harm is likely to be caused by a few drops of brandy?

Arfarfanarf · 01/09/2016 16:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SicParvisMagna · 01/09/2016 16:50

I prefer to just use a brick in a sock.
I've got quite a good aim now, knocks em right out!

Rozdeek · 01/09/2016 16:50

I went into the chemist to buy some gripe water when my baby was about 6 weeks old. He told me not to bother as it wasn't nearly as effective now it was alcohol free.

He was right

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