Best Multivitamins For Kids (2026 Guide)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.Looking for the best multivitamin for your child? After testing over 50 brands as a health coach and nutritionist, I narrowed it down to the top 10 and my best overall pick. Here’s everything I learned about choosing safe, effective vitamins for kids, including what to look for, what to avoid, which vitamins I use for my own kids, and how to know if your child needs vitamins as part of their daily routine.
My Journey Finding the Right Vitamins For My Kids
When my daughter turned 5, she went through a picky phase where she started really limiting the fruits & veggies she wanted to eat, and I started worrying she wasn’t getting enough nutrients.
I asked her pediatrician about multivitamins, and she told me something that surprised me: most healthy kids don’t actually need them. Kids eating a reasonably balanced diet get all the vitamins and minerals they need from food, even picky eaters.
But she also said a multivitamin acts like insurance. It fills nutritional gaps on days when your child refuses anything green. For extremely picky eaters, kids on restrictive diets (vegan, vegetarian, or due to allergies), or kids with certain medical conditions, a multivitamin can be genuinely important.
Because we are fully plant-based, and to supplement my kids’ pickiest phases, I decided to give both kids a daily multivitamin once they turned 5. But I spent months researching to find vitamins that were actually clean and effective rather than glorified candy.
What I discovered shocked me. Many popular kids vitamins have as much sugar as candy, contain artificial dyes, use cheap synthetic vitamins that kids can’t absorb well, and aren’t third-party tested for heavy metals or contaminants. I realized I couldn’t just grab any vitamin off the shelf.
Which is why I got to work – I tested over 50 different brands with both of my kids and tried them myself. I also looked at ingredient quality, third-party testing, how much sugar they contained, whether my kids would actually take them, and if they provided comprehensive nutrition. This guide shares everything I learned.
Table of Contents
hide
Kids Multivitamins: My Top Picks
Before I dive into my detailed list of the best children’s vitamins, here are my quick picks!
- Best Overall: Hiya Vitamins
- Best Gummy: Smarty Pants
- Best Infant: Wellements Organic Multivitamin Drops
- Best For Toddlers / Best Liquid: Mary Ruth’s Toddler Drops, Mary Ruth’s Kids Drops
- Best With Iron: Raise Them Well
- Best Without Iron: Hiya Vitamins
- Best For Picky Eaters: Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi
- Best Vegan: Llama Naturals
- Best Organic: First Day
- Best Budget Friendly: Olly (Best Mid-Range Price: Zarbee’s)
Disclaimer
As a board-certified health coach and certified nutritionist, I only recommend supplements rooted in science and evidence. The FDA doesn’t review dietary supplements before they go to market, so I prioritize products that are third-party tested by USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com. This post has also been medically reviewed and fact checked by Linzy Ziegelbaum, MS, RD, CDN (see my about page for more info about Linzy).
Important: Large doses of vitamins can be harmful to children. Always speak with your pediatrician before adding any supplement to your child’s diet. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Though I may receive a commission through affiliate links, I only recommend products I’ve researched thoroughly, consulted experts on, and feel comfortable giving to my kids.
Do Kids Actually Need Multivitamins?
Here’s the honest answer: probably not, but maybe yes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that healthy children eating a normal, well-balanced diet generally don’t need vitamin supplementation. Kids can get all necessary nutrients from whole foods.
But here’s where it gets nuanced. Your child might benefit from a multivitamin if they:
- Are extremely picky eaters who refuse entire food groups
- Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
- Have food allergies that limit their diet
- Have been diagnosed with a medical condition affecting nutrient absorption
- Are not growing well according to growth charts
- Have been diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency by their doctor
Even if your child doesn’t fit these categories, a multivitamin can act as nutritional insurance for those days when they refuse everything except goldfish crackers and apple slices.
I give vitamins to both my kids not because they desperately need them, but because it gives me peace of mind knowing they’re covered on days when they barely eat any vegetables. My kids’ pediatrician approved this approach.
How I Tested Kids Vitamins: My Process
I tested over 50 vitamin brands with both of my kids over several months. Here’s how I evaluated each one:
Testing Protocol:
- Research phase: I reviewed ingredient lists, checked for third-party testing certifications, and compared nutritional profiles
- Taste testing: Both kids tried each vitamin and rated whether they’d actually take it daily
- Observation period: I gave each vitamin for 2 weeks and watched for any digestive issues or reactions
- Expert consultation: I discussed my findings with Linzy Ziegelbaum (MS, RD, CDN) to verify my assessments
My Non-Negotiables:
- Third-party tested (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab, or Clean Label Project)
- No artificial colors or flavors
- 4 grams of added sugar or less
- Comprehensive nutrition (at least 10+ essential vitamins and minerals)
Deal-Breakers:
- Synthetic dyes (Red #40, Yellow #6, Blue #2)
- High sugar content (5+ grams)
- No third-party testing
- Kids refused to eat it
The vitamins recommended in this guide passed all my tests and are ones I actually give to my own children or would feel comfortable recommending to friends.
