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!
Do you have any recommendations for a kid friendly B complex vitamin?
Hi Maggie! Yes absolutely – I like this one from Mega Food. Hope that helps!
Hi, I need to put my child on a magnesium supplement for tics what brand would you recommend?
Hi Kelly! I have heard that this topical magnesium is actually really great for kids. Hope that helps! Let me know how it works for your child!
Hi, Anjali –
I’m a nurse practitioner and focus a lot on nutrition (largely whole foods) and supplementation with my patients.
I’m a bit confused by the focus of having iron in children’s vitamins (or adult vitamins, for that matter, aside from individuals with anemia or pregnant women). Iron is a pro-oxidant – it literally causes inflammation in the body by increasing free radicals, thus increasing the risk of multiple inflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular diseases just for starters (that’s among the reasons why you won’t find iron in most supplements targeted towards people over age 50 or specifically in “men’s” vitamins). PLUS, iron causes constipation, which is often a struggle for kids who are picky eaters to start with.
If we make sure to give kids anti-oxidants in the form of vitamins C and E and also via omega-3’s to counteract free-radicals, I’m not sure why we’d want to supplement children with iron unless their hemoglobin has tested low at their physician/primary care provider’s office.
Can you give me your insights or opinions regarding this?
Hi Mandy! Great questions – here are my thoughts: 1) In general I don’t think kids need an iron supplement unless they are picky eaters, vegetarian/vegan and have tested low for iron – I agree with you there! 2) Re: iron in children’s vitamins – I can see a need for it in cases when kids do need supplementation. But the iron in all of the vitamins I recommend is actually less than 100% daily value for a kid, so even with supplementation it shouldn’t cause major GI issues or inflammation. 3) Iron isn’t constipating if it comes from whole food sources – but yes I agree with your point about some vitamins having iron that is constipating. Let me know if you have any other questions or thoughts! Thanks again!
I see Nature’s Plus Animal Parade on the safe list. I am just concerned about the lead content of these multivitamins since I have read from FDA’s website about the lead content of kids’ and prenatal multivitamins.
https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborneillnesscontaminants/metals/ucm115941.htm
Any thoughts on this issue?
Hi! Thanks for reaching out about this – the link you sent was from 10 years ago – is that correct? Additionally, it looks like all of the vitamins were well below the daily limit of lead (even for kids aged 0-6 years). Both of these make me not very concerned about this study – since lead and other heavy metals are in everything in tiny amounts — and I would guess that Nature’s Plus has made changes to their vitamins, formulations and production process in the past 10 years. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
I have taken a look at the different ingredients and I am really shocked that a vitamin company would add corn syrup to a vitamin for children. A little honey or natural sugar is really not bad for kids because kids are usually active if they are not glued to a screen all day. I am surprised by some of the other ingredients. Thanks for taking the time to research. It’s so important to read labels!
Thanks Rose! I completely agree – it’s crazy what food companies will hide in their products to make them taste better or be more “addictive.” I’m so glad you found this post helpful!
Have you looked at koala pals vitamins? I’m curious to see what you think of them. I have not tried them, but am currently on the hunt for a good vitamin for my little man who is 2. We are not vegetarian, so glucose is fine. Here is the link to the label: https://www.melaleuca.com/ProductStore/Product?sku=499
Hi Christina! Koala Pals looks good to me! I couldn’t see how much sugar there was per serving, but other than that it looked great. Hope that helps!
Have you checked into Smarty Pants? Since this is over a year old. I was curious what your 2018 picks are?
Hi Trisha! I actually update this post monthly, even though the original post was done in 2017, I have updated it frequently since then! Smarty Pants is good – the only reason I don’t love it because it’s not vegetarian friendly (it has gelatin in it). I like the Smarty Pants vitamins with fish oil & fiber. It does have sugar added but it’s only 2g per serving which isn’t bad at all. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi there! I came across your blog – you are SO helpful. Thank you. 🙂 My son is 6 and a half and definitely on the small side. He is growing, but slow and steady. I was always the smallest one in my class and now, as an adult I am barely 5″2, my husband is 5″9, so we are certainly not big people. 🙂 My concern is that he’s not getting enough calcium, as he does not really eat any dairy. He stopped drinking milk completely at around 4 years old and does not like pizza or mac and cheese any longer either. He eats spinach almost everyday and broccoli a few times a week; I do plan to up the broccoli. That being said, is there a vitamin you would recommend for him? I prefer organic, but would do non gmo, as well. He takes a daily organic probiotic but he does not take a multivitamin (yet). I am curious what you would recommend for him. We are not vegan or vegetarian. Thank you in advance, I really look forward to hearing your feedback. 🙂
https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/lil-critters-calcium-with-vitamin-d-dietary-supplement-gummy-bears/ID=prod6063819-product?ext=gooIncremental_April_Owned_Brand_PLA&pla&adtype=pla&kpid=sku6058811&sst=8cbf6822-cd51-4473-aa0e-cb6f101181d9
would you recommend these?
