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
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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!
thank for the details. really informative. MY son is 1 year old and his pediatrician is suggesting its ok to take supplements if baby is not eating complete meal. But did not clearly said how often. My son is a picky eater. And doctor has also suggested blood test for iron/hemoglobin level.
However there are multivitamins, vitamin D, pro and prebiotic, baby DHA. I am not sure what to give when and which quantity. I do not want to give something and disturb his very delicate system. One one hand I want to provide him everything good and on the other hand I feel what if I am unnecessary putting something which might increase chance of these rare diseases. I am really confused as all these sounds really good for the baby. should I give him all these everyday or once a week? there must be some vitamins in more than one supplements so how to deal with that?
Have you thought about this? how much these supplements helps vs damage/make dependant them?
your reply would be really appreciated.
thanks
Hi Pinali! Thanks so much for reaching out! As for quantities, if you follow the directions on the package of the vitamin for your son’s age, you don’t have to worry about giving him too much of any vitamin. It is ok to combine a multivitamin with a probiotic and with DHA. If he is taking a multivitamin, he doesn’t need additional Vitamin D. None of these vitamins are going to cause dependence, and they are all very gentle so they shouldn’t disrupt your baby’s digestion. If your baby isn’t eating well and your pediatrician suggested a multivitamin it’s probably a good idea to go ahead with one – and you should just your pediatrician the bottle before giving it to your baby to confirm that they are comfortable with it! For the multivitamin, you could try Rainbow Light or Honest Company since both are ok for babies under 2 years of age, and they both have iron in them. For DHA, I’d recommend Nordic Naturals and for a probiotic, you can use Garden of Life’s powdered probiotic! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
I have a 4 year old who’s absolutely refuses to eat most foods. She has sensory processing issues and will literally throw up if she eats something she doesn’t like. It’s been such a struggle. She does eat yogurt and a lot of fruits, but vegetables and meat (besides chicken) are a no-go. I worry about her not getting enough nutrients. Is it ok to give her something with iron, even though she hasn’t been tested for low iron? I asked a pharmacist about an iron supplement, and she said I shouldn’t give her one unless she has been diagnosed with low iron. I don’t want to poison her, but since she doesn’t eat greens or red meat, I assume she doesn’t get enough iron. Is it safe to give an iron supplement? Also, what is the best all around option for the pickiest kids in the entire world? Her lack of nutrients stresses me out and I’d love to find something to help her.
Hi Stephanie! I’m so sorry you’re dealing with such a picky eater – that can be so stressful! To your question about iron – I agree with your pharmacist – I’d recommend just getting her iron levels checked first, and then giving her a supplement if she does in fact have low iron. Otherwise there’s no need to give her additional iron if her iron levels aren’t low. For a good multivitamin for her – try Thorne Research or Children’s Best. They are both very complete in terms of the vitamins they offer. I also have some thoughts on additional things you can do – so I’ll send you an email with more info! Hope that helps!
Hi, thanks for the info. The childrens best complete multivitamin has stevia leaf extract, I thought you said to stay away from that. What do you thik?
Hi Matt! It depends on what the source of the stevia is. Organic stevia leaf extract is ok but I don’t like the more processed forms of stevia (eg Truvia, stevia in the raw etc). Hope that helps!
Have you ever reviewed Renzos picky eaters vitamins? Also, do you recommend cod liver oil or other omega 3 supplements for kids? Thanks!
Hi Adrienne! Yes I have looked at that brand – it’s not ideal because it has mannitol (a sugar alcohol that can be irritating to the digestive tract) and “natural flavors and colors” – which is really artificial flavors & colors. Some of the other supplements on my list are better ingredients wise! I do recommend one cod liver oil supplement and one Omega 3 supplement in this post — the cod liver oil I like is from ChildLife and the Omega 3 supplement I like is from Nordic Naturals. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Anjali,
Thank you so much for this post, it’s the best out there! Could you please recommend an Calcium supplement? I have a 3 year old and a 4 month old, and also what brain supplements you recommend for autistics children.
Kind Regards from Uk 🇬🇧
Mariana
Hi Mariana! I like this Calcium supplement from Childlife – you can use it from age 6 months onwards (I’d just wait until your 4 month old turns 6 months before you start using it for them). For autistic kids, I’m certainly not an expert but I have heard that Fish Oil is one of the supplements that can help along with a high quality multivitamin that has methylated B vitamins like super mini multi. But I’d talk to your pediatrician more (or an autism specialist) who can recommend the categories of supplements you need (e.g. a Vitamin D supplement or zinc supplement etc) — and then if you let me know types of supplements recommended I can give you the best brands to use! Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Anjali,
What are your thoughts on this one?
