Kids having a tough time falling asleep? Whether it’s screentime, overstimulation, or just active imaginations; as parents, we’ve all experienced the bedtime struggle.

When that struggle becomes nightly, safe rest aids can be a great help. But as experts are now recommending against the routine use of melatonin in children,^1,2 we asked: do melatonin-free options actually work?

We consulted pediatric dietitian Rachel Rothman (MS, RD, CLEC) and reviewed five of the most popular kids’ sleep supplements on the market: Hiya Kids Bedtime Essentials, Vicks Pure Zzzs Kidz, Olly Kids Sleep, Zarbee’s Children's Gentle Bedtime, and L’il Critters PJ Masks Melatonin Gummy Supplements.

After evaluating each on safety, form, sugar content, testing standards, and more, one brand emerged as our clear winner. Read on to find out!

Kids’ Sleep and Rest Support, Compared

Here’s how each product stacks up:

Ingredients

Melatonin Use in Kids: A Growing Concern

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine issued a formal advisory recommending against routine melatonin use in kids, urging parents to seek medical advice before giving melatonin to children.²

Recently, melatonin use in kids has surged - and so have medical emergencies. According to the CDC, in 2022, melatonin ingestion was the leading cause of pediatric overdose calls to poison control. From 2012 and 2022, calls involving children increased by 530%, with over 4,000 hospitalizations and two deaths.³

“Melatonin is considered a dietary supplement, so it is not regulated by the FDA,” Rothman, our pediatric dietitian, adds. Side effects can include daytime grogginess, headaches, stomach aches, and possible hormonal disruption with long-term use.⁴

As parents, we won’t hesitate to say: for most kids, the risks of melatonin are too high. In any case, please consult a pediatrician first.

What to Look for Instead

Instead of melatonin, pediatric experts recommend natural nutrients and compounds that support sleep, without disrupting hormone development or risking overdose.

The most effective melatonin-free options typically include:

• Magnesium: Associated with better sleep, especially in children with low intake.⁵
• Vitamin B6: Helps produce neurotransmitters that promote healthy sleep, mood, and brain development.⁶
• L-Theanine: Natural amino acid that supports relaxation and reduces stress.⁷
• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): Neurotransmitter that may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep latency.⁸
• Chamomile: Natural mild and safe sedative.⁹

“These ingredients can work synergistically to aid in both sleep and cognition," Rothman explains.

So, how do our brands stack up on ingredients? Let’s find out:

🥇 Best Ingredients: Hiya Kids Bedtime Essentials

Hiya contains the safest, most effective nutrients for promoting sleep: magnesium, B6, GABA, L-theanine, chamomile, plus calcium and choline to support growth and cognition. It’s the only option we reviewed that’s melatonin-free and sugar-free.

“Hiya is my go-to brand for kids’ supplements,” Rothman says. “It’s clean, easy to take, and has no sugar.

🥈Second Place: Zarbee’s Gentle Bedtime Gummies

Zarbee’s is a melatonin-free gummy, but contains only chamomile for sleep support, limiting its effectiveness. It also has 2g of added sugar.

❌ Last Place: Olly Kids Sleep, Vicks Pure Zzzs Kidz Melatonin-Based Gummies, & L’il Critters PJ Masks Melatonin Gummies

Olly Kids Sleep, Vicks Pure Zzzs for Kidz, and L’il Critters PJ Masks all contain 1mg of melatonin per serving. With concerns around melatonin-related overdoses and hormone disruption, we cannot recommend these supplements without the guidance of a pediatrician.

Form Factor

Rothman, our pediatric dietitian, recommends tablets like Hiya’s over gummies. Gummies are only safe for ages 4+ due to choking risk.¹⁰ Plus, due to the added sugar and tendency to get stuck in kids’ teeth, they can contribute to dental issues.¹¹ Finally, they're also prone to melting, sticking together, or delivering inconsistent nutrient levels.¹²

Tablets, by contrast, are more stable and can be formulated to include ingredients that are difficult to include in gummies, like calcium and magnesium. They are safe for ages 2+.

🥇 Hiya – The Only Tablet, Safe for Ages 2+

In addition to being a chewable tablet, safe for 2+, Hiya’s Bedtime Essentials has zero sugar.

❌ Zarbee’s, L’il Critters, Olly, Vicks – All Gummies

If your child is still a toddler, or you’re concerned about sugar, safety, or dental health, a tablet like Hiya is the safer bet.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing helps verify that products are safe, accurately labeled, and free from contaminants.

🥇 Hiya, Olly – Third-Party Tested

These brands confirm they use third-party labs to test for purity and potency.

❌ Zarbee’s, L’il Critters, Vicks – No Testing Info Provided

These brands do not mention third-party testing on their labels or websites.

Price

Because of production costs, melatonin-based supplements tend to be cheaper than those that opt for magnesium and other milder, natural ingredients.

🥇 L’il Critters – Most Affordable

Melatonin-based L’il Critters comes in at $0.25 per serving.

❌ Zarbee’s – Highest Cost Per Serving

Zarbee’s $0.60 per serving is the highest in this comparison. For a cheaper melatonin-free option, try Hiya.

Hiya Bedtime Essentials is Our Top Pick

Hiya Bedtime Essentials is our winner. It’s the only option with a complete blend of research-backed natural ingredients like magnesium, GABA, L-theanine, and chamomile - all in a sugar-free tablet safe for kids as young as 2. No melatonin, no sugar, and no compromises.

Ready to try Hiya? With code “TCD”, save 50% on your first order, plus free shipping. Hiya also offers discounts for families with more than one child.

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_{1. University of Utah Health - Melatonin For Children: Pediatricians Urge Caution}

_{2. AASM Health Advisory (2022) – Melatonin Use in Children}

_{3. CDC MMWR Report (2022) – Melatonin Ingestions among Children}

_{4. NHS Guide to Melatonin Side Effects – NHS Melatonin Safety}

_{5. Abbasi B et al. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly. J Res Med Sci. 2012. PMC3703169}

_{6. Mount Sinai Health Library – Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)}

_{7. White DJ et al. The anxiolytic effects of L-theanine. J Nutr. 2016. PMID: 26961839}

_{8. Cleveland Clinic – GABA Overview}

_{9. Srivastava JK et al. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Mol Med Rep. 2010. PMID: 21132119}

_{10. Dr. Julie Wei: Gummies as a Choking Hazard}

_{11. Alpine Dental Health: Gummies and Your Teeth‍}

_{12. Cleveland Clinic: Inconsistent Nutrient Levels in Gummies}