Top Kids Multivitamins Compared
Here’s my ranking of how the leading brands stack up across the most important factors:
| Brand | # of Nutrients | Sugar per Serving | Form Factor | 3rd Party Tested | Organic? | Price / Serving | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiya | 15+ | 0g | Chewable tablet | ✓ (Clean Label) | ✗ Contains organic ingredients | $1.00 | 2 yrs+ |
| Smarty Pants Kids | 14 | 4g | Gummy | ✓ (Clean Label) | ✓ | $0.99 | 4 yrs+ |
| Zarbee’s | 13 | 2g | Gummy | ✗ | ✗ | $0.49 | 2 yrs+ |
| Welle-ments | 10 | 0g | Liquid | ✓ | ✓ | $0.49 | 2 months+ |
| Mary Ruth’s | 12 | 0g | Gummy or Liquid Option | ✓ (Clean Label) | ✓ | $1.00 | 1 yrs+ (different products by age) |
| Raise Them Well | 20 | 0g | Chewable tablet | ✓ | ✗ | $0.73 | 4 yrs+ |
| Renzo’s Picky Eater | 18 | 0g | Melty tab | ✗ | ✗ | $0.83 | 2 yrs+ |
| First Day | 9 | 2g | Gummy | ✓ (Clean Label) | ✓ | $1.30 | 4 yrs+ |
| Llama Naturals | 13 | 4g | Gummy | ✓ | ✓ | $0.90 | 2 yrs+ |
| Olly | 12 | 3g | Gummy | ✓ | ✗ | $0.40 | 2 yrs+ |
My Key Findings:
- Most comprehensive: Raise Them Well (20 nutrients) and Renzo’s (18 nutrients)
- Zero sugar: Hiya, Mary Ruth’s, Renzo’s
- Most affordable: L’il Critters ($0.13/serving)
- Best for young kids (2+): Hiya (chewable tablet, safe for toddlers)
- Only tablets (not gummies): Hiya, Naturelo, Renzo’s (all others are gummies)
Best Overall Multivitamins For Kids
These three brands are my top picks for most families. They balance quality, nutrition, safety, and kid approval.
Hiya Vitamins – Best Overall
My #1 pick for most kids
I give Hiya to both Layla and Ayan, and it’s the only vitamin they actually ask for every morning. After testing dozens of brands, Hiya won on nearly every criteria that mattered to me.
Why I love it: Hiya has 15 essential vitamins and minerals (including calcium, which most gummies can’t include), zero added sugar, no artificial anything, and is third-party tested with Clean Label Project certification. It’s one of the only chewable tablets available, which means it’s safe for kids as young as 2 and doesn’t pose the choking hazard that gummies do.
The tablets dissolve easily in the mouth, so even my picky eaters don’t complain. Hiya uses mannitol as a sweetener, which some parents avoid, but I found it acceptable since the tablets aren’t sticky like gummies and don’t contribute to cavities.
The subscription model sends a glass bottle the first month with refill pouches arriving monthly after that. This reduced packaging waste appealed to me, and the kids loved decorating their bottles with the included stickers.
What Layla and Ayan thought: Both kids said Hiya tasted “like fruity candy but not too sweet.” Layla (age 9 now) has been taking it for 4 years without complaint. For more details about Hiya, check out my Hiya vitamins review.
Cost: $30 for 30 tablets ($1/day), with discounts for multiple children
Ages: 2+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 15 vitamins and minerals including calcium | Not organic |
| Zero added sugar | Contains mannitol |
| Third-party tested (Clean Label Project certified) | Slightly more expensive than some options |
| Chewable tablet (safe for ages 2+, not a choking hazard) | |
| Vegan and allergen-friendly | |
| Non-GMO | |
| Sustainable packaging | |
| Only 1 tablet per day |
SmartyPants Kids Multi + Probiotics – Best Gummy Option
Best if your child prefers gummies
If your child is over 4 and you’re set on gummies, SmartyPants is the best option I found. It’s one of the few gummy multivitamins that’s actually organic and includes probiotics.
SmartyPants contains 14 essential nutrients plus omega-3s from flaxseed oil and 2 strains of probiotics for gut health. (Note: They also have this version made with fish oil for Omega 3s which does not include probiotics – so choose the one that fits best for your family!)
It’s USDA organic, third-party tested, and contains no artificial colors or flavors.
When I tested these with my kids years ago (before switching to Hiya), they loved the taste. The gummies have a sugary coating that kids enjoy, but that also means they contain 4 grams of added sugar per serving.
