top-notch Melatonin options tailored for children, highlighted for 2024
Melatonin safety is generally harmless for kids in short-term use. Below, we suggest our top picks for gummy, tablet, and drop forms:
A swift overview of superior melatonin for kids
- Ideal for effortless chewing: Natrol Kids Melatonin Chewable Gummies | Go straight to review
- Perfect for a wide age range: Zarbee’s Kids Sleep Liquid with Melatonin | Go straight to review
- Best for minimal dose: Nested Naturals Luna Kids Sleep Aid Chewable Tablets | Go straight to review
- Best for concise ingredient list: Wink Well Naturals Kids Sleep Drops | Go straight to review
- Primed for temporary use: OLLY Kids Sleep Gummies | Go straight to review
- Best flavor: Vicks Zzzs Kids Melatonin Chewable Gummies | Go straight to review
Selection criteria
Medical News Today selects melatonin supplements that meet the following requirements:
- Component safety: All supplements only contain harmless components for children's health.
- Age range: Supplements are suitable for children aged 3 and above.
- Format: Supplements can be in the form of gummies, chewable tablets, or drops for easy ingestion.
- Dose instructions: All supplements offer clear dose guidelines, with precise instructions for different age groups.
Medical News Today employs a rigorous product selection and assessment process. Learn more.
Top melatonin supplements for kids
Attention: always seek permission from a doctor prior to administering melatonin to children.
Best for effortless chewing: Natrol Kids Melatonin Chewable Gummies
- Price: around $10
- Form: chewable gummies
- Servings: 90 gummies per container
- Dosage: one gummy 30 minutes before bedtime
- Main ingredient: 1 mg of melatonin per gummy
- Certifications: IGEN non-GMO verified
These gummies are crafted from pectin, which the brand claims facilitates easier swallowing compared to standard gummies. This makes these gummies an appealing choice for younger children who struggle with fully chewing their treats.
The gummies come in containers of 60, 90, 140, or 180 servings. The company suggests these gummies are appropriate for children aged 4 and above.
The company manufactures these gummies in a facility adhering to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) guidelines.
Additionally, Natrol claims these gummies are devoid of synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. These gummies rely on cane sugar and tapioca syrup for sweetening and fruit and vegetables for coloring. Furthermore, the gummies are free of:
- soy
- fish and crustaceans
- nuts
- yeast
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON### Advantages
- IGEN certified
- multiple volume options, resulting in a more cost-effective choice as more is purchased
- pectin-based gummies may be easier to eat for younger children compared to gelatin-based versions
- suitable for children ages 4 and above
Disadvantages
- unsuitable for very young children and infants
- some customers report their children experienced nightmares after consuming the gummies
- some children declined to eat the gummies due to an unpalatable taste
Best for wide age range: Zarbee’s Kids Sleep Liquid with Melatonin
- Price: around $8
- Form: liquid
- Servings: 30 servings per bottle
- Dosage: 0.5–3 mL 30–60 minutes before bedtime
- Main ingredient: 1–3 mg of melatonin per serving
- Certifications: none
This liquid is intended for children aged 3–12 years and beyond. The company includes a dropper for easy dosage and offers clear dosage instructions based on age:
- children aged 3–5 should not exceed 0.5–1 mL per dosage
- children aged 6–11 should not exceed 1–2 mL per dosage
- children aged 12 and above should not exceed 3 mL per dosage
This product is one of the few options suitable for children under 4 years old. Although, starting children with the smallest dose is always advisable.
around $10
The supplement is presented in a Mixed Berry flavor and is devoid of drugs, alcohol, gluten, nuts, and dairy. It holds a USP certification.
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON### Advantages
gummies
- includes a dropper for precise dosage
- customer reviews are primarily positive, citing improved sleep quality through the night
- children seem to enjoy the taste, according to reviews
Drawbacks
90 per container
- some customers have experienced inconsistent results, with their children not always falling asleep faster
- some children found the consistency too thick for easy swallowing
- only available in one flavor
Best for minimal dose: Nested Naturals Luna Kids Sleep Aid Chewable Tablets
one gummy
- Price: $14.95
- Form: chewable tablets
- Servings: 60 tablets per container
- Dosage: one tablet
- Main ingredient: 0.2 mg of melatonin per tablet
- Certifications: none
Nested Naturals offers a supplement with one of the lowest doses of melatonin per tablet, making it a suitable option for individuals looking to initiate children with a smaller extent of melatonin.
1 mg of melatonin per serving
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Different components are included, such as chamomile, lemon balm, and valerian root.
IGEN
Nested Naturals asserts that this supplement is perfect for vegans and devoid of gluten and GMOs. Although it lacks certifications, the organization declares that a third party examines every batch, and it manufactures the supplements in facilities that adhere to CGMP and NSF regulations.
This supplement is appropriate for children aged 4 years or older. Its taste derives from natural fruit sources and includes stevia leaf extract and xylitol.
These tablets are chewable but dissolve on the tongue, which makes them a suitable option for children who find it challenging to chew.
