Holistic Care for Kids
Let’s Talk Sleep Aides: My Top 3 Kid Friendly & Melatonin-Free Picks and Quick Tips for a Restful Night
Feb 1
3 min read
2
0
Hi, friend!
If you’re anything like me, getting the kids to sleep can feel like a whole mission. I’ve tried just about everything under the sun (or should I say moon?), and I’ve found a few natural sleep aids that actually help us wind down at night. These are melatonin-free and won’t knock your kiddos out cold—they just help support a more restful sleep. I’m sharing what I’ve used, what worked for us, and a few tidbits along the way. Let’s dive in!
Herbal Remedies:
Good Night Lotion by Earthley Wellness: (an all-time fav!)
What is it? An herbal lotion that’s also a magnesium supplement (100mg/tsp).
How to use: I usually apply a pea-sized amount to my kids’ legs or bellies about 10-15 minutes before bed. For adults, you can use a slightly larger amount (in my opinion).
My experience: This stuff is basically magic, especially during growth spurts when restless legs are at an all-time high. The magnesium works wonders for muscle relaxation, and the herbs help calm their little bodies before bed. I also love it for cramps or constipation for myself and often recommend it to my patients!
Why I like it: Melatonin-free, provides a solid dose of magnesium, and is easy to work into our nightly routine since it’s safe for daily use. Bonus—it’s a diaper bag must-have because of its versatility!
Homeopathy:
SleepCalm Kids by Boiron
What is it? A homeopathic blend.
How to use: These come in pre-dosed vials—just pop the top and squeeze it into your child’s mouth!
My experience: I keep these on hand for travel, like those long night drives (looking at you, ATX-HTX trips). At first, I wasn’t sure about them—there was a stretch where I felt like they made the kids more awake. But after a few tries, I noticed they helped the kids settle down and maintain a consistent sleep routine while traveling. Now, it’s my trusty on-the-go helper. Amazon usually saves the day for this one, but they are sometimes sold at local drug stores!
Why I like it: Melatonin-free (so no disruption to natural sleep cycles), easy to use, and great for travel. Another diaper bag essential!
Essential Oils:
Young Living "Kidscents" & "Seedlings" lines:
SleepyIze:
What is it? An essential oil blend.
How to use: Apply topically or diffuse in the bedroom.
My experience: I’ve used this on my kids (or diffused it) for years and love the calming routine it helps create. It doesn’t knock anyone out, but it sets the mood and cues the brain that it’s time for sleep (Pavlov theory anyone?). It’s been a staple since 2021.
Why I like it: Melatonin-free, easy application, travels well, and fits seamlessly into the nightly routine. Another diaper bag item!
Seedlings Calm:
What is it? Another essential oil blend.
How to use: Apply topically or diffuse in the bedroom.
My experience: Similar to SleepyIze, I love using this during evening baths or diffusing it in the evenings to create a relaxing environment.
Why I like it: Melatonin-free, simple to use, and perfect for setting a calm atmosphere.
Quick side note: If you’re exploring essential oils, I personally recommend Young Living or a few other high-end brands for their quality and rigorous testing. I’m not fully educated on other brands, so I stick with what I trust for my family.
NOT ALL EO's ARE CREATED EQUALLY—please, for all that is holy, do not buy essential oils from your local grocery store!
Personal Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep
Consistency is key: Try to stick to the same bedtime routine each night. Ours involves some blanket swings, a couple of books, a quick chat about our favorite part of the day, and a nighttime prayer.
Skip the daily bath: Bathing two (soon-to-be three) toddlers every night isn’t practical—or great for their skin. Instead, we focus on fun physical activities before bed (like sibling races or outdoor play) that don’t totally drain me and my husband, but still channels those pre-bedtime energy bursts!
Daily supplements: A good multivitamin and probiotic can make a difference. I aim for supplements derived from whole foods or natural sources and ensure they’re third-party tested.
Get some sun: Morning and evening sunlight exposure helps regulate natural sleep cycles.
Limit screen time before bed: Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime—it really helps avoid those bedtime battles!
At the end of the day, do what works for you. We’re all figuring this out as we go, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Just aim to maintain the core routine while tweaking smaller habits.
Sending you all the love and restful nights! 🫶🏼
— Katelyn
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. I only recommend products I personally use and trust. Thank you for your support!
