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!
What if your child has sensory processing issues. I’ve found a few supplements designed for children with SPD but the values are high and I’m weary of giving my son high amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Hi Steph! I have heard that B12 is a helpful vitamin to take for kids with sensory processing issues, which might be why the values you’ve found are high in the supplements you’ve seen for kids with SPD. I would ask your pediatrician if the high amounts of vitamins in the supplements you’ve found would be beneficial for your son specifically and go with their advice. If you’re looking for just a high quality, all around vitamin that would bridge any gaps in his nutrition, I’d recommend either Raise Them Well or First Day which are both really comprehensive, but not “overdosing” vitamins. Hope that helps!
Many of the vitamins you list have natural flavors in them, which according to my research are jus as bad as artificial flavors. Thoughts?
Hi! Natural flavors are complicated – sometimes they are just as bad as artificial flavors, sometimes they are derived from essential oils or more natural sources. The companies on my list who use natural flavors, for the most part, have verified that they are truly from natural sources. But I agree with you that in general, without that information, natural flavors may be just like artificial flavors. But if you are concerned about a particular brand you should feel free to contact them yourself to make sure their source of natural flavors is something you are comfortable with!
Hi Anjali
Hope you are doing good!!
For a Multi Vitamin with Iron, I have been using Raise them well for my 4 yr and Bluebonnet for my 2 yr old. Just by looking at the details on the label- whole food etc., I have been thinking using Bluebonnet for both. Have you done any comparison between Bluebonnet, Children’s best and Raise them well and does anyone have an edge over other?
Hi Rakesh! You could certainly use Bluebonnet for both. When it comes to comparing the 3, here are my thoughts:
– Children’s Best is the most comprehensive of the 3 vitamins based on the vitamins listed on the label (has the most # of vitamins & nutrients). The downsides are that it doesn’t use methylated B vitamins (if you are in need of that), and it is sweetened with stevia extract
– Raise Them Well has the next highest # of vitamins from a comprehensiveness standpoint. It also has methylated B vitamins. It uses monk fruit to sweeten which I prefer over Stevia personally.
– Bluebonnet has the least # of vitamins (1-2 less than Raise Them Well), but it also uses methylated B vitamins. It also is not sweetened with stevia or monk fruit and is low in added sugar.
All 3 are good options, I would honestly pick the one that has the vitamins you value the most (e.g. methylated Bs, or certain amounts of vitamins since they all contain different quantities of the same vitamins — for example, Raise Them Well has more iron than Bluebonnet or Children’s Best). Hope that helps!
I am having a tough time giving my 15 month old multivitamins as he is extremely picky and will not take any drops. I was considering Renzo’s melty tabs multivitamin as my baby does like dissolving tabs. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XXQNYXG/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza
What are your thoughts on this product? Thank You.
Hi Amit! Renzo’s vitamins is not bad! My main issue with them is they contain sugar alcohols (which can be irritating to certain kids’ digestive systems), and monk fruit extract (which is a sugar substitute). Also – the Renzo’s tabs are made for kids aged 2+ so they wouldn’t be a good option for your 15 month old. Have you tried mixing his liquid vitamin into food or drinks he likes? This liquid vitamin from Garden of Life is great for kids aged 1-3 and is tasteless so it can be mixed into food very easily. That’s what I’d recommend trying! Hope that helps!
Hello! My name is Ale and my daughter is about to turn 7. Por the past few years…maybe 2…she’s become a very picky eater. She eats fruits and veggies….but im worrried she doesnt eat enough. Because I am sure she doesnt. Also, she refuses to eat any type of meat!!
I think I need more than just vitamis…what can I do???
My pediatrician reccomends I push meat but ive tried…. and no succes. And I wont force her. Maybe she is meant to be a vegetarian… and I am happy for her! But I dont want her to be deficient…
Tgank you!
Hi! It’s very possible for your daughter to get all the nutrients she needs from plant based foods and dairy. If your daughter won’t eat meat, but she will drink milk / eat cheese, yogurt, eggs, etc. that is typically ok (unless she has other health issues that require meat as part of her diet). I am raising both of my kids vegetarian — so they eat fruits, veggies, grains, beans/lentils, all dairy products, eggs, healthy fats, etc. and they aren’t deficient in any nutrients based on their pediatrician’s appointments. The most important thing is that your daughter is eating balanced meals and a large variety of foods. You can also give her FirstDay vitamins which are meant to supplement the gaps in a child’s diet from a vitamins standpoint. Is there a reason your pediatrician recommends your daughter eat meat? Is she growing well / gaining weight appropriately / etc? I would ask your pediatrician whether they feel comfortable with your daughter following a balanced vegetarian diet that includes dairy, beans/lentils and eggs as the primary protein sources. Happy to help in any way I can as well!
