Best Multivitamins For Kids (2026 Guide)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.Looking for the best multivitamin for your child? After testing over 50 brands as a health coach and nutritionist, I narrowed it down to the top 10 and my best overall pick. Here’s everything I learned about choosing safe, effective vitamins for kids, including what to look for, what to avoid, which vitamins I use for my own kids, and how to know if your child needs vitamins as part of their daily routine.
My Journey Finding the Right Vitamins For My Kids
When my daughter turned 5, she went through a picky phase where she started really limiting the fruits & veggies she wanted to eat, and I started worrying she wasn’t getting enough nutrients.
I asked her pediatrician about multivitamins, and she told me something that surprised me: most healthy kids don’t actually need them. Kids eating a reasonably balanced diet get all the vitamins and minerals they need from food, even picky eaters.
But she also said a multivitamin acts like insurance. It fills nutritional gaps on days when your child refuses anything green. For extremely picky eaters, kids on restrictive diets (vegan, vegetarian, or due to allergies), or kids with certain medical conditions, a multivitamin can be genuinely important.
Because we are fully plant-based, and to supplement my kids’ pickiest phases, I decided to give both kids a daily multivitamin once they turned 5. But I spent months researching to find vitamins that were actually clean and effective rather than glorified candy.
What I discovered shocked me. Many popular kids vitamins have as much sugar as candy, contain artificial dyes, use cheap synthetic vitamins that kids can’t absorb well, and aren’t third-party tested for heavy metals or contaminants. I realized I couldn’t just grab any vitamin off the shelf.
Which is why I got to work – I tested over 50 different brands with both of my kids and tried them myself. I also looked at ingredient quality, third-party testing, how much sugar they contained, whether my kids would actually take them, and if they provided comprehensive nutrition. This guide shares everything I learned.
Table of Contents
hide
Kids Multivitamins: My Top Picks
Before I dive into my detailed list of the best children’s vitamins, here are my quick picks!
- Best Overall: Hiya Vitamins
- Best Gummy: Smarty Pants
- Best Infant: Wellements Organic Multivitamin Drops
- Best For Toddlers / Best Liquid: Mary Ruth’s Toddler Drops, Mary Ruth’s Kids Drops
- Best With Iron: Raise Them Well
- Best Without Iron: Hiya Vitamins
- Best For Picky Eaters: Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi
- Best Vegan: Llama Naturals
- Best Organic: First Day
- Best Budget Friendly: Olly (Best Mid-Range Price: Zarbee’s)
Disclaimer
As a board-certified health coach and certified nutritionist, I only recommend supplements rooted in science and evidence. The FDA doesn’t review dietary supplements before they go to market, so I prioritize products that are third-party tested by USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com. This post has also been medically reviewed and fact checked by Linzy Ziegelbaum, MS, RD, CDN (see my about page for more info about Linzy).
Important: Large doses of vitamins can be harmful to children. Always speak with your pediatrician before adding any supplement to your child’s diet. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Though I may receive a commission through affiliate links, I only recommend products I’ve researched thoroughly, consulted experts on, and feel comfortable giving to my kids.
Do Kids Actually Need Multivitamins?
Here’s the honest answer: probably not, but maybe yes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that healthy children eating a normal, well-balanced diet generally don’t need vitamin supplementation. Kids can get all necessary nutrients from whole foods.
But here’s where it gets nuanced. Your child might benefit from a multivitamin if they:
- Are extremely picky eaters who refuse entire food groups
- Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
- Have food allergies that limit their diet
- Have been diagnosed with a medical condition affecting nutrient absorption
- Are not growing well according to growth charts
- Have been diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency by their doctor
Even if your child doesn’t fit these categories, a multivitamin can act as nutritional insurance for those days when they refuse everything except goldfish crackers and apple slices.
I give vitamins to both my kids not because they desperately need them, but because it gives me peace of mind knowing they’re covered on days when they barely eat any vegetables. My kids’ pediatrician approved this approach.
How I Tested Kids Vitamins: My Process
I tested over 50 vitamin brands with both of my kids over several months. Here’s how I evaluated each one:
Testing Protocol:
- Research phase: I reviewed ingredient lists, checked for third-party testing certifications, and compared nutritional profiles
- Taste testing: Both kids tried each vitamin and rated whether they’d actually take it daily
- Observation period: I gave each vitamin for 2 weeks and watched for any digestive issues or reactions
- Expert consultation: I discussed my findings with Linzy Ziegelbaum (MS, RD, CDN) to verify my assessments
My Non-Negotiables:
- Third-party tested (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab, or Clean Label Project)
- No artificial colors or flavors
- 4 grams of added sugar or less
- Comprehensive nutrition (at least 10+ essential vitamins and minerals)
Deal-Breakers:
- Synthetic dyes (Red #40, Yellow #6, Blue #2)
- High sugar content (5+ grams)
- No third-party testing
- Kids refused to eat it
The vitamins recommended in this guide passed all my tests and are ones I actually give to my own children or would feel comfortable recommending to friends.