Cost: $28.45 for 120 gummies (30-day supply at 4 gummies/day = $0.95/serving)
Ages: 4+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA Organic | Gummies (choking hazard for under 4, contribute to cavities) |
| Includes probiotics and omega-3s | 4g added sugar per serving |
| No gelatin (vegetarian friendly) | 4 gummies per serving |
| Third-party tested | Doesn’t include calcium or iron |
| Kid-approved taste | Slightly more expensive than some options |
| No artificial colors or flavors |
Zarbee’s Kids Complete Multivitamin + Probiotic – Best Mid-Range
Best affordable option that’s still quality
If budget is a concern, Zarbee’s offers solid nutrition at a price most families can afford, and it’s easy to find at Target, Walmart, and most drugstores.
Zarbee’s contains 13 essential vitamins plus probiotics, and is sweetened with cane sugar, honey, and fruit juice rather than artificial sweeteners. Both my kids tolerated the natural fruit flavors well when I tested them.
They’re not organic, which is why they rank below Hiya and SmartyPants on my list, but they avoid artificial dyes and flavors.
Cost: $16.99 for 70 gummies ($0.49/serving)
Ages: 2+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable & easy to find at most stores | Not organic |
| Includes probiotics | Not vegan (contains honey) |
| No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners | 2g sugar per serving |
Also Good: Wellvites Kids Multivitamin Gummies. Wellvites is very comparable to Zarbee’s but is slightly more expensive ($0.63/serving). It’s non-GMO, sugar-free, vegan (which Zarbee’s isn’t), gluten-free, and contains 12 essential vitamins. While it’s not organic or third-party tested, it avoids artificial sweeteners and gelatin.
Best Multivitamins By Age
Different age groups have different nutritional needs. Here are my top picks for each stage.
Wellements Baby Multivitamin Drops – Best for Infants (0-12 Months)
This is my top pick for an infant vitamin because it’s USDA organic, contains all essential vitamins for infants, and can be used starting at 2 months. It’s third-party tested for purity and free of the top 9 allergens.
My kids were combination fed (both formula and breastmilk) so I didn’t end up needing a vitamin for them before the age of 1. But when parents ask me for an infant vitamin recommendation, I always turn to Wellements. I also love that they’re made without artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners, and have a mild cherry flavor that babies tolerate well.
Note: Before giving any supplement to your infant, discuss it with your pediatrician.
Cost: $14.99 for 1 oz (about 30 servings)
Ages: 2+ months
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA organic | Cherry flavor makes it hard to hide in food |
| Third-party tested | |
| Vegan and gluten-free | |
| No sweeteners or artificial anything | |
| Affordable |
Mary Ruth’s Toddler Multivitamin Drops – Best for Toddlers (1-3 Years)
Toddlers need different nutrition than older kids, and most vitamins are formulated for ages 4+. I chose Mary Ruth’s Organic Toddler drops because they are specifically designed for ages 1-3, and have super clean ingredients.
These liquid drops are USDA organic, completely sugar-free, and packed with essential vitamins including A, C, D3, E, B-complex, zinc, and choline. The orange-vanilla flavor is mild and easy for toddlers to take.
Note: Mary Ruth’s also makes a version WITH iron if your toddler’s pediatrician recommends iron supplementation, and they make a liquid version for kids age 4+ if you want to continue with a liquid vitamin after your child turns 4.
Cost: $24.95 for 30 servings
Ages: 1-3 years
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA organic, non-GMO | Can only use until age 3 (need to switch vitamins after) |
| Zero added sugar | Contains stevia |
| Vegan and allergen-friendly | |
| Easy-to-administer liquid drops | |
| Orange-vanilla flavor most toddlers tolerate | |
| No artificial colors or flavors |
Alternative: SmartyPants Toddler Multi + Probiotics
If your toddler is 2-3 and prefers gummies, SmartyPants makes a toddler-specific formula with probiotics and omega-3s. It’s organic, third-party tested, and Clean Label Project certified. My kids liked it when they tried it, and I appreciate that it only has 2 grams of sugar per serving. Cost: $24.95 for 30 servings.
Best Multivitamins By Dietary Needs
Raise Them Well Children’s Chewable Multi – Best Multivitamin With Iron
If your child needs supplemental iron (common for plant-based kids or those diagnosed with low iron), Raise Them Well is my top pick.
This chewable tablet contains methylated B vitamins (more bioavailable than standard B vitamins), is vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, and third-party tested. It uses a gentle form of iron that’s easier on little stomachs and doesn’t cause constipation, my kids had no digestive issues when trying this vitamin!
Cost: $21.99 ($20.89 with subscription) for 30 servings
Ages: 4+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains iron | Not organic |
| Methylated B vitamins (better absorption) | |
| Third-party tested | |
| Vegan and allergen-friendly | |
| Chewable tablet (not gummy) |
Note: If your child doesn’t need iron supplementation, Hiya (my #1 overall pick) is an excellent iron-free option with 15 vitamins and minerals, zero added sugar, and third-party testing
Renzo’s Picky Eater Multivitamin – Best For Picky Eaters
Renzo’s was specifically created by a doctor for his picky-eating son before surgery. The melty tabs dissolve on the tongue with minimal effort, which makes them perfect for kids who resist taking vitamins.
