Thinking of giving your kid melatonin? Here are some tips.

Melatonin is sold over the counter as a dietary supplement to aid in sleep. That means it is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a medication and is available without a prescription. Melatonin supplements are sold as pills, capsules, liquids, and gummies.

Melatonin supplements have become an increasingly popular way to help kids get to sleep. But the fruit-flavored gummies may be a little too appealing to young children. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pediatric ingestions of melatonin reported to poison control shot up 530% between 2012 and 2020.

Research has shown the supplement can improve sleep, but pediatricians urge caution when giving it to kids. Here’s what to know:

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by our bodies in response to darkness, created to help regulate our internal clocks. At night, melatonin increases, telling us we need to go to sleep; it decreases in the morning, as our brain signals that it’s time to rise.

Doctors don’t advise it. If you are experiencing temporary sleep disturbances, such as jet lag or anxiety about an upcoming surgery, melatonin may be able to help you get a better night’s rest. The supplement is not meant to treat long-term sleep problems, such as chronic insomnia.

Yes, if used properly. Melatonin is considered safe for children, so long as it is taken in the appropriate dose; children will need a much smaller dose than adults.

It should not be used as a fix for chronic sleep problems.

Talk to your pediatrician before giving your child melatonin. Your doctor can talk to you about whether there are other approaches to improving sleep that you should try first and, if melatonin is a good option, what dose is appropriate.

» READ MORE: Melatonin is a popular sleep aid for adults that’s on the rise among kids. But is it safe?

Mild symptoms, such as fatigue and nausea, were the most common symptoms among children, according to the CDC. The vast majority of children whose cases were reported to the CDC recovered at home.

The most significant risk of melatonin to children is easy, unsecured access. A majority of ingestions reported to the CDC were among children under age 5, who are naturally curious and explore by putting things in their mouths. Pediatricians say the supplement’s candy-like form and taste make it appealing to young children. And because it’s not a prescription medication, parents often don’t keep it secured as safely.

Consider the dose, other ingredients, and brand.

Because melatonin is not regulated as a medication by the FDA, there is much greater variation in ingredients and the amount of melatonin, depending on the brand you choose. No melatonin supplements are “approved” by the FDA. But you can check whether the supplement you’re considering passes muster with the USP Dietary Supplement Verification Program, a globally recognized nonprofit that promotes standards in medicines and supplements.

Supplements with the USP seal of approval have gone through rigorous testing and auditing, and been evaluated by USP for quality, purity, potency, performance, and consistency, according to the organization’s website. If your pediatrician recommends melatonin for your child, ask for recommendations of specific supplements.