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!
Hi Anjali,
I’m torn between Hiya, Llama Naturals and Ritual for my 4 year old who is a vegetarian. I personally still take my Ritual Post Natal Vitamins and they are a great brand I believe in. I also saw your earlier comment recommending Hiya for a more comprehensive vitamin need – which I believe vegetarians need. Help Please 🙂
Thanks – Deepa
Hi Deepa! Thanks for reaching out! Honestly, all 3 brands really are great, so it all depends on how comprehensive your child’s diet is. If your child eats a variety of foods and eats dairy/eggs/etc. then even as a vegetarian they should be getting most of the nutrients they need from food, in which case Llama Naturals or Ritual for kids would be a great choice. But if you’re concerned your child isn’t eating a varied enough diet, then Hiya would be a better choice because like you mentioned, it is a much more comprehensive vitamin. The other consideration is whether you want a chewable or a gummy — some kids like gummies better, others like chewables better (personally, my kids like chewables better than gummies because they don’t love the consistency of gummies). Llama Naturals and Ritual are both gummies and Hiya is a chewable. So that might help you decide between the three options too! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hello Anjali, I am choosing between these vitamins as well for my 11 year old. She’s in good health but the back to school germs get her and I end up getting her cold viral bug. If we go with ritual kids what else can I do for immune boosting for both of us ? Thanks so much.
Hi Sejal! In terms of immune boosting supplements, it would probably make sense for you and your daughter to take different supplements. Since she’s only 11, supplements designed for her age won’t be that effective for you. Once she turns 13+ you can share supplements! For now, here’s what I’d recommend:
For your daughter:
1) Adding liquid vitamin C
2) Adding this probiotic
For you:
1) Adding this Vitamin C
2) Adding this probiotic
I’m assuming you’re already taking a multivitamin so you should continue that.
Lastly, you can consider adding liquid elderberry for both you and your daughter (you can take the kids one and adjust the dosing for yourself since it’s a liquid supplement)
Hope that helps!
Looking for a good zinc, methlyfolate amd methyl b for my son due to mthfr. He already takes the raise them well multi but needs extra of the 3 above. His copper levels are too high so they want to give extra zinc and also want him to take extra b supplement too. Hard finding one with all three that are clean ingredients or just 3 seperate ones. They recommended 7.5mg daily for methlyfolate and 10mg for zinc
Hi Shana! I like this organic liquid b-complex vitamin from JoySpring. It has methylated Vitamins B2, B5, B6, B12. I actually couldn’t find a B complex vitamin for kids that includes all the B vitamins including methylfolate. There are quite a few B complex vitamins for kids that include folic acid, or some methylfolate and some folic acid, but if your son has MTHFR he can’t have any folic acid so those options wouldn’t work. For zinc, I like Mary Ruth’s liquid zinc. But I honestly can’t recommend a good methylfolate-only supplement or B-complex-with-methylfolate-supplement designed specifically for kids! If you have any other questions and need more 1:1 support, feel free to book a time with me here! Hope this helps!
Hello There,
This article is great and I’m so happy I came across this page. I have a picky eater and after doing so much research a few years ago I decided to go for Mary Ruth’s Organics. My kid is currently taking their multivitamins, probiotics, vitamin C, vitamin D and eye care. But now I’m learning about this new multivitamins and probiotics from HIYA and they state that gummies are bad for kids. I’m thinking to switch, but fist I want to ask for your professional advice/opinion. Which vitamins and probiotics will be better, Mary Ruth’s Organics or HIYA?
Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Norma! Mary Ruth’s is great, but Hiya is a more comprehensive vitamin than Mary Ruth’s is. The Hiya probiotic also has more strains of probiotics than Mary Ruth’s (Hiya has 10B CFUs, Mary Ruth’s has 2.5B). So for those two reasons, I would choose Hiya over Mary Ruth’s if you wanted a more comprehensive vitamin and probiotic!
Hello, I’m wondering if you can guide me to finding the best/healthiest liquid B12 supplement for my toddler?
Thanks so much!
Hi Sasha! I don’t know of any B12 supplements for kids under the age of 2. But if your toddler is over the age of 2, I like this organic liquid B12 supplement from JoySpring. You can use it starting at age 2 and it’s formulated for toddlers and kids. Be sure to consult with your pediatrician before starting this supplement, or any other supplement though! Hope that helps!
Hi, I have a 20 month old and 4 year old and am wondering what you would recommend for both? I’d prefer a liquid as I read it absorbs better for children. Im currently giving them lil critters, but want to switch to liquid. I was looking at the garden of life, but wasn’t sure if it’s good for my older child. Also should I be giving them a probiotic as well? Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Crystal! I’d go with Best Nest Multi which is a liquid vitamin you can start at age 1, and it’s a really comprehensive vitamin so it’ll work for multiple age groups. Probiotics can be helpful just to keep kids regular, balance their gut health, and boost immunity. For your 4 year old, I’d recommend Hiya’s probiotic. For your younger one, I’d recommend the Garden of Life powdered probiotic. Hope that helps!
