Table 3.
Melatonin Products Indicated for Children's Use in the United States
| Brand | Active Ingredients per Serving | Directions | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zarbee’s Naturals Sleep Tablets45 | Melatonin: 1 mg | 3–5 yr: Consult a physician for serving, not to exceed 1 tablet 6–12 yr: 2 tablets ≥12 yr: 3 tablets Give 30–60 min before bedtime |
Not recommended for children <3 yr or who weigh <31 lb Contact physician if using for more than 14 consecutive days |
| Zarbee’s Naturals Sleep Liquid46,47 | Melatonin: 1 mg | 3–5 yr: Consult a physician for serving, not to exceed 1-mL dose 6–12 yr: 2-mL dose ≥12 yr: 3-mL dose Give 30–60 min before bedtime |
Not recommended for children <3 yr or <31 lb. Slight warming sensation post administration is normal. A similar product by Zarbee’s also contains melatonin and dark honey for cough |
| Zarbee’s Naturals Chewable48 | Melatonin: 1 mg Honey: amount unknown |
3–5 yr: Consult a physician for serving, not to exceed 1 tablet 6–12 yr: 2 tablets ≥12 yr: 3 tablets Give 30–60 min before bedtime |
Made in Canada Contact primary care provider if using for more than 14 consecutive days |
| OLLY Kids Sleep Gummies49 | Melatonin: 0.5 mg; Chamomile: 2.5 mg; Passion Flower: 2.5 mg; Lemon Balm 2.5 mg; L-Theanine: 15 mg |
≥4 yr: Start with 1 gummy and give up to 2 gummies Give 30 min before bedtime |
Discuss with health care provider prior to use. Do not use for more than 2 wk |
| Vicks Pure Zzzs Gummies50 | Melatonin: 1 mg Chamomile and Lavender: 30 mg |
Child: start with 1 gummy and give up to 2 gummies as needed Given 30 min before bedtime |
They advertise low dose (0.5 mg) 1 serving size = 2 gummies Consult health care professional before use. Do not use for more than 14 days |
| JoySpring Liquid Sleep Berry51 | Melatonin: 3 mg; Vitamin D3: 12.5 mcg; Formula (blend) 200 mg: Elderberry ([sambucus Nigra]), l-theanine |
1–2 servings Give 15 min before bedtime Shake well |
Consult provider if <18 yr |
| Spring Valley Kids Gummies52 | Melatonin: 1 mg | ≥2 yr: chew 1 tablet under adult supervision Give 30 min before bedtime |
Consult a physician before adding melatonin to your child’s diet. Do not use if your child has an endocrine/autoimmune condition |
| Good Day Chocolate Sleep Milk Chocolate Vitamin for Kids53 | Melatonin: 1 mg | ≥3 yr: 1 piece Give 30–60 min before bedtime |
Made with fair-trade milk chocolate. Consult physician if using for more than 14 days |
| Natrol Kids Melatonin Tablets and Gummies54 | Melatonin: 1 mg | ≥4 yr: 1 tablet Give 30 min before bedtime |
Consult a physician before using |