Yummi Bears Organics Complete Multi, 180 Gummy Bears. My son likes them and did not like the smarty pants organics that you recommended.
Thanks,
Pooja
Hi Pooja! Do you mean this Yummi Bears Organic vitamin? If so, the main reason I wouldn’t recommend them is that they’re quite high in sugar: 5g per serving is more than 1 tsp of sugar per serving – it would be the same as if you measured out 1.25 tsp sugar and just let your son eat it straight – which is a lot for a vitamin. There are lots of other options on my list that are lower in sugar, so maybe try one of those first? Hope that helps!
Hello thank you for the great article. What do you know about Nutrilite vitamins from Amway? Would like to hear some cons and pros. Also what would be a good alternative? Thanks!
Hi! Do you mean the Nutrilite Kids Chewable Vitamins? If so, unfortunately, these are really bad – probably as bad as Flinstones. They have sorbitol, mono and diglycerides, multiple sweeteners (both artificial and sugar added), gelatin, natural flavors from soy (which are really artificial flavors), etc. There is nothing redeeming about these vitamins – I wouldn’t recommend them at all. Any vitamin on my list would be a great alternative! Super Mini Multi or Zarbee’s or Children’s Best would be great places to start! Hope that helps!
I’m seeing varying levels of biotin in these multivitamins. My two-year-old and four-year-old currently take Zarbees complete toddler multivitamins where the biotin amount is 15 mcg. But it seems a lot of the multivitamins on this list have a higher biotin level: 50 mcg and up. And I’m getting conflicting daily allowances for that age group online for biotin. Just wondering your insight. Thanks!
Hi Susan! Great question! Depending on the age of the child, their RDA for biotin could be anywhere from 10-20mcg up to 3 yrs of age, 25mcg for 4-6 yrs, 30 mcg for 7-10 yrs, and 30-100mcg for over 10 yrs old. So for your 2 yr old the 15mcg is right, for your 4 yr old you need a bit more. But biotin is a water soluble vitamin, so getting a little more than that is generally fine. That said, if you’re concerned about the levels of biotin in a particular multivitamin, I’d recommend asking your pediatrician for their thoughts first, and if they tell you it’s too high of a dose you can always just give half of the vitamin to your child on a daily basis instead of the full amount! But definitely talk to your pediatrician and get their thoughts!
This is great! Thank you so much! My two year old is such an picky eater and will just go without eating if he doesn’t like what we are eating. This saved me to the time of researching each brand individually and I am very appreciative.
I’m so glad to hear that this post was helpful to you Amaanda!! Thank you for letting me know! 🙂
Hi Anjali, First off, thank you so very much for all that you have shared here. You are very humble, thorough and diligent at answering questions. I have 2 sons, age 14 and age 11 1/2. I wonder what you would recommend for them? They are very good eaters and both are vegetarian. They do consume eggs. I also sent you an email with more details on their health profile. My younger son, in the past (like maybe 2 years ago) tested on the lower side for iron, and I’ve had him on flinstones chewables for the last 2~3 years and just had him retested. His iron is in the normal range(14-80 ng/mL) and came back as 28 ng/mL.
should my sons take a multivitamin? if so, what might you recommend. My sons do take vitamin D3 2000 IU Kirkland brand every day as well as nordic natural fish oil every day. Since my sons do allergy shot (mostly for environmental allergies), I try to make sure they don’t forget to take D3 as it is supposed to help with the immune system and on allergy shot days the immune system could be compromised some for long term gain.
Thanks so much for everything!
Hi Rupal! Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad this post was helpful to you! I just saw your comment so will check my email in a little bit, but thought I’d reply here first. If your kids are good eaters they don’t necessarily need a multivitamin, especially if they are taking fish oil and vitamin D. If your main goal is immunity, you could just add a vitamin C supplement like this one from Solaray – as long as your kids can swallow pills. (or you could use a chewable vitamin C like this one from Olly Kids, or this one from MRM). For your 14 year old, you might want to ask his pediatrician if he’s old enough to just start taking a regular men’s multivitamin. If so, and if he’s comfortable swallowing pills, I’d recommend the Garden of Life Men’s multivitamin. For your younger son, I’d probably go with either Children’s Best or Thorne Research, since both are really comprehensive and contain iron (and are good for older kids). Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions and I will reply to your email as soon as I can!
