Melatonin for babies and toddlers

Your kid isn’t sleeping well, so now you might be asking yourself: “Maybe I should give her some melatonin to help her sleep?”

Short answer: No!

I personally strongly advise against it. Before we get into the reasons why, I would like to point out that I am not a medical professional. Please consult your pediatrician if you have any further questions about melatonin use for your child.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is being released by the brain when it is dark. It helps us regulate our circadian rhythm, and is commonly known to aid with sleep.

So, why can’t I take advantage of it?

Yes, the melatonin our body produces is a natural hormone. The supplements that you can buy over the counter though, are synthetic. Melatonin bought in stores are classified as a dietary supplement – therefore they are NOT regulated by the FDA. Studies have found that the dosage noted on the labels are highly inaccurate. It can be anywhere from only half, to four times as much as stated. Doesn’t sound very trustworthy if you ask me.

how do i wean my child form melatonin use?

I recommend just going cold turkey. You can also wean over time, but I usually find it easier to just rip the band aid off.

my pediatrician recommended melatonin

That’s perfectly fine! After all, he is the medical professional, and I am glad you are working with him to help your little one sleep better. It is your personal decision if you would like to continue or stop using melatonin. I will support you either way!

What else can i do to help my child sleep?

Instead of using melatonin, implement good sleep hygiene. This can include things like:

• Consistent bedtime routines
• Regular bed and wake up times
• Calming sleep environment
• Establishing a good daytime schedule or routine
• Setting healthy boundaries for toddlers
• Plenty of outside play and daylight exposure (weather permitting)
• Hiring a Sleep Consultant

I need more help!

I got you! You’ve tried all the tips above and still haven’t seen any success? Let’s chat and see what’s going on! Book a free 15 minute Discovery Call with me now so see how I can help you.