Hi Marni! These are fine, but they’re pretty limited in what they offer (only a couple vitamins) and they still only have 25% of the daily value of calcium, which is equivalent to this vitamin’s calcium amount, but this vitamin is a lot more holistic in terms of what it offers. So I’d go with the Rainbow Light one!
Hi Everyone,
Has anyone tried the SmartyPants Organic Vegetarian Children’s gummies yet?
Hi Tanisha! I haven’t tried it personally, but looking at the ingredients it’s pretty good – it’s a little higher in sugar than I’d like for a vitamin (4g per serving – which is 1 tsp added sugar per day) – but the rest of the ingredients and the vitamins look good! I wouldn’t use that as my main source of probiotics or DHA for kids though – I’d still supplement with both if that’s what you’re looking for because the DHA/probiotics are really limited and not from the best sources in that vitamin. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Marni! Thanks for reaching out to me! It sounds like you’re looking for a vitamin that’s high in calcium and well rounded for your son? Most kids vitamins don’t actually have a ton of calcium added – I think because they assume kids are drinking lots of milk. That said, this vitamin has the highest amount of calcium per serving that I’ve seen – it’s still only about 20% of the daily recommended value but better than nothing!
What probiotics would you recommend for a 11 year old boy? Also, iron? He has low ferritin, reflux.
Thank you.
Hi Karie! I’d recommend the same probiotics for an 11 year old as for a younger child – the Garden of Life chewable probiotic is perfect. Similarly, the iron only supplement I list in the post will work for an 11 year old too, since it has 15mg per dose and most 11 year olds only need about 8mg a day. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Karie,
Which multivitamin did you decide to give your son? My 9-year-old son has GERD (a reflux disease). I’m having a difficult time finding a multivitamin that doesn’t aggravate his reflux/stomach issues. Which multivitamin (& other supplements) are working well with your son’s situation? Thank you for any helpful info.
If anyone else has any helpful info to provide, thank you as well.
Thanks for reaching out Melissa! I hope Karie sees this comment and gets back to you! 🙂
Hello! Could you please tell me if any of the other ingredients in flintstones gummies complete, besides gelatin (making it non vegan), are bad? Any info would be great.
Thanks
Hi Chris! Actually Flinstones Gummies Complete have a decent ingredients list other than the gelatin like you pointed out. The only thing is they have a little more sugar than I’d like to see in a vitamin (4g for kids over 4 – which is 1 tsp – which is a lot for a vitamin). Other than that though, they are ok!
I have been using whole food vitamins since my kids were old enough to take them thinking that this would be the healthiest way to get the nutrients. I’ve seen some lab tests on vitamins and seems a lot have heavy metals too. Is there a brand that has clean ingredients that has also been independently laboratory tested to be free of heavy metals?
Hi! I’m so sorry but I don’t have a great answer to this question. I haven’t seen any independent lab tests on the vitamins listed in this post or on most kids vitamins to be honest. In general, organic vitamins will be more free of heavy metals vs. non-organic vitamins, but that’s the only guidance I can give you!
Have you seen Kirkmans? They test for over 950 contaminants including heavy metals. what is your take on these kids chewables from kirkmans?
These look pretty good! They do have gelatin and it doesn’t look like they have the methylated form of B vitamins (so not good for MTHFR issues) but other than that their ingredients list is pretty clean!
Hello! What iron supplement do you recommend for children over 4 years of age?