Top Kids Multivitamins Compared
Here’s my ranking of how the leading brands stack up across the most important factors:
| Brand | # of Nutrients | Sugar per Serving | Form Factor | 3rd Party Tested | Organic? | Price / Serving | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiya | 15+ | 0g | Chewable tablet | ✓ (Clean Label) | ✗ Contains organic ingredients | $1.00 | 2 yrs+ |
| Smarty Pants Kids | 14 | 4g | Gummy | ✓ (Clean Label) | ✓ | $0.99 | 4 yrs+ |
| Zarbee’s | 13 | 2g | Gummy | ✗ | ✗ | $0.49 | 2 yrs+ |
| Welle-ments | 10 | 0g | Liquid | ✓ | ✓ | $0.49 | 2 months+ |
| Mary Ruth’s | 12 | 0g | Gummy or Liquid Option | ✓ (Clean Label) | ✓ | $1.00 | 1 yrs+ (different products by age) |
| Raise Them Well | 20 | 0g | Chewable tablet | ✓ | ✗ | $0.73 | 4 yrs+ |
| Renzo’s Picky Eater | 18 | 0g | Melty tab | ✗ | ✗ | $0.83 | 2 yrs+ |
| First Day | 9 | 2g | Gummy | ✓ (Clean Label) | ✓ | $1.30 | 4 yrs+ |
| Llama Naturals | 13 | 4g | Gummy | ✓ | ✓ | $0.90 | 2 yrs+ |
| Olly | 12 | 3g | Gummy | ✓ | ✗ | $0.40 | 2 yrs+ |
My Key Findings:
- Most comprehensive: Raise Them Well (20 nutrients) and Renzo’s (18 nutrients)
- Zero sugar: Hiya, Mary Ruth’s, Renzo’s
- Most affordable: L’il Critters ($0.13/serving)
- Best for young kids (2+): Hiya (chewable tablet, safe for toddlers)
- Only tablets (not gummies): Hiya, Naturelo, Renzo’s (all others are gummies)
Best Overall Multivitamins For Kids
These three brands are my top picks for most families. They balance quality, nutrition, safety, and kid approval.
Hiya Vitamins – Best Overall
My #1 pick for most kids
I give Hiya to both Layla and Ayan, and it’s the only vitamin they actually ask for every morning. After testing dozens of brands, Hiya won on nearly every criteria that mattered to me.
Why I love it: Hiya has 15 essential vitamins and minerals (including calcium, which most gummies can’t include), zero added sugar, no artificial anything, and is third-party tested with Clean Label Project certification. It’s one of the only chewable tablets available, which means it’s safe for kids as young as 2 and doesn’t pose the choking hazard that gummies do.
The tablets dissolve easily in the mouth, so even my picky eaters don’t complain. Hiya uses mannitol as a sweetener, which some parents avoid, but I found it acceptable since the tablets aren’t sticky like gummies and don’t contribute to cavities.
The subscription model sends a glass bottle the first month with refill pouches arriving monthly after that. This reduced packaging waste appealed to me, and the kids loved decorating their bottles with the included stickers.
What Layla and Ayan thought: Both kids said Hiya tasted “like fruity candy but not too sweet.” Layla (age 9 now) has been taking it for 4 years without complaint. For more details about Hiya, check out my Hiya vitamins review.
Cost: $30 for 30 tablets ($1/day), with discounts for multiple children
Ages: 2+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 15 vitamins and minerals including calcium | Not organic |
| Zero added sugar | Contains mannitol |
| Third-party tested (Clean Label Project certified) | Slightly more expensive than some options |
| Chewable tablet (safe for ages 2+, not a choking hazard) | |
| Vegan and allergen-friendly | |
| Non-GMO | |
| Sustainable packaging | |
| Only 1 tablet per day |
SmartyPants Kids Multi + Probiotics – Best Gummy Option
Best if your child prefers gummies
If your child is over 4 and you’re set on gummies, SmartyPants is the best option I found. It’s one of the few gummy multivitamins that’s actually organic and includes probiotics.
SmartyPants contains 14 essential nutrients plus omega-3s from flaxseed oil and 2 strains of probiotics for gut health. (Note: They also have this version made with fish oil for Omega 3s which does not include probiotics – so choose the one that fits best for your family!)
It’s USDA organic, third-party tested, and contains no artificial colors or flavors.
When I tested these with my kids years ago (before switching to Hiya), they loved the taste. The gummies have a sugary coating that kids enjoy, but that also means they contain 4 grams of added sugar per serving.
Cost: $28.45 for 120 gummies (30-day supply at 4 gummies/day = $0.95/serving)
Ages: 4+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA Organic | Gummies (choking hazard for under 4, contribute to cavities) |
| Includes probiotics and omega-3s | 4g added sugar per serving |
| No gelatin (vegetarian friendly) | 4 gummies per serving |
| Third-party tested | Doesn’t include calcium or iron |
| Kid-approved taste | Slightly more expensive than some options |
| No artificial colors or flavors |
Zarbee’s Kids Complete Multivitamin + Probiotic – Best Mid-Range
Best affordable option that’s still quality
If budget is a concern, Zarbee’s offers solid nutrition at a price most families can afford, and it’s easy to find at Target, Walmart, and most drugstores.
Zarbee’s contains 13 essential vitamins plus probiotics, and is sweetened with cane sugar, honey, and fruit juice rather than artificial sweeteners. Both my kids tolerated the natural fruit flavors well when I tested them.
They’re not organic, which is why they rank below Hiya and SmartyPants on my list, but they avoid artificial dyes and flavors.
Cost: $16.99 for 70 gummies ($0.49/serving)
Ages: 2+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable & easy to find at most stores | Not organic |
| Includes probiotics | Not vegan (contains honey) |
| No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners | 2g sugar per serving |
Also Good: Wellvites Kids Multivitamin Gummies. Wellvites is very comparable to Zarbee’s but is slightly more expensive ($0.63/serving). It’s non-GMO, sugar-free, vegan (which Zarbee’s isn’t), gluten-free, and contains 12 essential vitamins. While it’s not organic or third-party tested, it avoids artificial sweeteners and gelatin.