Hello,
Thank you for your recommendations. After going around and around with what to get my 21 month old, I settled for smartypants but he has a cows milk allergy. What brand would you recommend for a calcium supplement thats clean? Also do you have a toddler milk list for those sensitive to cows milk. I hate I had him on similac alimentum and pro sensitive for half his little life. I’m trying to rid soy out of our diet but its so hard.
Hi! I would recommend ChildLife for a clean calcium supplement for toddlers. As for a toddler milk list – I do have this post – https://pickyeaterblog.com/best-toddler-formula/ – which has a couple of options for a healthy, clean, toddler formula that doesn’t use cow’s milk. My top picks for that are: 1) Else Nutrition – uses almonds instead of dairy, or if he can tolerate goat’s milk I like both Kabrita Goat and Kendamil Goat. Lastly, if your pediatrician doesn’t require your toddler to be on formula anymore and is ok with transitioning to regular milk, then you might want to try Unsweetened Ripple Pea Protein Milk which is high in protein, low in sugar, and is dairy free. Hope that helps!
Hi! I see you’ve listed Nature’s Plus Animal Parade (original) under multi’s with iron…how do you feel about Animal Parade Gold? Are the daily values okay?
Hi Kelly! Animal Parade Gold does have more than 100% daily value for many of the vitamins it includes, so I would ask your pediatrician about dosing before you give it to your child (depending on your child’s age and weight, your pediatrician might want you to do a half dose or even a quarter dose to ensure you’re not overdosing on any vitamins). Hope that helps!
Hello and thanks for the list,but do you have a list for clean liquid vitamins and liquid iron?
Hi Stefy! Are you looking for liquid vitamins for kids? If so, I recommend a few in this post as well! Here are some good options:
1) Garden of Life for Toddlers (can use starting at age 1)
2) Best Nest Multi for Kids (can use starting at age 1)
For liquid iron, I like Nature’s Nutra
Hope that helps!
Not sure if you know this, but Garden of Life was bought out by Nestle. Also, alot of reviewers say the found mold in their product.
Hi Kimmie! I know Garden of Life was bought by Nestle – this happened years and years ago, and from what I know, Nestle didn’t change the formulation of Garden of Life or sourcing of ingredients at all. The mold must have been a one-off issue, as I’ve bought this exact vitamin for my kids in the past and have had no issues. That said, Garden of Life isn’t my top pick for a vitamin for kids so there are plenty of other options on this list that should work well for you! My top picks are Hiya, Raise Them Well (if you want a vitamin that includes iron), and First Day. Hope that helps!
What do you think about hiya and/or first day? Both claim to be amazing.
Hi Bridget! Honestly both are great options! It just depends on what your goals are. If you have a picky eater or you’re worried your child isn’t getting enough nutrients from food, I’d recommend Hiya as it’s a more comprehensive vitamin for kids. If your child is a great eater and eats a large variety of foods, and you just need a “food gap” supplement – then I’d recommend First Day as it has small amounts of the essential vitamins each kid needs – to supplement what’s already in their diet. Hope that helps!
What do you think of kids probiotics from young living brand. Kidscents mighty pro
Also HIYA just came out with a kids probiotic
Hi Shana! I love the Hiya probiotic actually, I’d definitely recommend them. They use a good blend of probiotics and also they have 10B probiotics in their blend. For YoungLiving, I don’t know much about that brand but from what I could see online, they have 8B and also use a blend of probiotics, and I like that they include prebiotics too. I just don’t know if their cultures are “alive” and actually working once they arrive at your house, vs. with Hiya I know that every probiotic used is truly an active live culture and stays that way when arrives at your house. So between those two I’d pick Hiya!
It says they are live cultures for the pre and probiotics. Young living
Got it! That’s great then – but it still doesn’t have as many probiotics as Hiya so Hiya is still preferable. But Young Living is a decent backup!
Hello! Just wondering why Mary Ruth’s is crossed out?
Hi Megan! It looks fine to me! If you have a broken link checker installed in your browser, sometimes those extensions will accidentally mark links as broken when they’re not and will visually cross them out on your end. Hope that helps!
Hello Anjali. Thank you so much for all the information snd details about the vitamins for kids and adults!
I would like to ask your opinion between Elderberry and Turmeric for kids. My son (6y) takes HIYA + mary ruth calcium/d3/k (his doctor asked to supplement for calcium and d) + llama elderberry but I was reading that Turmeric is really good for health. what your recommendation? Thanks.
Hi Melissa! Turmeric is great, but doesn’t necessarily need to be given as a supplement to kids! You can add a pinch of turmeric powder to all kinds of recipes that are kid friendly – e.g. turmeric milk, turmeric in oatmeal, turmeric in curries and stews, etc. so I’d just recommend getting it into your son’s diet that way, and keeping the vitamin regimen you have him on! Hope that helps!