Hi Stacy! It depends on how old your child is. Kids aged 4-8 years need 10mg iron per day and kids aged 9-13 years need 8mg iron per day. For kids older than that, teen boys need 11mg iron per day, teen girls need 15mg iron per day. That includes iron from foods. So you can actually use this pediatric iron supplement for all aged kids since one dose has 15mg iron in it. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hello,
I got Sanostol multivitamin syrup (Takeda) Kinder from Germany, it has a sugar in it doesn’t say how much. Can you tell me if these vitamins are good and safe. It seems to me they’re very popular in Europe. Thank you
Hi Anna! I couldn’t find an ingredients label / nutritional info panel in English for this vitamin online. If you have a translated label that you can send me I’d be happy to take a look! Thanks!
Active ingredient concentration:
100 ml: retinol palmitate 13.2 mg (24000 Vit A), colecalciferol 0.05 mg (2000 Vit D3), thiamine chloride hydrochloride 20 mg (Vit B1), riboflavin phosphate sodium 20 mg (Vit B2), pyridoxine hydrochloride 10 mg (Vit B6), ascorbic acid 1000 mg (Vit C), all-rac alpha-tocopherol acetate 20 mg (Vit E), nicotinamide 100 mg , Dexpanthenol 40 mg
asking the same question regarding this vitamin and is it safe to give to my one year old? On the labeling it says it is so but I am having an issue regarding this since my German cousin swears by this and my ped prescribed MultiVitamin with fluoride
https://www.rxlist.com/poly-vi-flor-drug.htm#description
and is this multivitamin prescribed OK? I don’t see what filler it has.
Hi Azadeh! Can you actually send me the list of non-active ingredients? The active ingredients are just going to be the vitamins included in the tablet, but the inactive ingredients are often where the “bad” stuff can hide (e.g. artificial colors, sugar, etc). The other vitamin you sent me (Poly Vi Flor) has caramel color – artificial colors and artificial flavors added so I wouldn’t recommend it. You can see those listed in the “other ingredients” section in the link you sent me. I hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you. Yes. This was extremely helpful.
Oh great I’m so glad! 🙂
Can you please recommend a good tasting vitamin that’s soft as well? So, as an example you listed Zarbees but one of the complaints was that they were too hard for a toddler. Just wondering if you have any leads on one suitable one for a three year old.
Hi Sam! I’m surprised Zarbee’s is too hard for a 3 year old to chew – since they are gummies I just assumed they’d be easy. The other chewable vitamins on this list should all be appropriate for a toddler to chew since none of them are tougher than say, an apple with skin or raw veggies. But if your toddler has trouble chewing I’d recommend either one of the liquid or powdered vitamins on the list! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Great article and insight. I have used Garden of Life and and Natures Plus for my children. I have been pleased with both and they rarely get sick…. can’t attribute it to the vitamins only as they eat a very healthy diet. I am still always searching for more options and came across Naturelo Chewable Multivitamin for Children. What’s your take on that one?
I also agree with you on the Nordic Naturals….I have been giving my children for about 10 years now.
Thanks!
Thanks so much Kim! Regarding Naturelo’s vitamins – they look good except I don’t love that they are sweetened with Stevia – but other than that they look ok to me!
Hi there! What about rainbow light kids one chewable? It looks like it’s over 100 percent daily value for vitamin a? I want a chewable vitamin with some iron for my 3 year old. I used to use the rainbow light powder but I can’t rely on sneaking it into something every day. What I do like about flintstones toddler chewables is that theyre formulated for her age.
https://www.rainbowlight.com/our-product/children-teen-health/kids-one-chewable-multivitamin.html#popup_product_supplefacts
Hi Erin! The Rainbow Light Kids One Chewable is a great option for kids aged 4 and up. But yes, for a 3 year old it would contain too much Vitamin A. What you can do is just break the tablet in half and give her half a chewable pill each day. There are 5 kids vitamins that contain iron that I’d recommend, but the two chewable ones (Nature’s Plus and Seeking Health are formulated for kids 4 and up (although Nature’s Plus says their vitamin can be used for any child who can chew). What I’d recommend is just buying a pill cutter and cutting the vitamins in half so that your daughter can have half of a vitamin each day! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Anjali! Firstly, I absolutely adore your blog and the baby recipes are great. Kindly advise on the best multivitamin suitable for a 10 year old?
Hi Melissa! Thanks so much I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying my blog! For a 10 year old, you can use any of the vitamins on my list that are for kids aged 4 and up 🙂