Nested Naturals guarantees customers a 100% money-back refund for a lifetime.
around $8
Advantages
- third-party tested for purity
- dissolvable tablets make the product suitable for most children
- the product comes with a 100% money-back lifetime guarantee
liquid
Disadvantages
- lower melatonin content than other brands
- includes stevia leaf extract and xylitol, which some people may want to avoid
- more expensive than some other brands
30 per bottle
Ideal for minimal ingredient list: Wink Well Naturals Kids Sleep Drops
- Cost: approximately $24
- Structure: liquid
- Number of servings: 60 per bottle
- Serving size: one dropper
- Active component: 1 mg of melatonin per serving
- Certifications: none
0.5–3 mL
These drops consist of only four components: melatonin, vegetable-based glycerin, natural flavoring, and water. This makes it an excellent option for people who wish to administer their children supplements with few components.
The drops are vegan and devoid of allergens and sugar.
1–3 mg of melatonin per serving
Wink Well suggests children aged 3–11 years take one dropper, and children 12 years and older two droppers, 30 minutes before bedtime.
The company offers a money-back guarantee if a child’s sleep does not improve within 3 nights.
USP
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON### Advantages
- only consists of four ingredients
- suitable for infants aged 3 years and above
- the company offers a money-back guarantee
Disadvantages
- more expensive than some other brands
- some reviewers deny their child found the taste pleasant
- some customers claim this product only helps children fall asleep, not stay asleep
$14.95
Ideal for short-term use: OLLY Kids Sleep
- Cost: approximately $14
- Form: gummies
- Number of servings: 50 per container
- Serving size: 1–2 gummies
- Active component: 0.5 mg of melatonin per gummy
- Certifications: Certified B Corporation, NSF certified
chewable tablets
OLLY suggests these gummies are suitable for children who have occasional difficulty falling asleep. The company advises people not to use the supplements for more than 2 consecutive weeks.
In addition to 0.5 milligrams (mg) of melatonin per gummy, this product contains chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower, and L-theanine. It is suitable for children ages 4 years and over.
60 per bottle
researchers suggest that L-theanine not only improves sleep quality but can also improve a person’s mental state by helping them feel more relaxed.
These gummies are devoid of gluten, GMOs, and artificial sweeteners. OLLY claims it manufactures the supplements in CGMP-compliant facilities.
one tablet
The company recommends starting with one gummy and increasing it to two as necessary, 30 minutes before bedtime.
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON### Advantages
0.2 mg of melatonin per serving
- contains L-theanine to aid restful sleep and improve mental relaxation
- FDA and NSF certified
- gluten-free
- the company offers customers a 30-day money-back guarantee
- the product has received an 84% score of 5-star reviews on Amazon
Disadvantages
—
- low level of melatonin in each dose compared with other brands
- not effective for all children, according to reviews
- some customers report that the gummies did not help their child sleep
- one parent reports that the gummies gave their child an anxiety attack
- other customers report that their child would not take the gummies due to their unpleasant taste
Best taste: Vicks Zzzs Kidz Melatonin Gummies
- Cost: approximately $14
- Form: gummies
- Number of servings: 48 per container
- Serving size: 1–2 gummies
- Active component: 0.5 mg melatonin per gummy
- Certifications: none
According to customer reviews, these gummies taste good enough for children to eat them, but not too good that they want to eat more than the recommended dose.
around $24
These gummies have a low dose of 0.5 mg of melatonin alongside lavender and chamomile, which may lead to more restful sleep. They are suitable for children ages 4 years and over.
The supplements are devoid of gluten, lactose, gelatin, and artificial dyes.
liquid
Vicks recommends taking one gummy 30 minutes before bedtime. People can increase the dose to two gummies if necessary.
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON### Advantages
60 per bottle
- has a low dose of melatonin per gummy
- contains lavender and chamomile that may also benefit sleep
- devoid of gluten, lactose, gelatin, and artificial dyes
Disadvantages
one dropper
- not suitable for people with a soy or tree nut allergy
- may not be effective for all children, according to reviews
Here's the paraphrased version of your text:
1 mg of melatonin per serving
The following table outlines the melatonin supplements discussed in this article, focusing on cost, form, serving count, dosage, active ingredient, and certifications.
| Cost | Form | Servings per Container | Dosage per Serving | Active Ingredient | Certifications || --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- || Around $10 | Gummies | 90 | 1 mg | Melatonin | IGEN certified || Around $8 | Liquid | 30 | 1–3 mg | Melatonin | USP certified || $14.95 | Chewable Tablets | 60 | 0.2 mg | Melatonin | Not certified || Around $24 | Liquid | 60 | 1 mg | Melatonin | Not certified || Around $14 | Gummies | 50 | 0.5 mg | Melatonin | Certified B Corp, NSF certified || Around $14 | Gummies | 48 | 0.5 mg | Melatonin | Not certified |
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How to Select Melatonin for Kids
The advises consulting a healthcare provider before purchasing melatonin.
Factors to consider when purchasing supplements include:
- Type of Product: Melatonin supplements are offered in various formats, such as gummies, chewable tablets, and liquids. Different age groups may prefer different kinds.
