GummyTalk Forum

Okay, so I need to vent/share this before I lose my mind. My pediatrician recommended melatonin gummies for my son's sleep issues, and I got some 'natural berry flavor' ones. BIG MISTAKE. My 4-year-old now calls them 'nighttime candy' and had a full-on meltdown last night because he wanted 'just one more piece' after his dose. I had to hide the bottle in my sock drawer! Are these things actually safe? Part of me thinks I'm creating a monster who associates candy with bedtime, but the other part is desperate for him to sleep through the night. Anyone else deal with this?

OMG YES! Been there! My husband did the SAME thing when I first got sleep gummies - he'd 'forget' if he took his and try to sneak extras because 'they taste like Haribo.' 😂 Here's what worked for us: 1) Switch to a less tasty flavor (the plain ones taste medicinal), 2) Use a pill organizer so you KNOW if dose was taken, 3) EDUCATE! Even little kids understand 'vitamins for sleep' vs candy. The gummies are safe when used as directed - I've been using them for 2 years and my sleep quality improved DRASTICALLY. Don't give up!

Darling, this is why I always caution against gummy supplements for children. The very form blurs lines between medicine and treats. Have you tried holistic alternatives? A warm bath with lavender oil, chamomile tea with a teaspoon of honey (for kids over 1), or even a magnesium foot rub can work wonders. The body's melatonin production can be disrupted by artificial supplements. Perhaps try a 'sleepy time' ritual instead of gummies? The association you're creating might lead to bigger issues later.

GummyGuru123 - A PILL ORGANIZER! Genius, why didn't I think of that? And you're right about education - I've been calling them 'sleep vitamins' but maybe need to be more firm. RootRose442 - We do lavender baths already (he calls it 'purple soap time'), but the tea is a no-go - he won't drink anything warm except chocolate milk lol. I appreciate the holistic perspective though. Maybe I'll try the magnesium rub tonight alongside the gummy... see if we can eventually taper off. The meltdown tonight was because the gummy was 'too squishy' - can't win!

LOL 'too squishy' - kids are the best critics! If texture's an issue, some brands make firmer gummies (check the 'supplement facts' for gelatin vs pectin). RootRose442 makes good points about routine though! We do gummy THEN story time THEN lavender spray - creates a clear sequence. BTW if you're on Facebook there's a 'Gummy Vitamin Parents' group with tons of tips! Hang in there mama - at least he's not hiding them like my friend's kid did (found 17 under his pillow once 😱)