Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Melatonin Dosage for Children
Recommended melatonin doses for children by age group. While short-term use appears to be safe, long-term effects are not well studied. Behavioral sleep interventions should always be tried first.
Melatonin Children's Dosage Chart
By Age Group
Always start with the lowest dose and increase only if needed. Consult a pediatrician before starting melatonin.
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year | Not recommended | N/A | N/A | Melatonin is not recommended for infants without specialist guidance. |
| 1-3 years | 0.5-1 mg | 30-60 min before bedtime | 1 mg | Use only under pediatrician supervision. |
| 4-6 years | 1-2 mg | 30-60 min before bedtime | 2 mg | Establish consistent bedtime routine first. |
| 7-9 years | 1-3 mg | 30-60 min before bedtime | 3 mg | — |
| 10-12 years | 1-3 mg | 30-60 min before bedtime | 3 mg | Screen time reduction at night may help more than supplements. |
| 13-17 years (teenagers) | 1-5 mg | 30-60 min before bedtime | 5 mg | Teens have naturally delayed circadian rhythms; melatonin can help shift earlier. |
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Max Daily
- N/A
Melatonin is not recommended for infants without specialist guidance.
- Dose
- 0.5-1 mg
- Frequency
- 30-60 min before bedtime
- Max Daily
- 1 mg
Use only under pediatrician supervision.
- Dose
- 1-2 mg
- Frequency
- 30-60 min before bedtime
- Max Daily
- 2 mg
Establish consistent bedtime routine first.
- Dose
- 1-3 mg
- Frequency
- 30-60 min before bedtime
- Max Daily
- 3 mg
- Dose
- 1-3 mg
- Frequency
- 30-60 min before bedtime
- Max Daily
- 3 mg
Screen time reduction at night may help more than supplements.
- Dose
- 1-5 mg
- Frequency
- 30-60 min before bedtime
- Max Daily
- 5 mg
Teens have naturally delayed circadian rhythms; melatonin can help shift earlier.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Special Populations
Children with specific conditions may benefit more from melatonin supplementation.
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD-related sleep difficulties | 1-3 mg | 30-60 min before bedtime | 3 mg | Studies show melatonin can reduce time to fall asleep in children with ADHD. |
| Autism spectrum disorder | 1-5 mg | 30-60 min before bedtime | 5 mg | Melatonin is commonly recommended for sleep issues in children with ASD. |
| Anxiety-related insomnia | 0.5-2 mg | 30-60 min before bedtime | 3 mg | Address anxiety with appropriate therapy in addition to sleep support. |
- Dose
- 1-3 mg
- Frequency
- 30-60 min before bedtime
- Max Daily
- 3 mg
Studies show melatonin can reduce time to fall asleep in children with ADHD.
- Dose
- 1-5 mg
- Frequency
- 30-60 min before bedtime
- Max Daily
- 5 mg
Melatonin is commonly recommended for sleep issues in children with ASD.
- Dose
- 0.5-2 mg
- Frequency
- 30-60 min before bedtime
- Max Daily
- 3 mg
Address anxiety with appropriate therapy in addition to sleep support.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Important Children's Dosage Warnings
Melatonin Children's Dosage Precautions
- Always consult a pediatrician before giving melatonin to a child.
- Behavioral sleep interventions (consistent bedtime, no screens before bed, dark room) should be tried first.
- Long-term effects of melatonin in children are not well studied.
- Choose melatonin supplements with USP or NSF certification for quality assurance.
- Some melatonin gummies may contain added sugars not appropriate for young children.
- Potential concerns about hormonal effects in developing children have not been conclusively studied.
For a complete list of warnings and safety information, see the Melatonin dosage guide warnings section.
Children's Dosage FAQ
Sources & References
- 1.American Academy of Sleep Medicine - Melatonin Use in ChildrenAccessed 2025-01-15
- 2.Cleveland Clinic - Melatonin for KidsAccessed 2025-01-15
- 3.NIH - NCCIH: MelatoninAccessed 2025-01-15
Other Melatonin Dosage Guides
Melatonin Complete Dosage Guide
Return to the full melatonin overview with all dosing information, side effects, and interactions