My kids liked the melty tab format, because it just sort of dissolved on their tongue and required minimal effort to “eat.”
This multivitamin contains 18 essential vitamins including iron, has zero added sugar, and is vegan.
Cost: $24.99 for 30 servings
Ages: 2+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 18 essential vitamins (comprehensive) | Contains mannitol and xylitol (sugar alcohols) |
| Zero added sugar | Not organic |
| Melty tabs (dissolve easily, great for picky eaters) | |
| Vegan and allergen-friendly | |
| Non-GMO | |
| Includes iron |
Llama Naturals Plant-Based Multivitamin – Best Vegan Gummy
For plant-based families who are looking for a gummy, Llama Naturals is my top recommendation.
These organic gummies are made with real fruit and vegetables, contain no gelatin, and include plant-based vitamin D3 (which is hard to find).
My kids thought they tasted good – they were a little on the chewy side but both kids still liked them. The gummies contain 13 essential vitamins including vegan B12, which is critical for kids on plant-based diets.
Note: If your child doesn’t need a gummy, Hiya (my #1 overall pick) is also a great vegan option.
Cost: $26.95 for 30 servings
Ages: 2+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Organic and plant-based | Must eat 3 gummies per serving |
| Made from whole food fruit and vegetables | 4 grams sugar (from fruit) |
| Third-party tested | |
| Allergen-friendly |
Also Good: Mary Ruth’s Organics Kids Multivitamin Gummies
For a zero-sugar vegan option, Mary Ruth’s gummies contain 12 essential nutrients, are USDA organic, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly. However, they use erythritol as a sweetener, which some research suggests may increase certain health risks.
Cost: $23.95 for 60 gummies
First Day Kids Vitamins – Best Organic Multivitamin
First Day is made with real organic fruits and vegetables and contains 9 key micronutrients. I typically recommend First Day to families with kids who eat reasonably well and just need a vitamin to “bridge the gap.” For extremely picky eaters, First Day may not be comprehensive enough.
My kids liked the taste of First Day when we tested it out, they said it was a little waxy but overall had no complaints! Read my complete review of First Day vitamins for more details!
Cost: $39/bottle ($30.60 with subscription, 15% off)
Ages: 4+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA organic and non-GMO | Expensive |
| Made with real fruits and vegetables | 2 grams sugar per serving |
| Nothing artificial | Only 9 nutrients (less comprehensive) |
| Vegan, gluten-free | |
| Clean label project certified |
Olly Kids Multivitamin + Probiotic – Best Budget Multivitamin
If you’re shopping at Target or Walmart and need an affordable option, Olly Kids Multi is widely available and reasonably priced. These gummies contain 12 essential vitamins plus a probiotic.
They contain 1g of added sugar, no artificial ingredients, and are third party tested. However they aren’t completely allergen-free as they are processed in a facility with allergens. They also don’t contain methylated B vitamins so they aren’t as absorbable.
Cost: $13.99 for 35 servings
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | Not organic or Non-GMO |
| Easy to find at most stores | Not vegetarian (contains gelatin) |
| Includes probiotic | Processed in a facility with allergens |
| 3rd party tested |
Also Good: Lil’ Critters Gummy Vites. Lil’ Critters is very comparable to Olly in terms of ingredients and nutrients except that it doesn’t contain probiotics, and is not 3rd party tested which is why I ranked Olly higher. But at only $0.13 per serving, it’s the cheapest vitamin for kids that I’ve found!
What To Look For In Kids Multivitamins
When choosing a vitamin for your child, I recommend prioritizing these factors:
1. Clean Ingredients: Look for vitamins with no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, and less than 4 grams of sugar per serving. I avoid Red #40, Yellow #6, Blue #2, and other synthetic dyes
2. Third-Party Testing: Choose brands tested by USP, NSF, ConsumerLab.com, or Clean Label Project. These prove the vitamin has been independently tested for purity and safety. If you don’t see a seal, check the brand’s website to see if they mention third-party testing.
3. Sugar Content: I look for 3-4 grams of sugar or less per serving. Many kids vitamins have 5+ grams of sugar, which is as much as a small cookie.
4. Comprehensive Nutrition: Does it contain the essential vitamins and minerals kids actually need? I looked for vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B-complex, folate, calcium, iron (or iron-free options), and zinc at minimum.
5. Appropriate Nutrient Levels: While comprehensive nutrition is important, vitamins should contain no more than 100% of the daily value for each nutrient. More isn’t better and can be harmful. Your child gets nutrients from food too, so vitamins should supplement, not replace food.
6. Bioavailable Forms: I prioritized brands that use forms of vitamins that kids can actually absorb. For example, methylated B12 is more bioavailable than cyanocobalamin.