Best Multivitamins By Age
Different age groups have different nutritional needs. Here are my top picks for each stage.
Wellements Baby Multivitamin Drops – Best for Infants (0-12 Months)
This is my top pick for an infant vitamin because it’s USDA organic, contains all essential vitamins for infants, and can be used starting at 2 months. It’s third-party tested for purity and free of the top 9 allergens.
My kids were combination fed (both formula and breastmilk) so I didn’t end up needing a vitamin for them before the age of 1. But when parents ask me for an infant vitamin recommendation, I always turn to Wellements. I also love that they’re made without artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners, and have a mild cherry flavor that babies tolerate well.
Note: Before giving any supplement to your infant, discuss it with your pediatrician.
Cost: $14.99 for 1 oz (about 30 servings)
Ages: 2+ months
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA organic | Cherry flavor makes it hard to hide in food |
| Third-party tested | |
| Vegan and gluten-free | |
| No sweeteners or artificial anything | |
| Affordable |
Mary Ruth’s Toddler Multivitamin Drops – Best for Toddlers (1-3 Years)
Toddlers need different nutrition than older kids, and most vitamins are formulated for ages 4+. I chose Mary Ruth’s Organic Toddler drops because they are specifically designed for ages 1-3, and have super clean ingredients.
These liquid drops are USDA organic, completely sugar-free, and packed with essential vitamins including A, C, D3, E, B-complex, zinc, and choline. The orange-vanilla flavor is mild and easy for toddlers to take.
Note: Mary Ruth’s also makes a version WITH iron if your toddler’s pediatrician recommends iron supplementation, and they make a liquid version for kids age 4+ if you want to continue with a liquid vitamin after your child turns 4.
Cost: $24.95 for 30 servings
Ages: 1-3 years
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA organic, non-GMO | Can only use until age 3 (need to switch vitamins after) |
| Zero added sugar | Contains stevia |
| Vegan and allergen-friendly | |
| Easy-to-administer liquid drops | |
| Orange-vanilla flavor most toddlers tolerate | |
| No artificial colors or flavors |
Alternative: SmartyPants Toddler Multi + Probiotics
If your toddler is 2-3 and prefers gummies, SmartyPants makes a toddler-specific formula with probiotics and omega-3s. It’s organic, third-party tested, and Clean Label Project certified. My kids liked it when they tried it, and I appreciate that it only has 2 grams of sugar per serving. Cost: $24.95 for 30 servings.
Best Multivitamins By Dietary Needs
Raise Them Well Children’s Chewable Multi – Best Multivitamin With Iron
If your child needs supplemental iron (common for plant-based kids or those diagnosed with low iron), Raise Them Well is my top pick.
This chewable tablet contains methylated B vitamins (more bioavailable than standard B vitamins), is vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, and third-party tested. It uses a gentle form of iron that’s easier on little stomachs and doesn’t cause constipation, my kids had no digestive issues when trying this vitamin!
Cost: $21.99 ($20.89 with subscription) for 30 servings
Ages: 4+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains iron | Not organic |
| Methylated B vitamins (better absorption) | |
| Third-party tested | |
| Vegan and allergen-friendly | |
| Chewable tablet (not gummy) |
Note: If your child doesn’t need iron supplementation, Hiya (my #1 overall pick) is an excellent iron-free option with 15 vitamins and minerals, zero added sugar, and third-party testing
Renzo’s Picky Eater Multivitamin – Best For Picky Eaters
Renzo’s was specifically created by a doctor for his picky-eating son before surgery. The melty tabs dissolve on the tongue with minimal effort, which makes them perfect for kids who resist taking vitamins.
My kids liked the melty tab format, because it just sort of dissolved on their tongue and required minimal effort to “eat.”
This multivitamin contains 18 essential vitamins including iron, has zero added sugar, and is vegan.
Cost: $24.99 for 30 servings
Ages: 2+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 18 essential vitamins (comprehensive) | Contains mannitol and xylitol (sugar alcohols) |
| Zero added sugar | Not organic |
| Melty tabs (dissolve easily, great for picky eaters) | |
| Vegan and allergen-friendly | |
| Non-GMO | |
| Includes iron |
Llama Naturals Plant-Based Multivitamin – Best Vegan Gummy
For plant-based families who are looking for a gummy, Llama Naturals is my top recommendation.
These organic gummies are made with real fruit and vegetables, contain no gelatin, and include plant-based vitamin D3 (which is hard to find).
My kids thought they tasted good – they were a little on the chewy side but both kids still liked them. The gummies contain 13 essential vitamins including vegan B12, which is critical for kids on plant-based diets.
Note: If your child doesn’t need a gummy, Hiya (my #1 overall pick) is also a great vegan option.
Cost: $26.95 for 30 servings
Ages: 2+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Organic and plant-based | Must eat 3 gummies per serving |
| Made from whole food fruit and vegetables | 4 grams sugar (from fruit) |
| Third-party tested | |
| Allergen-friendly |
Also Good: Mary Ruth’s Organics Kids Multivitamin Gummies
For a zero-sugar vegan option, Mary Ruth’s gummies contain 12 essential nutrients, are USDA organic, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly. However, they use erythritol as a sweetener, which some research suggests may increase certain health risks.
Cost: $23.95 for 60 gummies
First Day Kids Vitamins – Best Organic Multivitamin
First Day is made with real organic fruits and vegetables and contains 9 key micronutrients. I typically recommend First Day to families with kids who eat reasonably well and just need a vitamin to “bridge the gap.” For extremely picky eaters, First Day may not be comprehensive enough.
