Melatonin for toddler?
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Mine has always been a horrible sleeper. She wakes on average 3x a night and will not go back to sleep on her own. We started melatonin shortly after she turned 2 after talking to her Dr. It def helps her fall asleep faster but doesn't help her sleep through the night any better
Melatonin is naturally produced by the body. So giving them more is just supplementing it. It’s actually not recommended to use Melatonin before the age of 50, UNLESS there is difficulty sleeping. Too much melatonin can cause seizures, though this amount is massive and if you are dosing properly shouldn’t be a problem. Another note is that research is suggesting that children who are on the Autism Spectrum, have ADHD, or Sensory Processing Disorder may not naturally produced enough melatonin and supplements are recommended in these cases. My recommendation? Try having them eat foods that naturally increase melatonin production first. Foods like tart cherries, pistachios, almonds, salmon, sardines, milk, goji berries. Try reducing screen time and dining lights throughout the house before bedtime as well. If all else fails definitely start out with a melatonin dropper and use it in small increments. Also check with your pediatrician to get their recommendations!
Tart cherry juice boosts natural melatonin Camomile tea And we have to use melatonin as well, less than 1 mg, but was prescribed by the dr- age 2.5
My almost 2.5 year old is the same. Crib still in my room, in with me after the first stretch, I feel like the only one in the world with a toddler who has never slept through and is still totally reliant. I haven’t tried anything supplemental other than a magnesium lotion in his bedtime routine. I know you can get melatonin bath salts which might be worth a go too.
@Reagan thanks! My son is funny about naps..some days he takes one, some days he flat out refuses lol! He goes to sleep easier on those nights he misses his nap but he still wakes at night.
@Katie thank you for such a thorough reply! Very good to know. I may try the tart cherry juice I've been hearing about.
@Alisha I've heard of the tart cherry juice...does it actually help?
@Natalie girl, same! I feel like I've done something wrong because he still depends so heavily on me for sleep. Glad to know I'm not alone 😊 I've never heard of melatonin bath salts, I'll definitely find that and give it a try!
@Jeannette you aren’t alone and I’m sure we aren’t either. The salts are Dr Teals and they have them in target. I’m going to try them next time I go and will report back 😂
Melatonin is a hormone so I would personally avoid using it regularly. I know it can affect other hormones including ones that affect growth and puberty
I’m a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and ways you can help increase your LOs melatonin at night is by drawing the shades and dimming the lights. Esp now that it’s lighter, later, we have to manually cue the body to produce it snd slow down a bit. Www.Little-victories-sleep.com
I have similar sleep issues with my 2.5 year old! I’m steering clear of melatonin for the reasons you mentioned though; I don’t want her to become dependent on medication or supplements to sleep. No judgment if you choose to go that route though; I know lots of people who do. We’re thinking of dropping our daughters afternoon nap and seeing if that helps at all. Good luck!