They don't sleep well... melatonin?

[This Busy Mom]

My younger two are light sleepers. They are driving me over the edge and I need them to sleep more/better. Will melatonin fix this?

It is 2 am and I have a baby in my lap and a half awake toddler crying at my knee (I'm waiting up for the older kids that went out of town with one of their grandparents and will be home shortly).

[MarynMunchkins]

I've never used it for a kid under 3, but it helps Banana and Tater Tot both. If I forget to give it to them, they're up half the night. :rolleyes

Banana takes 4 mg, and Tater Tot takes 3.

[This Busy Mom]

I would probably be a new person if I could get those two to sleep more/better. I may have to try it after I look into it more.

[bliss]

Melatonin worked like a charm for Booger's half-brother. Made him sleep better and be a much nicer person in the daytime. I know his mom started him on it at 2, but am not sure of the amount she would give.

[dukeofhazzard]

Melatonin can work, but have you tried calcium/magnesium? You can get it in liquid form - it worked for both my little ones.

[mommyTay]

Melatonin can work, but have you tried calcium/magnesium? You can get it in liquid form - it worked for both my little ones.


Where did you find the liquid calcium/magnesium? We tried chewables, but they were overwelmingly large. :no2

[hopefromgrace]

hmmmm...I asked this same question on this board a long time ago and was told by many mamas that it's not safe (not sure the exact reasons) to give to kids :scratch :shrug

[MarynMunchkins]

It's a hormone, so generally it's not recommended for kids. It's something I've discussed with a couple psychiatrists and therapist who have seen my kids, and they felt it was worth a try. :)

[SilverMoon]

I second the recommendation for calcium. I've found a liquid form of cal/mag at the health food store. It's also flavored, lemon, cherry,etc. It's a bit chalky, but easier to get down than the chewables.
My oldest son just wouldn't ever sleep. When he was around 2.5 he started having leg pains, and I realized he had to be low in cal/mag. Within a day or two of taking the supplement, he was falling asleep w/i 20 minutes of going down, rather than 2-3 hours.

[hopefromgrace]

how much of the cal/mag do you give your little one?

[dukeofhazzard]

I found a liquid cal/mag at my healthfood store.. I'm sorry :O I don't remember the brand. I gave my boys 1/2 the adult dose.