My kids liked the taste of First Day when we tested it out, they said it was a little waxy but overall had no complaints! Read my complete review of First Day vitamins for more details!
Cost: $39/bottle ($30.60 with subscription, 15% off)
Ages: 4+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA organic and non-GMO | Expensive |
| Made with real fruits and vegetables | 2 grams sugar per serving |
| Nothing artificial | Only 9 nutrients (less comprehensive) |
| Vegan, gluten-free | |
| Clean label project certified |
Olly Kids Multivitamin + Probiotic – Best Budget Multivitamin
If you’re shopping at Target or Walmart and need an affordable option, Olly Kids Multi is widely available and reasonably priced. These gummies contain 12 essential vitamins plus a probiotic.
They contain 1g of added sugar, no artificial ingredients, and are third party tested. However they aren’t completely allergen-free as they are processed in a facility with allergens. They also don’t contain methylated B vitamins so they aren’t as absorbable.
Cost: $13.99 for 35 servings
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | Not organic or Non-GMO |
| Easy to find at most stores | Not vegetarian (contains gelatin) |
| Includes probiotic | Processed in a facility with allergens |
| 3rd party tested |
Also Good: Lil’ Critters Gummy Vites. Lil’ Critters is very comparable to Olly in terms of ingredients and nutrients except that it doesn’t contain probiotics, and is not 3rd party tested which is why I ranked Olly higher. But at only $0.13 per serving, it’s the cheapest vitamin for kids that I’ve found!
What To Look For In Kids Multivitamins
When choosing a vitamin for your child, I recommend prioritizing these factors:
1. Clean Ingredients: Look for vitamins with no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, and less than 4 grams of sugar per serving. I avoid Red #40, Yellow #6, Blue #2, and other synthetic dyes
2. Third-Party Testing: Choose brands tested by USP, NSF, ConsumerLab.com, or Clean Label Project. These prove the vitamin has been independently tested for purity and safety. If you don’t see a seal, check the brand’s website to see if they mention third-party testing.
3. Sugar Content: I look for 3-4 grams of sugar or less per serving. Many kids vitamins have 5+ grams of sugar, which is as much as a small cookie.
4. Comprehensive Nutrition: Does it contain the essential vitamins and minerals kids actually need? I looked for vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B-complex, folate, calcium, iron (or iron-free options), and zinc at minimum.
5. Appropriate Nutrient Levels: While comprehensive nutrition is important, vitamins should contain no more than 100% of the daily value for each nutrient. More isn’t better and can be harmful. Your child gets nutrients from food too, so vitamins should supplement, not replace food.
6. Bioavailable Forms: I prioritized brands that use forms of vitamins that kids can actually absorb. For example, methylated B12 is more bioavailable than cyanocobalamin.
7. Age-Appropriate Format
- Infants (0-12 months): Liquid drops only
- Toddlers (1-3 years): Liquid or easy-to-eat chewable tablets
- Kids 4+: Chewable tablets or gummies (tablets are safer)
- Avoid gummies for kids under 4 – choking hazard
8. Organic/Non-GMO: While not essential, organic certification and non-GMO verification are bonuses that indicate higher quality standards.
9. Form Factor: Chewable tablets or liquid vitamins are safer than gummies for young kids (gummies are a choking hazard for children under 4). Gummies also can’t include calcium or iron due to manufacturing limitations, they’re sticky, often have added sugar, and contribute to cavities.
10. Price: Don’t be fooled by bottle price. Divide the total price by number of servings to compare. Some vitamins require 2-4 gummies per serving, making them more expensive than they appear.
11. Taste: Will your kids actually take it? I had both of my kids taste-test every vitamin. If they refused to eat it, it didn’t matter how nutritious it was.
What To Avoid In Kids Vitamins?
Here are some things to watch out for when considering other children’s vitamins brands:
- Artificial Colors and Dyes: Red #40, Yellow #6, Blue #2, and other synthetic dyes have been linked to hyperactivity and health problems in children (source). I always avoid these.
- Artificial Flavors and Sweeteners: I avoid aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin. These synthetic sweeteners are highly processed.
- Excessive Sugar: I’ve mentioned this already, but zero added sugar is ideal, less than 4 grams is acceptable.
- Sugar Alcohols (Use Caution) Sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and erythritol can cause digestive issues in some kids. Mannitol is generally the best tolerated.
- Carrageenan: This thickener has been linked to inflammation and digestive issues(source). Avoid it when possible.
- Maltodextrin While not unsafe, maltodextrin is highly processed and often indicates a low-quality vitamin.
- A note on gelatin: Personally, I avoid this because my family is plant-based. While this isn’t a harmful ingredient, it is derived from cow or pig bones, tendons, and ligaments, making it not suitable for anyone following a plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian diet.
- Note: I would also be wary for brands that have no third-party testing mentioned anywhere, which means that you have no way of knowing if their vitamins are contaminated with heavy metals.
Single Supplements for Kids (Brief Guide)
Sometimes your child needs a specific nutrient rather than a multivitamin. Here are my top picks for single supplements:
Iron Supplements
- Best: Hiya Iron+ for Kids – Carbonyl iron (gentle on stomachs), includes vitamin C for absorption, sugar-free, ages 2+
- Also Good: Mary Ruth’s Liquid Iron for Toddlers or Older Kids – Organic, clean ingredients, ages 1+
Vitamin D Supplements
- Best: Bobbie Vitamin D Drops – Organic, vegan, Clean Label certified, no artificial ingredients, allergen-friendly, 400 IU for infants, ages 0-12 months (and safe for older kids too).