7. Age-Appropriate Format
- Infants (0-12 months): Liquid drops only
- Toddlers (1-3 years): Liquid or easy-to-eat chewable tablets
- Kids 4+: Chewable tablets or gummies (tablets are safer)
- Avoid gummies for kids under 4 – choking hazard
8. Organic/Non-GMO: While not essential, organic certification and non-GMO verification are bonuses that indicate higher quality standards.
9. Form Factor: Chewable tablets or liquid vitamins are safer than gummies for young kids (gummies are a choking hazard for children under 4). Gummies also can’t include calcium or iron due to manufacturing limitations, they’re sticky, often have added sugar, and contribute to cavities.
10. Price: Don’t be fooled by bottle price. Divide the total price by number of servings to compare. Some vitamins require 2-4 gummies per serving, making them more expensive than they appear.
11. Taste: Will your kids actually take it? I had both of my kids taste-test every vitamin. If they refused to eat it, it didn’t matter how nutritious it was.
What To Avoid In Kids Vitamins?
Here are some things to watch out for when considering other children’s vitamins brands:
- Artificial Colors and Dyes: Red #40, Yellow #6, Blue #2, and other synthetic dyes have been linked to hyperactivity and health problems in children (source). I always avoid these.
- Artificial Flavors and Sweeteners: I avoid aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin. These synthetic sweeteners are highly processed.
- Excessive Sugar: I’ve mentioned this already, but zero added sugar is ideal, less than 4 grams is acceptable.
- Sugar Alcohols (Use Caution) Sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and erythritol can cause digestive issues in some kids. Mannitol is generally the best tolerated.
- Carrageenan: This thickener has been linked to inflammation and digestive issues(source). Avoid it when possible.
- Maltodextrin While not unsafe, maltodextrin is highly processed and often indicates a low-quality vitamin.
- A note on gelatin: Personally, I avoid this because my family is plant-based. While this isn’t a harmful ingredient, it is derived from cow or pig bones, tendons, and ligaments, making it not suitable for anyone following a plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian diet.
- Note: I would also be wary for brands that have no third-party testing mentioned anywhere, which means that you have no way of knowing if their vitamins are contaminated with heavy metals.
Single Supplements for Kids (Brief Guide)
Sometimes your child needs a specific nutrient rather than a multivitamin. Here are my top picks for single supplements:
Iron Supplements
- Best: Hiya Iron+ for Kids – Carbonyl iron (gentle on stomachs), includes vitamin C for absorption, sugar-free, ages 2+
- Also Good: Mary Ruth’s Liquid Iron for Toddlers or Older Kids – Organic, clean ingredients, ages 1+
Vitamin D Supplements
- Best: Bobbie Vitamin D Drops – Organic, vegan, Clean Label certified, no artificial ingredients, allergen-friendly, 400 IU for infants, ages 0-12 months (and safe for older kids too).
- Also Good: Raise Them Well Vitamin D Drops (ages 0 months+), Baby D Drops (ages 0 months+) Llama Naturals Vitamin D Gummies – Plant-based D3 from lichen, vegan, ages 4+
Vitamin B12 Supplements
- Best for Vegan Kids: Live Wise Naturals B12 Drops – Methylated B12, clean ingredients, non-GMO, ages 1+
Vitamin C + Immune Support
- Best: Hiya Kids Immune Support
- Also Good: Raise Them Well Children’s Immunity (Contains With vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and zinc); Llama Naturals Vitamin C with Elderberry (Organic, includes zinc, naturally sweetened, ages 2+)
Omega-3 Supplements
- Best: Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA – High-quality fish oil, strawberry flavor, third-party tested, ages 1+
Probiotic Supplements
- Best: Hiya Probiotics – 10 billion live cultures, chewable, third-party tested, ages 2+
- For Infants: Bobbie Probiotic Drops – Organic, Clean Label certified, 1 billion live cultures, ages 0-12 months (or if you need a powdered version, I like this one from Garden of Life).
Prebiotic Supplements
- Best: BeginHealth. It contains only three ingredients: Human Milk Oligosaccharide (with a Molecular structure identical to the one found in breast milk); and Oligofructose (Chicory root fiber).
For more details on single supplements, see my complete guides to kids iron Supplements, kids probiotics, and kids immunity vitamins.
FAQs
Does my child need a multivitamin?
Most healthy kids eating a reasonably balanced diet don’t need a multivitamin. However, a multivitamin can help if your child is an extremely picky eater, follows a restrictive diet, has been diagnosed with a nutrient deficiency, or has a medical condition affecting absorption.
When should kids start taking a multivitamin?
Start a multivitamin when your pediatrician recommends it based on your child’s diet and health needs. I started giving vitamins to my kids regularly at age 5 (on and off before then) during particularly picky eating phases.
What vitamins do infants need?
Infants drinking breast milk only (or less than 32 ounces of formula per day) need vitamin D supplementation (400 IU daily). Infants drinking 32+ ounces of formula daily get adequate vitamins from formula alone.