What about the best calcium vitamin for toddlers (age 2 and up)? My son has completely stopped drinking milk and while I have offered other calcium rich foods, I’m worried he isn’t getting enough.
Hi Rebecca! I like ChildLife Calcium because it’s very clean and comprehensive – but you should consult with your child’s pediatrician before starting it, as it also includes Magnesium, Vitamin D and Zinc to help with absorption – so if you’re using a multivitamin you may end up double-dosing on vitamins which wouldn’t be good. Another option is Nature’s Nutra Calcium which is also very clean and includes Calcium + Vitamin K – so there’s less of a risk of double dosing if your multivitamin doesn’t include Vitamin K. Hope that helps!
Hi,
This article is great, thank you. What do you think about Osmobiotic Flora Baby? My 2yo daughter is starting a cycle of antibiotics and none of your recommended probiotics will be delivered to Italy in time so I was suggested the Osmobiotic Flora Baby. Wanted to know your opinion. Thank you for your help.
Hi There! I haven’t researched it heavily, but on a quick Google search for its ingredients, it looks ok but not great – there are only two strains of probiotics and only 500 million probiotics total per dose (which is less than the probiotics I recommend), and it also includes corn oil and maltodextrin which are pretty processed. But if you can’t get anything else, and your pediatrician recommends this particular one, go ahead and use it!
My kiddos are neurodiverse and we are overcoming some food / texture sensitivities. Keeping them fed and healthy is a challenge. This is exactly the kind of comparison I’ve been looking for! I would say, though – Flintstones Complete Gummies are much better than the version you’ve listed here. They are free of dyes, preservatives, and other nasties. They do use glucose syrup, though (so not great for vegetarian/vegan kiddos). One thing high on my list is cost/bulk options too. We alternate between Flintstones gummies and L’il Critters because Costco tends to carry them.
Hi Katie! Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing your experience! You are right – the Flinstone Complete Gummies are better than the Flinstone Chewables – but they still contain sugar + glucose syrup + gelatin, and they have the less absorbable forms of B vitamins (non methylated), but they do have their benefits — they include iron, and are probably cheaper and can be bought in bulk! It looks like the Flinestones Chewables have recently removed dyes from their vitamins so that is great, but they still include Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltodextrin and Carrageenan (and again, the less absorbable forms of vitamins like the gummies) – so this list still has better options. Now that Flinstones has no dyes, I’d say they are pretty comparable to L’il Critters so makes sense why you alternate between the two! But if you need iron in your vitamins I’d actually pick the Flinstones Gummies over L’il Critters. Hope that helps!
Hi Anjali. Thank you so much for this thorough review. I checked your adult multivitamin recommendations as well and noticed you had MaryRuth’s morning multivitamin liquid as an option that’s good for the whole family. Any reason why that’s not listed in this page with the children’s products? I’m trying to buy one liquid for all of my family and wanted to see if that was a good option. Also any feedback on Maryruths morning multivitamin vs morning essentials+ formulation? Thanks again!
Hi Aly! Thanks for reaching out! Mary Ruth’s liquid vitamin is great, but is not intended for kids under the age of 12, so that’s why I only listed it in the adults post! Mary Ruth’s in general is a great brand, and I’d be happy to talk through the differences in their vitamins with you over the phone if it’s helpful! That way I can make sure to answer all of your questions in real time. Feel free to book a time with me and we can go from there!
Hi Anjali,
Between Hiya and Ritual is one ‘better’ or more clean than the other?
Thank you!
Cali
Hi Cali! It depends on what your goals are with the vitamin actually. Both Hiya and Ritual are super clean (equally clean), both use organic and high quality ingredients, etc. But Hiya is a much more comprehensive vitamin than Ritual – Ritual is more of a “food gap” vitamin that’s meant to supplement the vitamins your child is already getting through their diet. Hiya is meant to be fully comprehensive and provide close to 100% daily value of all the vitamins your child needs. So if your child already eats a well balanced diet, I’d go with Ritual. If your child is more of a picky eater and you are concerned about them getting all of their nutrients, I’d go with Hiya. Hope that helps!
Hello, what a great comprehensive list! I didn’t see Juice Plus anywhere on your list and I wanted to know what you think about that for whole food supplement for children. My kids currently take juice plus chewable every day and their plant based omegas. When is a probiotic necessary for children? I have a 4 and 6 year old. I’m also considering adding the beta kids.
Hi Sarah! Do you mean the Juice Plus fruit/veggie packets for kids? If so, those aren’t really a multivitamin — the fruit and veggie supplements only have about 4-5 vitamins each. I lean more towards a whole food multivitamin that has fruits & veggies included like Hiya or First Day. Those would both be better options than Juice Plus, and they’re organic which is an added bonus! A probiotic is a great option to start at age 4-6 — as long as your pediatrician is supportive of it! Hiya actually just came out with a great probiotic that’s perfect for kids aged 4-6. Beta Kids would be fine to add if your pediatrician approves! It would be for immune health / giving an immune boost. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!