Arguably, the most important part of a child’s healthy development is consistent sleep. In fact, The National Institute of Health reports that insufficient sleep can result in significant health and behavioral challenges, including anxiety, aggressive behavior, and poor conflict-solving and learning skills. Sleep influences every aspect of well-being, including emotional, physical, and mental health.
As a result, it’s no surprise that more and more parents are investing in kids’ supplements that help children relax before bedtime. While countless parents have found relief for their children through kids’ nighttime supplements, it’s important to consider every supplement’s implications on your child’s long term health. The truth is that not all kids supplements used for sleep are made with equal quality or effectiveness, nor use the same ingredients.
What every parent wants is a supplement they can trust – A supplement that promotes bedtime relaxation without creating dependency on pills or gummies. Or rather, a supplement that helps our children learn healthy bedtime habits without simply putting them to sleep. With so many parents struggling with restless children and so many options available, knowing which brand to trust can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, our editors researched a vast range of kids’ bedtime supplements, and found two well-known options: Hiya’s Kids Bedtime Essentials and Zarbee’s Children’s Sleep with Melatonin Gummies.
Key Similarities:
- Both promote improved sleep habits
- Both are free from all major allergens
- Both are drug-free
While both seem comparable, further examination showed some important differences.
Key Differences:
- Hiya’s formula does not include melatonin. Zarbees does. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine issued an advisory on over-the-counter melatonin supplements for kids.
- Hiya comes in a chewable tablet, whereas Zarbee’s comes in a gummy form that can get stuck in teeth and contribute to cavities.
- Zarbee’s includes 2 grams of added sugar per serving. Hiya has zero added sugar.
- Hiya’s formula is free from artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners,
- Zarbee’s is made for children 3 years an older, while Hiya is designed for children 2 years and older
- Zarbee’s focuses on putting children to sleep, while Hiya focuses on helping children wind down and relax before bedtime.
Hiya
Unlike most kids’ bedtime supplements, Hiya’s recently launched Kids’ Bedtime Essentials is made from a blend of natural ingredients that combine to promote calm, focus, and improved brain health. Hiya’s formula features star ingredients like L-theanine, a naturally occurring, non-protein amino acid found in tea that promotes relaxation, and choline, a natural amino acid that supports REM sleep quality. This combination works to promote relaxation before bedtime and naturally improve your child’s sleep habits, rather than putting your child to sleep.
What really sets Hiya apart is that it is one of the only kids’ supplements on the market that’s used for bedtime but contains zero melatonin. Children’s bodies may get used to melatonin, requiring a higher dosage for the initial effect; melatonin also comes with a wide range of side effects. These consequences make Hiya’s non-drowsy and melatonin-free supplement a more trusted and attractive option for parents.
Hiya also comes in a chewable tablet that contains zero added sugar and is instead naturally sweetened with monk-fruit. Hiya’s formula steers clear of the traditional kids’ gummy ingredients that contain added sugar known to get stuck in teeth and cause cavities. This is especially important for supplements designed to support better sleep, as late-night sugar intake can keep kids awake. With Hiya’s monk-fruit sweetener, kids get the same taste they love without experiencing all of the associated health consequences.
Zarbee’s
Zarbee’s Children’s Sleep with Melatonin Gummies is designed to help your child’s occasional sleeplessness with a drug-free formula that includes melatonin. Their gummy is free from major allergens and comes in a yummy berry flavor that kids enjoy.
Zarbee’s formula does not include any drugs, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, added flavors or dyes, or high fructose corn syrup. However, it does contain 2 grams of added sugar per serving in the form of glucose syrup and sucrose.
At just $20 a bottle, Zarbee’s is a reliable option for parents who are not melatonin-averse and has a proven track record of getting kids to sleep.
Final Note:
Despite their similarities, our editors were in clear consensus over our preferred supplement- Hiya’s Kids Bedtime Essentials. Hiya’s approach to improve sleep habits rather than resolving occasional sleeplessness with melatonin made it a clear choice. In addition, Hiya’s zero grams of added sugar made us confident that it would be the healthier option in the long run.
Ultimately, the safety of long-term melatonin use is questionable at best, and gummy supplements with added sugar are known to cause cavities and other issues. Hiya’s Kids Bedtime Essentials avoids these two MAJOR issues prevalent in the vast majority of kids’ supplements, making them one of the leading brands in the kids’ supplement industry.
In addition, Hiya keeps your child’s supplement schedule and dosages on track by delivering a pack on a 30-day, pediatrician-recommended schedule. Unlike major supplement brands, Hiya’s supplements are delivered 100% fresh instead of sitting on shelves for months on end. With Hiya, you can feel confident about what you’re giving your child each night and have the peace of mind knowing you’re doing something great for your child’s health.
Amanda Allen
Amanda Allen (34) is a Staff Writer for The Daily Post covering Healthy, Beauty, Fashion, and Fitness. In her spare time, she trains for her next marathon and plays with her dog Pico. She enjoys a nice glass of pinot noir and plays tabletop games with her friends.