- Also Good: Raise Them Well Vitamin D Drops (ages 0 months+), Baby D Drops (ages 0 months+) Llama Naturals Vitamin D Gummies – Plant-based D3 from lichen, vegan, ages 4+
Vitamin B12 Supplements
- Best for Vegan Kids: Live Wise Naturals B12 Drops – Methylated B12, clean ingredients, non-GMO, ages 1+
Vitamin C + Immune Support
- Best: Hiya Kids Immune Support
- Also Good: Raise Them Well Children’s Immunity (Contains With vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and zinc); Llama Naturals Vitamin C with Elderberry (Organic, includes zinc, naturally sweetened, ages 2+)
Omega-3 Supplements
- Best: Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA – High-quality fish oil, strawberry flavor, third-party tested, ages 1+
Probiotic Supplements
- Best: Hiya Probiotics – 10 billion live cultures, chewable, third-party tested, ages 2+
- For Infants: Bobbie Probiotic Drops – Organic, Clean Label certified, 1 billion live cultures, ages 0-12 months (or if you need a powdered version, I like this one from Garden of Life).
Prebiotic Supplements
- Best: BeginHealth. It contains only three ingredients: Human Milk Oligosaccharide (with a Molecular structure identical to the one found in breast milk); and Oligofructose (Chicory root fiber).
For more details on single supplements, see my complete guides to kids iron Supplements, kids probiotics, and kids immunity vitamins.
FAQs
Does my child need a multivitamin?
Most healthy kids eating a reasonably balanced diet don’t need a multivitamin. However, a multivitamin can help if your child is an extremely picky eater, follows a restrictive diet, has been diagnosed with a nutrient deficiency, or has a medical condition affecting absorption.
When should kids start taking a multivitamin?
Start a multivitamin when your pediatrician recommends it based on your child’s diet and health needs. I started giving vitamins to my kids regularly at age 5 (on and off before then) during particularly picky eating phases.
What vitamins do infants need?
Infants drinking breast milk only (or less than 32 ounces of formula per day) need vitamin D supplementation (400 IU daily). Infants drinking 32+ ounces of formula daily get adequate vitamins from formula alone.
Are vitamins FDA approved?
No, the FDA doesn’t approve dietary supplements. This is why third-party testing by USP, NSF, ConsumerLab.com, or Clean Label Project is critical to verify purity and safety.
Can kids vitamins cause constipation?
Yes, iron is a common constipation-causing ingredient. If your child experiences constipation, talk to your doctor about switching to an iron-free formula or adding a probiotic.
Why don’t most kids vitamins include calcium?
Calcium is bulky and difficult to include in kid-sized tablets or gummies. Most children get adequate calcium from dairy products, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and other foods.
Can adults take kids vitamins?
Yes, but the nutrient levels are lower than adults need, so I would use it more as a nutrient gap supplement vs. a full / comprehensive multivitamin. Full disclosure: I take Hiya vitamins for myself because I’m only looking for a food-gap vitamin option and I love the taste!
Are gummy vitamins as effective as tablets?
Gummies can be effective but can’t include calcium or iron, may have inconsistent nutrient levels, stick to teeth causing cavities, and are choking hazards for kids under 4. Chewable tablets are safer and more comprehensive.
What’s the best multivitamin for picky eaters?
Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi has melty tabs that dissolve easily, making it ideal for resistant kids. Hiya is also excellent with chewable tablets that taste good and dissolve quickly.
Final Thoughts
I hope this helps you in navigating the world of kids’ vitamins! As you can see, there are many quality vitamin brands on the market today, with a quality option for every child’s needs.
Remember to always talk to your pediatrician before starting any supplement, and choose brands that are third-party tested to ensure safety and quality.
After testing over 50 kids multivitamins, my top recommendation is Hiya for most families. It has comprehensive nutrition (15 vitamins and minerals including calcium), zero added sugar, third-party testing, a safe chewable tablet format for kids as young as 2, and my kids actually like taking it.
For more guides, recipes, tips, and tricks, check out the Best For Kids section of my blog. And if you have questions about kids vitamins or found a great brand I missed, leave a comment below or send me a message. I respond to every question I get!
Hi,
What do you think about the brand Naturelo?
I was looking at the mens and women (Not the 1 a day) and the childrens chewable.
Thanks!
Hi Megan! For the children’s chewables – they add stevia to it which I don’t love (since it doesn’t say stevia leaf extract, we can’t be sure what form of stevia this is). The mens and womens vitamins look good though!
Just as an FYI, if you look at the website Naturelo says that the sweetener comes from Stevia leaf extract. I’m not sure why it doesn’t specify that on the bottle.
I just bought these for my kids. Do you know the reasoning behind why the vitamins are for children 4 and up? I wanted to give them to my three year old as well as my give year old.
Oh that’s great – thanks for the heads up about that – with Stevia Leaf Extract I feel much more comfortable with it! I think the reasoning behind labeling some vitamins for kids 4+ vs. kids under 4 is due to the quantity of each vitamin in the pill. If you’re giving it to your 3 year old, I’d just check with your pediatrician that you don’t have to cut the vitamin in half to limit the dosage (so that they’re not getting too much of a vitamin they may not need at a younger-than-4 age!)
What are your thoughts on juice plus products for kids?
Hi Nacia! Do you mean the Juice Plus chewable supplements of fruits & veggies? I don’t like the chewables because they have tapioca syrup, cane juice and maltodextrin as the first three ingredients listed. The capsules are fine, but might be too difficult for kids to swallow. And neither option really counts as a full multivitamin because they are more focused on powdered fruits/veggies than a complete multivitamin. I’d probably go with a multivitamin over these and try to have your kids get their veggies/fruits from whole food sources. Let me know if that makes sense and if you have any other questions!
