Children's Melatonin Gummies
Zarbees Vs Luna Kids, Wink Naturals and More
Children's melatonin is available in a variety of doses and formats. We've compared the most popular products and how they work.
IMPORTANT: Melatonin is classified as a supplement by the FDA and they don't review its products for safety and effectiveness. Talk to your pediatrician before using melatonin with your child.
Melatonin is a type of hormone the brain naturally produces to help regulate the body’s sleep cycle. Studies on melatonin have shown that using it in supplement form along with good sleep hygiene can help children and adults fall asleep faster, and possibly get a longer night’s sleep. Because it’s classified as a supplement by the FDA, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician about the risks, right dose, and timing you should use – there are no official guidelines, and they’ll be able to help you make a custom plan for your child. For more on its research, use and safety, check out our Children’s Melatonin Overview!
So your pediatrician thinks melatonin is a good fit? Great! Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular products, the dosage they contain, the other ingredients they have, and how they are delivered for your child.
Melatonin Dose: 1mg per gummy
Type of Suppliment: Gummies
Listed Restrictions: For children weighing at least 31 pounds, 3 years and up
Listed Ingredients: Melatonin, pectin, natural fruit flavors
Zarbee’s Recommended Dosage: Children 3 to 5 years – 1 gummy (1mg), 6 to 12 years – 2 gummies (2mg), 12 years and up – 3 gummies (3mg); not for use more than 14 days in a row without a pediatrician’s recommendation
Overall
Zarbee’s Naturals Children’s Sleep is made with natural ingredients and has no artificial flavors, colors, or gluten. The chewable gummy texture may make it seem less like medicine and it’s easier to split if your recommended dose is less than 1mg per night (in some studies, it’s been shown to help with sleep in doses as low as 0.2mg to 0.5mg). The description does mention that it’s an “alternative to products made with chemicals, alcohol, and drugs,” – melatonin is currently classified as a supplement rather than a drug, but it is an active ingredient, and, like all supplements and medications, it is a chemical.
Melatonin Dose: 0.2mg per tablet
Type of Suppliment: Chewable Tablets
Listed Restrictions: For 4 years and up, with medical practitioner’s guidance
Active Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol) 300IU, Lemon Balm Herb Powder 10mg, Valerian Root Powder 10mg, Stevia Leaf Extract 9mg, Chamomile Flower Powder 2mg, Melatonin 0.2mg.
Other Ingredients: Xylitol, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Natural Fruit Punch Flavor, Citric Acid, Silicon Dioxide
Luna’s Recommended Dosage: 1 tablet (0.2mg melatonin), not to exceed 3 tablets (0.6mg melatonin) in a 24 hour period
Overall
Luna Kid’s Sleep Aid Tablets use a low dose of melatonin and are preservative-free. The tablets are designed to be chewable and will also dissolve on a child’s tongue if they don’t want to chew them. These supplements contain more potential active ingredients, and if your child is taking other medications, double check the full list with your pediatrician. Luna Kids provides easy, upfront information about their product’s ingredients and safety information.
Melatonin Dose: 1mg per dropper-full
Type of Suppliment: Liquid drops
Listed Restrictions: Full dose for children 3 years and older; half doses for children older than 6 months, not for children under 6 months old
Active Ingredients: 1mg melatonin
Other Ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Natural Berry Flavor
Wink’s Recommended Dosage: 1 dropper full (1mg melatonin) for children 3 years and up, half a dropper (0.5mg melatonin) for children 6 months to 3 years
Overall
The liquid drops can be easier to give to children who don’t like to chew or swallow medicine, and as a liquid it can be absorbed right away. The drops can also be mixed with juice or other drinks if your child doesn’t like the taste. Wink’s ingredient list is very upfront, without filler additives.
Melatonin Dose: 0.5mg per tablet
Type of Suppliment: Dissolving Tablet
Listed Restrictions: For children age 2 and up with doctor’s recommendation
Active Ingredients: 0.5mg Melatonin, 2mg Chamomile
Other Ingredients: Mannitol, Xyltol, Natural Orange Flavor, Magnesium Vegetable Stearate, Citric Acid, Monk Fruit Extract, and Silica
OZzzz’s Recommended Dosage: 1 tablet (0.5mg melatonin), not to exceed 3 tablets (1.5mg melatonin) in a 24 hour period
Overall
OZzzz’s Sleep Aid for Children uses natural ingredients and a low dose of melatonin. The tablets are designed to dissolve fast in a child’s mouth and can also be chewed. Note: The product title states “Guaranteed to Work;” while they may offer a guarantee for their product, in research studies on melatonin, it appears to be effective on most, but not all participants, and environmental cues (such as late night electronic use) can reduce the effectiveness of melatonin.