Quick Answer: Zarbee's Naturals is a popular brand because it uses "drug-free" marketing, but their melatonin gummies still contain a hormone. While generally considered safe for short-term use in older children (3+), parents should be aware that 1mg is still a significant dose for a small body. Always consult a pediatrician before daily use.
In This Guide
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You see the cute bee on the bottle. It says "Safe & Effective." It says "Pediatrician Recommended." It feels like buying honey.
Zarbee's is the most recognizable name in children's sleep aids. At Mattress Miracle, we talk to many parents who use it religiously. But many don't realize that even "gentle" supplements carry risks if used incorrectly.
Ingredients Breakdown
Zarbee's Children's Sleep Gummies typically contain:
- Melatonin (1mg): The active hormone.
- Honey/Sugar: For taste.
- Pectin: To make it chewy (vegetarian-friendly).
- Natural Flavors: Fruit extracts.
The Good: It is free of drugs, alcohol, and artificial dyes. It is a clean label compared to some competitors.
The Bad: It is still a hormone supplement. Calling it "drug-free" is technically true (it's not a sedative), but it biologically alters your child's circadian rhythm.
The "Natural" Myth
The marketing implies the melatonin comes from bees or plants. It does not.
Almost all commercial melatonin is synthetic (made in a lab). This is actually a good thing—it ensures purity and prevents contamination from animal sources. But parents should know they are giving their child a lab-created hormone, not a flower extract.
Dosing Accuracy Concerns
Zarbee's gummies usually contain 1mg per gummy.
For a 40lb child, 1mg is a physiological dose. However, gummies are notoriously hard to manufacture perfectly. One gummy might have 0.8mg, and another might have 1.5mg ("hot spots").
If you find your child is groggy the next day, try cutting the gummy in half. 0.5mg is often enough to trigger sleep without the hangover.
Better Sleep Without Gummies
Before you buy the bottle, try fixing the bedroom.
1. The "Cave" Method:
Kids are hyper-sensitive to light. Even a hallway nightlight can suppress their natural melatonin. Use blackout curtains and a red-light nightlight (which doesn't block melatonin).
2. The Mattress:
Is your child sleeping on a hand-me-down? Old mattresses lose support, causing growing pains (leg cramps) that wake them up. A new, supportive Twin Mattress (starting at $299) is a drug-free way to keep them asleep.
3. Magnesium:
A warm bath with magnesium flakes relaxes muscles and calms hyperactivity without messing with hormones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe for every night?
Most pediatricians say no. Use it for "resets" (after a vacation, illness, or daylight savings), not as a permanent crutch. If they need it nightly, there is an underlying issue (anxiety, apnea, schedule) that needs addressing.
Can my 2-year-old take it?
The label usually says "Ages 3+." Do not give it to toddlers without a doctor's specific instruction. Their brains are developing rapidly, and we don't know the long-term effects.
Does it cause nightmares?
Yes, it can. Melatonin increases REM sleep. If your child wakes up screaming or scared, stop the supplement immediately.
What if they eat the whole bottle?
Call Poison Control. While melatonin likely won't be fatal, the sugar load can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Keep it out of reach—it looks like candy.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, ON N3R 3V9
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
A supportive bed is the best sleep aid. Come let your child test a mattress that feels good, so they want to go to bed.