What about these? https://www.buybuybaby.com/1/1/71630-honest-baby-toddler-complete-vitamin-multi-powder-from-the-honest-company.html
Hi Manjiri! These look pretty good to me! They have cane sugar added but not too much (only 2g sugar per serving which is only 1/2 tsp).
Hi, Thanks for the useful information! I saw that the YummiBears Organic Multivitamin have gelatin from pork skin. It is noted in the FAQ section of their website. Would that change your recommendation?
Hi Seema! YummiBears specifically notes on their website that they do not use gelatin in their organic vitamins – see their website here. Can you show me where you saw gelatin listed as an ingredient for their vitamins? Thanks so much!
Hi,
Great article.
On yummy bears website in faq section it actually says that’s their gelatin is non gmo and it is from pork skin . So definately not vegetarian:(
Thanks .
Hi Valerie! The Yummy Bears Organic vitamins don’t have gelatin. Some of the yummy bears vitamins have gelatin (like the sugar free multivitamin). But the Yummy Bears Organic vitamin listed here – which is the one that I recommend – is made with pectin, not gelatin. Hope that clarifies things!
hi, thank you for your this. Do you think Little Critters multivitamin is ok?
Hi Melissa! Yes Little Critters Multivitamin looks good – except that if you are vegetarian it won’t work because it has gelatin in it. But if you aren’t vegetarian it’s a good option! It doesn’t have iron in it so that’s just something else to consider. Hope that helps!
What are your thoughts on Puritan’s Pride Children’s Multivitamins & Mineral Gummies? Thanks for your time!
Hi Mike! I don’t like Puritan’s Pride as much as some of the other multivitamins on this list because they have corn syrup and maltodextrin added. They also have gelatin which makes them not vegetarian friendly (for those who are vegetarian). Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Love your article. Do you have any suggestions on a flavorless multivitamin? Or a flavorless omega 3 vitamin? My son is two and autistic and will not take chewables or gummies. He only drinks milk so I’m definitely not worried about vitamin d, but his food list is pretty small and not so healthy.
Hi Stephanie! I’m not sure about a flavorless multivitamin, but Zarbee’s has a liquid one that you can mix into milk, and Rainbow Light has a powdered form that can also be mixed into milk! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
This was SO helpful! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Aw yay!! I’m so happy to hear that Nicole!! 🙂 🙂
Wow – great article. Thanks for all the information. What’s your take on the Plexus XFactor Kids vitamins?
Hi Alex! Overall Plexus is pretty good – they just have two ingredients in their vitamins that I’m not a huge fan of: 1) Hydroxypropyl Cellulose – which I don’t love as an emulsifier because it’s made from refined wood pulp – but it’s not harmful as far as I can tell from a research standpoint – it’s not absorbed by the body so it just passes through and 2) Xylitol & Erythritol – which are sugar alcohols. In the quantity that’s in the vitamin it’s probably fine – sugar alcohols are to be avoided in large quantities because they can cause gas/bloating/diarrhea – but again, in the quantity used for the vitamin it’s probably ok! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
I give my son the plexus xfactor chewable for kids and their vital biome for anxiety. It has helped him TOOOONS!
As I read your comment I coud not help but wonder what else is out there as a substitute for Hydroxypropyl Cellulose orXylitol & Erythritol? Thank you kindly.
Hi Rosalie! Most of the vitamins I recommend just don’t use sugar alcohols at all – they sweeten the vitamin with fructose or fruit extracts – so that’s the alternative there. Instead of the synthetic cellulose, some brands use plant cellulose or don’t use any at all. Hope that helps!
How do you feel about Zarbee’s toddler multivitamins. I like the ideal of Garden of Life but it says for 4 years and up. My daughter is 2.
Hi Colleen! Zarbee’s multivitamins look good. The only issue I see is that they have honey and sugar added but it ends up being only 3g per serving (which is about 3/4 tsp of sugar) per day. They don’t have iron in them so that’s something to consider but other than that they could work!
Thank You! She has bathroom issues so I need to stay away from iron at the moment.
That makes sense! No problem at all!
You had stated that the vitamin shouldn’t have 100 percent or more of the needed daily dose of each specific vitamin but it looks like your top 3 favorites have over that. Like 200 percent vitamin c and 100 percent or more on almost all others. So I guess I’m a little confused. Thanks for your time. Dawn
Hi Dawn! That’s a great question! I should have been clearer in my post. The vitamin shouldn’t have more than 100% or more of the daily value for Vitamins A, E and K (the fat soluble vitamins). But for Vitamin C all the water soluble vitamins it’s completely fine. Vitamin D, even though it’s a fat soluble vitamin often has more than 100% daily value because most people (even kids) are deficient in it – so that should be fine as well. And even if it does have >100% of the dose for A, E or K you can just give your child half the dose. I updated my post too – to make that clear! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi there, I was wondering the same thing…specifically about the non-iron Klaire Labs capsules. It doesn’t appear to be made just for children and the serving size says 6 capsules. All the daily values are considerably above 100%. Is there a dose that would be recommended for a 2 and 4 year old? Also, many of the reviewers mentioned it helped their child’s behavior. Is this a general multi vitamin or one that’s recommended for children with behavioral issues? Thanks!