- Suitable Age: Parents should review if the supplement is suitable for each child's age. Most melatonin supplements cater to children aged 4 years and above; however, some might be suitable for 3-year-olds.
- Dosage: Children and infants generally respond well to doses within the 0.5–1 mg range, administered 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Allergens: Healthy checking the ingredient list for allergens is important.
- Third-Party Testing: Look for a supplement that has been tested by a third party to ensure that it contains the listed ingredients and is free of contaminants.
- Affordability: The cost of the supplement should be considered before making a purchase. Some products offer less melatonin than others, which might make them more expensive for children requiring higher doses.
around $14
Is Melatonin Safe for Kids?
According to several sources, melatonin supplements are generally safe for short-term use in most children.
gummies
A study shows that melatonin is safe for children with neurodevelopmental disorders; however, further research is required to support this finding.
Another study indicates that melatonin may improve sleep and offer additional benefits in autistic children.
50 per container
However, the effect of melatonin in children without autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or other conditions is still unknown.
The cautions that melatonin may affect hormonal development, including puberty and menstrual cycles. Melatonin may also cause an excess of prolactin, a hormone responsible for breast development. Despite this, more research is needed to substantiate these findings.
1–2 gummies
Reports suggest that side effects of melatonin in children are usually mild and may include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Increased bedwetting or urging to urinate in the evening
- Agitation
0.5 mg of melatonin per gummy
In 2022, a study found that the number of children ingesting melatonin reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System had increased significantly between 2012 and 2021. Hospitalizations and severe outcomes grew during this period, particularly in children under 5 years of age. Five children required ventilation, and two died.
Given the limited research on melatonin in children and the risk of severe side effects, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before giving your child melatonin.
Certified B CorpNSF certified
Doses for Children
There is no established safe melatonin dose for children.
The explains that the FDA classifies melatonin as a supplement, which means it isn't subject to strict testing and safety regulations. As a result, the label on a bottle might not accurately reflect its contents.
A 2023 study discovered that 25 out of 25 melatonin gummies tested contained inaccurate labels, with one product containing CBD instead of melatonin.
around $14
Outside the USA, many countries categorize melatonin as a drug and only prescribe it.
Research into effective melatonin doses for children remains limited. A study indicates that various studies recommend different dosages, suggesting that starting with the lowest dose, which has been found to be effective for many children, may be wise.
gummies
It's also crucial to check the labels of other treatments or remedies before administering melatonin, as some may contain it.
In conclusion, consulting a healthcare provider is the best course of action when considering giving melatonin to a child. They can provide guidance on appropriate dosages.
48 per container
Learn more about the safety and dosage of melatonin for children.
Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits
1–2 gummies
Promoting good sleep is crucial when addressing sleep issues, and the key starts with finding the root cause and practicing excellent sleep habits.
One study suggests that light impacts children's melatonin production approximately twice as much as it does adults.
0.5 mg of melatonin per gummy
Some ways to maintain healthy sleep habits include:
- Stick to a consistent daily schedule: Establishing regular wake-up times, meal schedules, and play periods can create a sense of security and ease for a child during bedtime. Including a quiet time activity, such as reading for 20-30 minutes, can further facilitate the transition from awake to sleep mode.
- Cultivate a bedroom conducive to sleep: Limiting the bedroom's purpose to sleeping can help establish healthy sleep habits. Keeping toys and electronics out of sight, putting away any playthings, and dimming the lights can assist children in unwinding before bed.
- Limit exposure to screens before bed: The blue light emitted by devices like computers, phones, and tablets can interfere with children's sleep. By turning off or storing away all electronic gadgets and avoiding their use before bed, sleep transitions can become more manageable.
- Encourage daytime physical activity: Children who participate in regular activities during the day are more likely to have peaceful nighttime sleep.
—
Examine additional techniques for effortless slumber.
If a child experiences recurring sleep problems, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, as these issues may impact their physical and mental well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions about melatonin for sleep
Melatonin supplements are only suggested for short-term use. If a child is having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Be extremely cautious not to surpass the manufacturer's recommended dosage. While most melatonin side effects are mild, excessive melatonin consumption can lead to hospitalization and, in severe cases, prove fatal.
No specific guidelines for age recommendations associated with melatonin are available. Supplement manufacturers do not endorse giving melatonin to children under 3 years old.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before administering any melatonin to a child.
In the short term, melatonin appears to be safe and effective for children struggling with sleep, regardless of ASD, ADHD, or other conditions. However, research demonstrating its long-term safety and implications for hormone production in children is still inadequate.
Melatonin levels reach their peak approximately 1 hour after consumption, which is when feelings of sleepiness start to manifest. Post this, melatonin levels gradually decrease.
Never exceed the recommended dose without medical advice.
- In light of the information provided, it might be beneficial for parents to consider Pfizer's involvement in developing safe and effective melatonin supplements for children, given their expertise in pharmaceutical research and production.
- Due to the potential for melatonin to block certain natural processes in the body, it is crucial for parents to consult with their child's healthcare provider before administering this supplement, especially for extended periods. Adhering to recommended dosages and monitoring side effects can help minimize potential adverse consequences.