Hi! My son is 2 and autistic. I’m currently using Baby Multi & DHA but he can tell if it’s in his milk or water. He’s extremely picky and refuses to take juice or have anything sweet. So I have to force the vitamin which isn’t pleasant for either of us. I occasionally switch to Zarbees multivitamin with iron baby but the iron makes him constipated. So he won’t take any gummy or chewable and I’m left with liquid forms. The issue I’m having is that these are baby formulas and he’s 2.5 years old. He also has a milk sensitivity. I’m looking for vitamins and minerals in a liquid form with quality ingredients and he could have a parent with the MTHFR gene.
Hi Catherine! I’d recommend this liquid multivitamin from Garden of Life which can be used through Age 3. Once your son turns 4 you can switch to Premium Children’s. Before starting a new vitamin though I would make sure to talk with his pediatrician and make sure the vitamins I recommended for both ages (until he’s 4 and after age 4) work for him given his health history. Hope that helps!
Hi
Do kids aged 4years need probiotics everyday?
Thank you
Hi! It’s not 100% necessary, but more of a “nice to have.” Personally, I give both of my kids probiotics every day because it helps support immunity! So it’s really up to you!
Hi Anjali,
I give my kids both the First Day multivitamin and the Smarty Pants Magnesium daily, but wondering if it’s okay to also do the calming magnesium balm for night time in conjunction with the two vitamins? My 8-year-old sometimes as trouble falling asleep and may take him a bit to do so, just curious if safe to add the extra magnesium balm on top of the smarty pants one.
Thanks,
Tina
Hi Tina! Great question. The recommended amount of magnesium daily is different depending on the age of your child. From the ages of 4 to 8 the RDA for magnesium is 130 mg/day; Ages 9 – 13 need 240 mg/day. The Smarty Pants Magnesium contains 250mg for 2 soft chews, so if you are giving your son only 1 soft chew he’s getting 125mg magnesium already (which is very close to the 130mg RDA). I think you might end up double dosing him if you give him the balm — but I’m not clear on how much of the balm actually gets absorbed into the body from a “mg” perspective. I would ask your pediatrician whether using the balm in conjunction with the supplement is too much magnesium based on how much your peds thinks the magnesium oil in the balm gets absorbed into the body.
Hello! My kids (age 3 1/2 & 5 years old) always seem to struggle with hard stools/constipation. They are pretty good eater but wondering if there’s a supplement I should be adding to their diet. They are already taking a multivitamin- I usually go between the brands olly, zarbees or lil critters organics. Thanks.
Hi Whitney! If your kids are already eating a good amount of fruits and vegetables at every meal (e.g. 1 serving of a high fiber fruit like apples/pears/oranges/berries/stone fruits at breakfast, 1-2 servings of veggies at lunch, and 1-2 servings of veggies at dinner) – and aren’t eating any white grains / refined grains – then I would agree their diet isn’t a problem! In that case, it might just be that they aren’t getting enough water to accompany the fiber they are eating, which will cause hard stools. So first, I’d just make sure they aren’t eating any constipating foods ever – so no white grains (rice, pasta, bread) – whole wheat or sprouted wheat only, no processed / packaged foods, and no super starchy foods like bananas. Then I’d make sure they’re getting a lot of water throughout the day. If their stools are still hard I’d actually recommend giving them these baby prunes – which should help soften their stool to help them go. And if that doesn’t work, you can use this gentle magnesium supplement which also helps to soften stools and is made especially for kids!
I have a very 22 month old picky eater. What vitamins would help him have a appetite and help him grow?
Hi Edith! Unfortunately there are no vitamins or supplements I’ve seen that have been proven to increase appetites / increase growth in toddlers. Growth during that age is primarily a function of macro nutrients: proteins, complex carbs and healthy fats. But you can supplement the gaps in his nutrition by using a vitamin, which will help with making sure he’s getting most of the vitamins/minerals he needs. I’d recommend the Smarty Pants Toddler Multivitamin which is very comprehensive and can be used starting at age 2. For growth I would just try as hard as you can to get a variety of proteins/fats/complex carbs into his diet. I’m happy to chat with you in more detail about what that might look like for your son through my 1:1 coaching program! Feel free to email me at pickyeats@gmail.com if you’re interested in learning more about that!
Hi my name is Felicia I’m trying to find a vitamin good for my son he’s turning 4 years old this week he’s been On Poly-Vi-Sol with iron liquid since he’s been one now I want to switch him to something different because he’s a little bit older for that vitamin and it’s not going to support him anymore A little while ago back I tried starting him on a gummy bear vitamins Flintstones actually he’s not a fan of Gummy vitamins he doesn’t like the texture of it that’s why I would give him liquid so what would you think would be a good vitamin for him and a good source of vitamin C for immunity should I give him some thing with iron or without iron? Please help thank u
Hi Felicia! If you are looking for a good multivitamin with iron, I’d recommend Raise Them Well. I don’t know of any liquid multivitamins that contain iron, unfortunately, so if you’re looking for a liquid vitamin and still want to supplement with iron I’d recommend: Premium Children’s and then Nature’s Nutra for iron if you need to add it in. For Vitamin C, I like this liquid vitamin C from ChildLife. As for whether he needs iron or not, I would ask your pediatrician! Hope that helps!