Hi Janice! On the label it says: “Suggested Use: Adults or Children 4 or more years of age: 6 capsules daily with food. Children under 4 years of age: As directed by a healthcare professional.” I think that’s why they have 6 capsules per “serving” – because for a 4 year old you wouldn’t use all 6 and would be able to easily cut the dose down to be appropriate for that age. But for a 2 year old, I don’t know that you’d be able to cut the dose down to be small enough for that age. I’d just ask your pediatrician what they think about it to figure out the right dosing for your youngest! As for vitamins recommended for children with behavioral issues, I don’t know of any recommended for general behavioral issues, but for ADD/ADHD specifically I know that 1) Fish Oil, 2) A B-Complex Vitamin, 3) A Zinc, Magnesium and Calcium supplement like this one, 4) A probiotic, and 5) Rhodiola Rosea – which is an herb that can help with focus. I like this supplement for Rhodiola Rosea for kids. But again, those are what I’ve heard can help with ADD/ADHD – so you can ask your pediatrician whether they think any of these might help with general behavior! Hope that makes sense! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Anjali! So glad I found your blog and so cool that you’re in AA! I’ve been searching for a great supplement for my kids to take since they’ve been sick 2x (already!) since going back to school. Would love your input on this one: https://www.target.com/p/l-il-critters-153-fruit-n-honey-vitamin-c-130ct/-/A-51444607 . It’s the L’il Critters™ Fruit’n Honey Vitamin C, I need something to boost their immune system and it doesn’t have the bad stuff (I hope).
Hi Trina! So that Vitamin C supplement is actually pretty good! The only less ideal ingredient is that it does have added sugar. And if you’re vegetarian it’s made with gelatin so that’s not good either (but not an issue if you are not vegetarian!). But everything else looks good, and the amount of sugar is small – 3g per serving, so that’s about 3/4 tsp sugar added. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you! This is so helpful!
No problem at all! 🙂
Hi, What is your opinion of SmartyPants Kids Complete gummy vitamins?
Hi Carol! SmartyPants Kids Complete Gummy Vitamins actually look great! The only downside is that they are a bit higher in sugar than I’d like — 5g per serving which is more than some of the other options on this list, and they have gelatin in them which makes them non-vegetarian – but other than that the ingredients look good. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi! Thank you for All of your info on kids vitamins! I have been so confused and ran across your blog and am so greatful to you for posting this all! I researched a couple weeks ago and found one I liked. I wanted something with omega 3 fish oil. I see you said you like the Smarty pants multivitamin besides the sugar content. So the one I got was Smarty pants Multivitamin with omega fish oil, fiber.i wanted to see what you thought of these before I gave them to him. I have been waiting to switch because I wasn’t sure but I’ve been giving him flinstones for years. I really want to switch from the flinestones . He also takes juice plus every day! Thanks for your help!
Hi Leanne! No problem at all – so glad you found my post helpful! The Smarty Pants vitamins with fish oil & fiber looks good! It does have sugar added but it’s only 2g per serving which isn’t bad at all. It has gelatin in it, so that just makes it non-vegetarian – which isn’t relevant if you aren’t vegetarian 🙂 I think they would be a good choice to switch from the Flinstones vitamins! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
This is only anecdotal but we are not the only family I know who experienced this – something in Smarty Pants Kids with Omega-3s causes ADHD symptoms to become worse. I cannot figure out what it is but I see a marked difference in both of my kids and have spoken to friends with kids with ADHD who have had the same issues.
Hi Vita! Oh no! That’s disappointing to hear. Thank you for letting me know – if I hear of a significant number of cases like this I will certainly update my list!
In order to balance/process the mythelated folate one needs the appropriate amount of B1 and B2 which smarty pants does not have. Most will get the Bs they need through wheat products that are enriched; however, if you are gluten free these are harder to come by. This embalance can causesome to feel jittery/high energy. The same thing happened to me when using their vitamins.
Ohhh makes sense! Thanks for clarifying Meg!
Hello, I just came across your blogs,they’re very informative thank you. I was wondering your thoughts on the smarty pants organics for toddlers and if you have any recommendations for organic multivitamins for toddlers. Thank you.
Hi Jenni! The Smarty Pants Organic vitamins for toddlers look good! I have added them to my list. But any of the vitamins on my list would work for toddlers — some may just have to have a lower dose depending on whether the vitamin is for ages 2+ or 4+. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you for this article! What about OLLY Kids Super Foods Multi-Vitamin Gummy Supplements? How would you rate those? https://www.amazon.com/Super-Foods-Multi-Vitamin-Gummy-Supplements/dp/B01A6ERQ6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1502203794&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=olly%2Bvitamins&th=1
Hi Courtney! Those vitamins actually look pretty good! I don’t love that they add sugar to them — but that’s the only ingredient that stands out as less-than-ideal — and at least it’s a small amount of sugar from natural sources. Hope that helps!
We use these mulit vitamins for my kiddos. Would these be okay? Thank you.
https://doterra.com/US/en/p/doterra-a2z-chewable
Hi Jessica! The doTerra vitamins aren’t bad, but there are a couple ingredients that I don’t love: 1) Stevia extract – while I’m ok with “Organic Stevia Leaf” as an ingredient since that’s a whole food, “stevia extract” is something I lump into the category of “fake sugar” – since just about anything can be included in the extract – it’s not as tightly regulated as organic stevia leaf. 2) Microcrystalline cellulose is a refined wood pulp used as an emulsifier for vitamins. It’s not harmful, but it is an ingredient I like to call out because it’s also not natural. It is hard to find the “perfect” vitamin though, as one of the vitamins on my list does include microcrystalline cellulose, and another has organic stevia leaf in it (but not stevia extract). Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you, that does help. 🙂
You are right, it is hard to find the perfect. I think for now as long as both my kiddos like them and are willing to eat them, we’ll keep them. I’ll keep your list saved though for future reference.