Thank you so much, Anjali. I really appreciate your kind, thoughtful and compassionate advice.
No problem at all! So glad it’s helpful! 🙂
Hi Anjali, I’m wondering what your thoughts are about MaryRuths vitamins? I have to start my son on a liquid d3 k2 and there’s seem quite clean.
I’m also looking for a liquid iron. I prefer everything to be non gmo organic no sugar, additives, or anything really. Do you have a suggestion?
Thank you for you lovely blog,
Betty
Hi Betty! For MaryRuth – do you mean this one? If so, it’s great for a D3 supplement! But is obviously not a full multivitamin. For liquid iron, I like Nova Ferrum and Nature’s Nutra Easy Iron they both have the cleanest ingredients I could find (not perfect, but better than everything else I’ve come across!) Hope that helps! 🙂
Do you recommend a good multivitamin and probiotic combo? My son currently takes the Kids XFator by Plexus and it is a multivitamin and probiotic combo and it seems to work well. But if there is something else out there as good and more cost effective I would be willing to try it.
Hi Amanda! The Plexus vitamins are actually pretty good! But there are other options that are comparable but more affordable. They are: Zarbee’s, Smarty Pants, Olly Kids (but this one has gelatin so not veggie friendly), and Garden of Life. Hope that helps!
Hi, first and foremost thank you for this information. I am wondering what is your opinion about the Tropical Oasis vitamins/products. They have a children’s liquid vitamin that I am considering for my son. I feel like his diet is not as comprehensive as it could be. Although I try my very best. Most morning it’s a battle to get him to eat breakfast, he doesn’t like milk (I try to make up ofr that with yogurt and cheese). I am also not very confident that he is always eating his lunch at school. He is 12 (will be 13 in March). We are also dealing with some focusing issues as well. We will be starting Omega 3 supplements soon. I have ordered one from Nordic Naturals.
I am including the link for Tropical Oasis: https://tropicaloasis.com/collections/vitamins-minerals/products/childrens-premium-multiple-vitamin-with-minerals-16oz
Thank you
Hi Vanessa! Tropical Oasis actually looks great! It is sweetened with xylitol which is a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive issues in some kids – so that’s just something to keep in mind. But if your son doesn’t have any problems with it then it’s definitely a good option for him! Regarding milk – if he eats yogurt and cheese, that’s actually sufficient – it’ll give him the same nutrients as milk would. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
I have a newly turned two year old who is mostly breastfed and drinks pediasure. Watermelon and bananas. What is the best chewable ( so I can crush it ) for him that will cover everything he is missing?
Hi Nick! Have you talked to your pediatrician about this? For a 2 year old, this is an extremely limited diet, and I don’t know that any vitamin would truly cover all of the nutrients he’s missing. That said, a comprehensive vitamin with iron is probably your best bet like Children’s Best, Rainbow Light, Super Mini Multi, or Bluebonnet (but just check the dosing instructions to make sure they are appropriate for a 2 year old). I’d also talk to your pediatrician about maybe cutting back on the liquids (milk/pediasure) and starting to introduce more solid foods so that he can get more whole food nutrition! Especially because pediasure is literally just liquid sugar – the first few ingredients on the list are: Water, Corn Maltodextrin (which is a high glycemic additive), Sugar, Blend of Vegetable Oils (Canola, Corn) – and these oils aren’t the best fats, Milk Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate (isolated soy protein can mess with hormones), Nonfat Milk – none of which I’d really want any child consuming on a regular basis. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
I have recently been educated in the fact that no vitamin is verified unless it has a USP symbol/stamp. Could you update this with the best vitamin choices that are USP certified? That would be so helpful. Thank you!
Hi Chandra! That’s not necessarily true actually. The USP certified stamp is limited to a very small list of products and even a smaller list of brands (which you can see here) – and none of those products are kids vitamins. Also most of the brands on their list do not use clean ingredients. But any vitamin sold in the US has to pass the FDA’s “current Good Manufacturing Practice” (cGMP) regulations requiring that manufacturers evaluate their products through testing identity, purity, strength, and composition. Which should apply to all of the vitamins on this list!
Hi,
I would love to know what supplement, in tablet form, you would recommend for my 6 year old vegetarian twin boys which contains both multivitamins and iron. I want to be sure they are getting the correct amount of iron – 10mg per day, etc. I have looked closely at your list but would love your advice please
Hi! Regarding iron in multivitamins for kids, the only one I’ve found with 10mg per day is Super Mini Multi, so that would be my recommendation for you! 🙂 Hope that helps!