Blueridge,

Writing as a physician, I want to point out that whatever your experience may have been, it is terribly irresponsible to suggest that children -- especially "wee" ones -- be given alcohol for any reason.

Very small children's livers and other systems are not fully developed, and even what may seem to be tiny amounts can be very dangerous.

A case just a couple of weeks ago demonstrates how hazardous it can be for parents or any adult to give children alcohol.

There are far, far better substances to assist in calming or assisting children to sleep -- like a glass of warm milk.

A Cautionary Tale...

"Couple accused in baby's death surrenders

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Dec. 1, 2005

MIAMI -- A Florida couple accused of feeding their 3-month-old baby a lethal dose of vodka to quiet her surrendered to police in New Jersey Thursday ...

Mardala Derival and Mackenson Dantus were charged with aggravated manslaughter in the 2004 death of their daughter, Makeisha, who an autopsy found had a blood-alcohol level of 0.47 and severe liver damage when she died.

Derival, 22, and Dantus, 25, were awaiting extradition to Florida. It wasn't clear if they had an attorney who could comment Thursday night.

The couple initially told police they had been giving their daughter a bottle filled with a mixture of alcohol and water to help her sleep..."