Are vitamins FDA approved?
No, the FDA doesn’t approve dietary supplements. This is why third-party testing by USP, NSF, ConsumerLab.com, or Clean Label Project is critical to verify purity and safety.
Can kids vitamins cause constipation?
Yes, iron is a common constipation-causing ingredient. If your child experiences constipation, talk to your doctor about switching to an iron-free formula or adding a probiotic.
Why don’t most kids vitamins include calcium?
Calcium is bulky and difficult to include in kid-sized tablets or gummies. Most children get adequate calcium from dairy products, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and other foods.
Can adults take kids vitamins?
Yes, but the nutrient levels are lower than adults need, so I would use it more as a nutrient gap supplement vs. a full / comprehensive multivitamin. Full disclosure: I take Hiya vitamins for myself because I’m only looking for a food-gap vitamin option and I love the taste!
Are gummy vitamins as effective as tablets?
Gummies can be effective but can’t include calcium or iron, may have inconsistent nutrient levels, stick to teeth causing cavities, and are choking hazards for kids under 4. Chewable tablets are safer and more comprehensive.
What’s the best multivitamin for picky eaters?
Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi has melty tabs that dissolve easily, making it ideal for resistant kids. Hiya is also excellent with chewable tablets that taste good and dissolve quickly.
Final Thoughts
I hope this helps you in navigating the world of kids’ vitamins! As you can see, there are many quality vitamin brands on the market today, with a quality option for every child’s needs.
Remember to always talk to your pediatrician before starting any supplement, and choose brands that are third-party tested to ensure safety and quality.
After testing over 50 kids multivitamins, my top recommendation is Hiya for most families. It has comprehensive nutrition (15 vitamins and minerals including calcium), zero added sugar, third-party testing, a safe chewable tablet format for kids as young as 2, and my kids actually like taking it.
For more guides, recipes, tips, and tricks, check out the Best For Kids section of my blog. And if you have questions about kids vitamins or found a great brand I missed, leave a comment below or send me a message. I respond to every question I get!
Hi !
Thanks for detailed blog on Multivitamis. It’s really difficult to choose best brand. Right now I am giving my 5 years old ( soon to be 6 years) Natures plus chewable Multivitamin & multi mineral supplements. ( Animal parade) . She is Thin n picky eater. And I am giving my 11 year old daughter nature’s plus power teen chewable tablets . She is kinda gaining weight rapidly and gaining More fats . She got her First periods two moths back. And she have acne and dandruff problem. So do you think is it okay to give them same Multivitamis or shall I change it .
Hi Kanak! Both Nature’s Plus vitamins you’re using (the one for kids and the one for teens) have good ingredients so as long as your kids are doing well on them and your pediatrician is ok with it, you should be fine to stick with those vitamins. Regarding your daughters acne/dandruff – that’s typically related to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty. For acne, I’d actually recommend this skincare regimen from BeautyCounter – which is all natural, no chemicals and it works! It takes less than 5 minutes and she can do it twice a day – and her acne should literally disappear in a couple of weeks. Regarding your older daughter’s weight gain – that’s likely diet and hormone related — and the diet part you can do something about by making sure she’s not eating processed foods or sugary foods and eating plenty of whole foods, fruits & veggies, whole grains and plant based protein! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi I have two children who are very picky and don’t really consume fruits or vegetables. One child also has a lot of allergies. In looking at the list I don’t really see vitamins that contain calcium. My child that can’t have dairy is so fragile that when he falls he breaks his bones. Can you recommend a good multivitamin for children that very lacking in nutrients and contains calcium or would you recommend that in addition to taking a regular multivitamin, they also take an additional calcium/vitamin d supplement as well? Any advice/tip is appreciated.
Hi Arena! It’s true – most kids vitamins won’t contain a high amount of calcium because there is so much calcium in most foods that kids eat (primarily, dairy). If you really need additional calcium, I’d recommend this Calcium supplement (which also has Magnesium and Vitamin D) from Bluebonnet. You can also give your kids unsweetened almond milk if they will drink it, which is typically fortified with calcium! Hope that helps!
What do you think about Novaferrum multivitamin with iron for infants in comparison to Zarbee Natural?
Hi Sally! Overall Novaferrum’s multivitamin with iron for infants looks ok – but it is sweetened with monk fruit — which I’d honestly just be hesitant to give to a child under 2 years of age. So for that reason I’d pick Zarbee’s for an infant!
Thanks Anjali! Zarbee’s has xylitol as a sweetener. Is that OK for a newborn? What is the downside of monk fruit for under two?
Hi Sally! Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, and technically monk fruit is an artificial sweetener. So neither one are ideal to be honest — xylitol has been around much longer than monk fruit and the main issue with it is that it can cause gas/bloating when consumed in large quantities. Monk fruit has similar issues (gas / bloating) when consumed in large quantities. I think I skew more towards xylitol only because monk fruit hasn’t been in the US as long and there isn’t enough data on long term use. And because xylitol is in things like kids toothpaste too! But if your pediatrician is fine with monk fruit as a sweetener for your baby, that’s really the only difference between the Nova Ferrum and Zarbees vitamins!