My son has mthfr. We’ve been taking klaire labs per his dr but I’m wondering if it makes him more hyper/impulsive. I would wonder if he can’t tolerate the methyls. What do you think of seeking health minus one?
Hi Crystal! Seeking Health Minus One looks like it has good ingredients and should be a good option for your son if he can’t tolerate methyls! I think seeking health had a Prop 65 warning a year or so ago, but that might be gone now – so I’d just double check on that. I saw your other comment about Klaire Labs too (and why I’d recommend it if A and E are over 100%). The main reason I recommend it is because it has good ingredients and you can always give your child half the dose or less if needed to balance the fact that it has over 100% of some of the vitamins. Hope that helps!
hi anjali,
My baby is 3 years old now, i Knowing that for all this time he was taking multivitamins well baby Knowing that for all this time he was taking formula milk about 800 ml every day.. I am worried because I have read that it causes harm. What is the harm that can happen and how can I be sure he’s ok?
Hi! I’d be happy to help but I think I need more clarity on what you’re worried about. Are you worried that you were giving him a multivitamin along with infant formula when he was a baby (0-12 months?) Or are you worried about him taking a multivitamin now? Let me know and I’ll try to help!
Hi I have two boys, 13 and 8, they are both delayed in height/weight. What vitamins would be good for them to help gain weight and make sure there’s no nutritional gaps? 13 year old is lactose intolerant and they’re both picky with food and have high cholesterol. 8 year old has dyslexia and suffers from constipation too-if that helps at all. Any recommendations would be awesome! Thank you!
Hi Kristi! Unfortunately there are no vitamins that actually help kids gain weight since weight gain is related to calories/fat/protein intake from foods (and not vitamins). Vitamins will help to supplement the nutritional gaps in food if they are pickier eaters though, so while it won’t help them gain weight necessarily, it will help fill nutrient gaps in their diet. For your 13 year old, I would ask your pediatrician if he can start taking adult multivitamins. If he can, I’d’ recommend Performance Lab’s Multivitamin for Men. If your pediatrician wants him to stick to a kids vitamin, I’d recommend Raise Them Well (if you need one with iron) or FirstDay (if you need one without iron). Your 8 year old can take Raise Them Well or First Day as well! For high cholesterol, I’d consult your pediatrician. For constipation, you can use MagGo which provides natural constipation relief! Before you start any of these supplements, make sure to let your pediatrician know so they can make sure there aren’t any other things to consider given your kids other health conditions. Hope that helps!
Hi Anjali,
I saw Llama probiotic gummies listed as an option on your blog. Did you remove that? I don’t see it and if you did remove what was the reason? I purchased one bottle of Llama probiotic as per your recommendation for my 4 yr and 3 yr olds and although they loved the taste, it constipated them. The garden of life powder was way better but it was hard for me to get my 4yr old picky eater to take that with his milk. Any suggestions for me? My kids take First Day multivitamin right now.
Hi Priscilla! I didn’t remove it! But you are thinking of a different post 🙂 It’s listed right here: https://pickyeaterblog.com/the-5-best-probiotics-for-kids/
But if that constipated your kids then I would stick to the garden of life powder! I’d try mixing it into a smoothie or into his food instead and see if that works! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you. I got confused because this page and the linked page you sent both talks about kid’s probiotics. :).
Oh! Thanks for pointing that out! I didn’t realize it wasn’t listed here as well. I just updated this post so it’s consistent!
Hi Anjali,
I wanted to start giving my 5 and 8-year-old kiddos magnesium on top of their daily vitamins. Any brand you recommend that’s safe and is it okay to give? They both take First Day multi vitamins.
Thanks!
Tina
Hi Tina! It depends on what you’re using the magnesium for. There are a few options I like:
1) General Magnesium just for supplementation — combined with calcium/etc. for better absorption – I like this one from SmartyPants
2) Magnesium to help kids calm down and aid in sleep – I like this magnesium balm from Raise Them Well
3) Magnesium to help with digestion/constipation — I like this one from Raise Them Well
Hope that helps!
Can #1 give similar benefits to #2? Do you recommend one over the other?
Thanks!
Tina
If you’re looking for help with sleep and remaining calm, I’d use #2. #1 might have a similar effect but isn’t designed specifically for sleep/calm — #1 is more for better energy, strong bones, healthy muscle function, etc. So if you’re looking for sleep/calm specifically I’d go with #2! Hope that helps!
Sorry one more question -can I still give my kiddos the #1 option even if they take the First Day multi vitamins or is the smarty pants magnesium vitamin replace that? Thanks!
Hi! You wouldn’t replace FirstDay with Smarty Pants — you’d give them both together if you went with option 1! They both include totally different vitamins and have a very small overlap that don’t add up to 100% RDA so it’s totally fine to give both at the same time.
Hi Anjali!
I tried giving my 5-year-old daughter the Smartypants magnesium mineral vitamins and she hates the taste! Any powdered ones or other better tasting ones you recommend? Btw my 8-year-old son is totally fine taking them lol.
Thanks!
Tina
Hi Tina! Haha no worries – this is a powdered option that is tasteless so it should work well for her!