My kid thinks melatonin gummies are candy... help!
So my 6-year-old found my melatonin gummies in the kitchen cabinet (yes, I know, my fault for not hiding them better). He grabbed a handful and ate like 5 before I caught him. He's now out cold on the couch, but I'm worried about him. Should I call the poison control? Also, how do I keep him from doing this again??
Whoa, okay first things first: don't panic, but call your pediatrician or poison control just to be safe. Kids are resilient but big doses of melatonin can be scary. In the future, keep them in a high, locked cabinet or maybe a smell-proof container. Also, maybe switch to a brand that has a less candy-like taste? Some are sweeter than others. Good luck!
Actually, the risk with melatonin is low, but I second calling the doc. From what I've read, melatonin doses up to 10mg are generally safe in kids, but it's better to check. As for the candy thing, I have a tip: I tell my kids that these are special 'sleepy vitamins' and they can only be given by mommy or daddy. And I always store them in a high cabinet and maybe even in a container that says 'not for kids' or something. Hope your little one is fine!
Oh no, that's a classic! My 8-year-old did the same with my magnesium gummies once, and she was fine but totally zonked. I started keeping them in my nightstand drawer with one of those childproof locks. Also, I found that the texture of some gummies is a turnoff for kids—maybe find one with a chalky coating? Just a thought. Sending good vibes!
Kids will eat anything that looks like candy! I always kept our vitamins in a tin that had a puzzle lock on it (you know, the ones with the numbers). Took my grandson a while to figure it out, but now he knows. Maybe just keep them in your bedroom or a place they rarely go. And honestly, a little scare is okay—it's a good teachable moment about not taking medicine without an adult. Hope it all works out.