Came across your blog and I have to say how grateful I am. I wonder if you would weigh in on our situation. My 3 year old is non verbal autistic with severe food and sensory issues and my 6 year old of course just hates veggies. We are/were told to use the Complete Flintstones Vitamins from their pediatrician to help with my 3 year olds lower iron levels and just add extra gap filling vitamins.
I’ve noticed lately that the kids are just getting ickies more and with being stuck home, vitamin D issues.
I would like to better our families vitamins overall. From what I’m reading, my 3 year old needs something closer to the 100% and my 6 year old eats fine. Never thought about this till your blog. I would like to introduce a better vitamin habit and start probiotics.
What type of regime would you gravitate towards if this was your situation?
Hi Amber! Thanks so much for reaching out to me! To your question — I’d probably go with Best Nest Multi for your 3 year old as it’s super comprehensive and also a liquid vitamin which might help with getting your 3 year old to take it (if that’s ever an issue). Of course, given your 3 year old’s autism – make sure your pediatrician is ok with this vitamin recommendation before you start giving it to them! Your 6 year old could also take Best Nest, but if you wanted something less comprehensive (since it sounds like they eat well) you could go with Raise Them Well or FirstDay instead. For a probiotic, I’d go with Garden of Life. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hello!
Curious if you have ever reviewed Shaklee vitamins? Particularly the kid ones. Thank you!
Hi Elizabeth! I just looked into them and they’re only ok — their vitamins contain sugar alcohols which could cause digestive discomfort, and it includes high glycemic stabilizers like maltodextrin and isomaltulose. So I would choose one of the other vitamins on my list if you can! Hope that helps!
Hello,
I have a follow up question…
Unless I am missing something wouldn’t Garden of Life be the clear superior choice after looking at all the labels across your recommendations? It is the only option that offers close to 100% of DV across all vitamins.
Should I be considering something else when evaluating?
Also re Klaire Labs – they are the only other option that meets and most instances surpasses DV. However they are tracking against adult dosages (6 capsules)? Can you share what the children’s dosage would be?
So right now it is between Garden of Life (seeing if there is a way to make the new flavor profile more palatable for my kids) and Klaire Labs.
Anything else I should consider when weighing the two?
Thanks!
Hi! Thanks for reaching out! So Garden of Life is great, but not all parents want close to 100% DV of the vitamins for their kids (e.g. for kids who eat really well and a large variety of foods, a vitamin like FirstDay might be better for them). Regarding Klaire Labs – it’s meant for older kids (ages 12+) — and dosage should be determined by your pediatrician. So if your kids are under 12, I’d go with Garden of Life! Hope that helps!
Thank you for your blog. As divorced and full time working mom who prioritize the health of my twins who were born pre-maturely, I take these decisions quite seriously. So thank you for doing the research so I have one less thing to stress over.
I am already a loyal consumer of Garden of Life, however they just changed their formulation which affected their taste. Not too happy.
To help me narrow down a replacement, can you position all the nutritional labels next to each other? That would help a lot. Thank you!
And thanks again
Hi! I saw your other question so hopefully I answered it there by comparing Garden of Life vs. Klaire Labs (as it looks like you already did the work of looking at the nutritional labels based on your other comment! 🙂 ). Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hello,
I really enjoyed this blog! I’m very picky has to what I give my son my only dilemma is I’m reserching trying to find a liquid multivitmin that is tasteless. My son(age 7) doesn’t like sweets I know that seems very strange but all these “kid” friendly taste on medicines and ect he can’t stand. Have you ever heard of a product or this sort or can your recommend a product?
Thank you and I really apprciate your time,
Lena
Hi Lena! I am pretty sure this liquid vitamin from Garden of Life is not sweet — but it does have a citrus flavor due to using citrus extract in the vitamins. Unfortunately all of the other liquid vitamins I know of are somewhat sweet and taste like fruit flavors or other kid flavors. If your son is ok with powdered vitamins, there are some vitamins that I can recommend that are powdered and tasteless and have to be mixed into foods. Let me know and I can send you some options. Hope that helps!
What do you think of Hiya vitamins? Our pediatrician just recommended Hiya to us, then literally one day later two moms in our mommy group just told me about Hiya as well. Both parents love it for the clean ingredients but also the adorable brand.
Hi Melanie! To be honest, I haven’t been able to find an ingredients list for Hiya online. On their website, they show a photo of the nutrition label with the vitamins included, but not the “additional ingredients” part — e.g. where they would list monk fruit and anything else added to their vitamins. If you have a picture of that part ot the label, feel free to email it to me at pickyeats@gmail.com and I will take a look and then can let you know my thoughts. Thanks!