Makes sense Jessica! And yeah exactly – nothing is 100% perfect and the doTerra ones are definitely better than most of the vitamins on the market (like Flinstones, etc.)! Glad it was helpful!
How about yummy bears organics from whole foods? It says allergen, dairy, gluten, GMO n gelatin free.
Hi Aarthi! Great question! I didn’t know about this brand. So yes – Yummi Bears Organics Multivitamin and Yummy Bears Complete Multivitamin (not organic) are both good. The Yummy Bears Sugar Free Multivitamin isn’t great because it has gelatin in it, so it’s not veggie/vegan friendly. None of their multivitamins contain iron – so that’s something to consider if you’re looking for one that does have iron. But other than that they are a good brand! I’ll add them to the list in this post!
Hi, I realize that this is probaby not going to be a popular question but I’m at my wits end with trying to figure this out. Is there a gummy vitamin with iron that you recommend? My son has sensory processing issues and texture is a huge deal for him. He will NOT take anything but a gummy vitamin and his iron is low.
Hi Kelly! Hmm I actually haven’t found a gummy vitamin with iron that I like (yet!) But an alternative could be using the gummy vitamin in this post without iron, and then mixing the liquid iron supplement into his food or into something he drinks? Would that work do you think?
A gummy with iron can be found in zarbees children’s multivitamin plus iron (try target website)depending on your child’s age he could probably take it but the reviews about the taste are not so great. I guess because of the smell from iron. They are natural gluten and gelatin free.
Thanks for the rec! I found it on Amazon too! Here is the link – and I have added it to my list! 🙂 It’s ok if the taste isn’t that great because they don’t add any unnatural ingredients (which is probably why the taste is still not the best). But I’d rather have that than a gummy vitamin with a ton of additives in it!
Hello please try Vitamin friends Iron Gummies.
They are already on my list in this post! 🙂
Hello, do you think Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Gold-Children’s Multi-Vitamin is good? It says it’s vegan and contains xylitol?
Hi Michele! Yes it does look good! Xylitol is just a sugar alcohol, which, in small quantities is ok (it can be irritating to the digestive system for some people though). Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hello, thank you for this list! The Amazon listing makes it appear that prop 65 applies to this product… is this a mistake? If not, why is that not a concern? Thanks again!
Hi Emily! I saw the Prop 65 warning for Seeking Health (which is why I moved them down to the “Runners Up” section), but not for Nature’s Plus. Can you send it to me? Then I can look into it. Thanks!
If you have dogs, I would HIGHLY recommend not having anything in the house with Xylitol. It is highly toxic to dogs – even just a small amount could kill your dog.
That’s a great point Melanie! Even though xylitol isn’t really harmful to humans, it would be horrible if a dog accidentally ate a vitamin that had xylitol in it (that fell on the floor by accident!)
WHat do you think about Nordic Berries? It has 6g sugar per serving. None I have found has vitamin K so I thought I might do the kids amazing grass greens drink too but it has Stevia. It has vitamin K too.
Hi Britney! Nordic Berries actually has 8g sugar per serving, and for that reason I’m not a fan of them. 8g sugar is almost as much as one fun sized milky way bar! It’s like candy. For the Amazing Grass Greens Drink – it does have Stevia, which I don’t love giving to kids (it’s totally fine for adults). I’d probably recommend one of the other vitamins on my list – it’s not critical that a multivitamin has vitamin K in it. Vitamin K is important but it’s a fat soluble vitamin (so you definitely don’t want to take too much of it). We get it from food, and we produce it ourselves like Vitamin D – Vitamin K is made from certain bacteria in your gut. Vitamin K deficiency is extremely rare in the general healthy population; those who are deficient tend to have problems with gastrointestinal function or have taken medications known to interfere with its metabolism. That’s why, unless your pediatrician recommends it for your child, most kids don’t need Vitamin K supplementation. Hope that helps!
Hello Anjali what about vitane oral liquid growth and appetite tonic is it okay to give my 2.4year old?
Hi Ruth! I couldn’t get any information on what the additional ingredients are besides just the vitamins included. So I’d just check with your pediatrician to make sure they are comfortable with this for your child!
I have a 55 lb 8 year old who can swallow pills lik and a boss, but doesn’t really like the taste of gummies. Are there any vitamins he can swallow without tasting it?
Hi Annie! This one from Thorne Research comes in a capsule, and this one from Garden of Life is technically a chewable vitamin, but it’s not a gummy so it can also be swallowed whole. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
What about ChildLife Cod Liver Oil? We tried Nordic Naturals Omega 3 (that’s what I have taken for years) but it was not as effective for our child’s state of mind as ChildLife.
Hi! ChildLife Cod Liver Oil is a great option! I have added them to my list above. Thanks!
Hi i want to know what do you think about childlife liquid vitamin C ?
It’s good! No issues ingredients wise.
What vitamin should i give to my son? He is small and he is 7 kg for 8 mos.
Hi! For an infant under a year old, Rainbow Light can be mixed into any food or milk so it’s a good option, or Zarbee’s comes in liquid form so it’s easy to feed to babies.
Is the powder form of rainbow light the only one you recommend? What about the KidsOne with probiotics?
Hi Lisa! Do you mean this one? If so, most of the ingredients are good – but they use a lot of artificial flavors (masked as “natural pineapple flavor” for example) – which I don’t love. That’s the only reason I didn’t include them on my list!