Hi Anjali,
I just came across your blog. I find it quite interesting and helpful. I was wondering what are your thoughts on the Whole Foods Market chewable kids multi-vitamin and mineral?
Hi Sabena! I haven’t actually looked at the label of that vitamin — and I couldn’t find it online. If you want to take a picture of the ingredients label and email it to me at pickyeats@gmail.com, I’d be happy to give you my thoughts!
Thank you, I have sent you an email with the pictures.
Great! Just emailed you back – thanks!
Hi. My son is 2.5 years old. I am taking Mary Ruth’s liquid vitamin, and I’m wondering if I could share this with him. It says it is suitable for children, but not sure if there’re some reason it’s not included in vitamins for children?
Hi Panta! I don’t list the Mary Ruth’s Liquid Vitamins on the kids’ liquid vitamins list here because they actually say that kids can use the vitamin starting at age 12/13 (which is typically the age that kids can start using adult vitamins). But if your pediatrician says that you can use Mary Ruth’s for your son, you should just follow the directions they give you on how to use that vitamin for your toddler (e.g. get dosing instructions from them, etc.) Hope that helps!
Hi,
Do you have an opinions on Enof?
Hi Stephanie! Enof actually looks pretty good! Their vitamins are made from whole foods, and they don’t have any sugar added. They only contain 8 vitamins, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for a small amount of supplementation for your child. It’s also nice because it can be sprinkled on food, so it’s a good option for kids who don’t want to chew a gummy or take a liquid vitamin. Hope that helps!
Hello, my son would prefer to swallow a pill over chewing a gummy. Would you recommend megafood as the best option?
Hi! MegaFoods is great, but it is a powdered vitamin. Klaire Labs comes in a capsule form so that could work well for your son!
Thank you so much for the reply!
No problem at all!
How do you feel about Sundown kids vitamins?
Hi! They are ok – they have gelatin added so they’re not vegetarian friendly, and they also have maltodextrin added so they wouldn’t be my first choice. But the rest of the ingredients look ok to me and I like that they don’t have any artificial colors or flavors in them. I think the options on my list are likely better. Hope that helps!
Hi, I’ve been giving my son Tropical Oasis Liquid for awhile now. He has Down Syndrome and has a very limited diet, so I need to be able to get the vitamin into a smoothie. In your section on Liquid vitamins, you mention Premium and Tropical Oasis, but both link to the same item. Your listing for Premium indicated it had no sugar, so I wondered if there was another vitamin that was supposed to be linked there? Thanks!
Hi Jennifer! Oh so sorry for that confusion! Tropical Oasis is the same vitamin as Premium Kids 🙂 Not sure why I had it listed twice! But yes, Tropical Oasis/Premium Kids doesn’t have added sugar. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any questions!
Hi Anjali.
What a great article! Could you tell me which multivitamin is good for kids on autism spectrum?
Hi Maria! Thanks for reaching out! Honestly, that would be a better question for your pediatrician because I’m not an autism expert. But I really like both Raise Them Well (for a vitamin with iron) and FirstDay for a vitamin without iron in general!
Hello Anjali,
I hope this finds you well. I appreciate you taking the time to write this article. Huge insight for me. I currently give my children Smarty Pants Kids, but am concerned with all the sugar and flavoring. My oldest has ADHD and a picky eater; looking for something with much less sugar, but still somewhat tasty.
With that being said, have you heard of, First Day, Vitamins? I’m considering these for my 8 and 5 year old. However, I am still doing my research and due diligence. I was wondering if you could give me your opinion on First Day, if and when you look into them.
Thank you.
Hi Karina! First Day is actually one of my favorite vitamins and it’s already included on my list! I think it could be a great fit for your 8 and 5 year old – super high quality organic ingredients, nothing artificial, with food sourced vitamins. It’s a great choice!
Hi Anjali, I am looking to buy protein powder for my 4years old who is real picky eater and she is not getting enough protein so could you advise me what is the process of ordering protein powder
Hi! I’d recommend this protein powder from Performance Labs for your 4 year old – it’s super clean ingredients wise and has 20 grams of protein in each scoop! You can order it directly from this link online. I would just check with your pediatrician to find out how much protein they recommend your daughter have, and use a 1/2 scoop serving if needed. Hope that helps!
We just bought both Hiya vitamins (www.hiyahealth.com) and First Day because they both seemed to be better than the other dated options. And while I like the branding for First Day, we greatly prefer Hiya because they’re not gummies, they have zero added sugar or dyes, and both my sons love their own bottle (which they send so you can decorate).
Hi Sarah! Thanks for letting me know about your experience! I think Hiya and FirstDay are both great actually. But FirstDay has no added sweeteners, while Hiya is sweetened with Monk Fruit – so I know some parents will choose FirstDay because they want zero added sweeteners for their kids. That being said, Hiya’s ingredients are also good and I’m currently having my kids taste test them for the purposes of potentially including them here! Hope that helps!