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 switching out my boys’ ( 5 and 7 yo) multivitamins and wanted to ask if you recommend Hiya or Children’s Best w/iron? I noticed that Hiya has smaller amounts of everything compared to Children’s Best so naturally I lean towards Children’s Best thinking the more the better? But not sure and wanted your opinion/recommendation. Also, the Children’s Best exceeds 100% on A & E, so should I only give one tablet instead of 2? And since Hiya doesn’t have iron – which iron supplement do you recommend?
Hi Judy! It honestly depends on your kids’ diets! If your kids are good eaters and eat a variety of foods, I would go with Hiya. If they are pickier eaters, I’d give Children’s Best and give half the dose (because of the Vitamin A & E). For iron, I like Mary Ruth’s liquid iron for kids. Hope that helps!
Hi Anjali, Is there any update to the Seeking Health Prop 65 warning? I found some info on their website, but was curious if you got a response and if that changes your recommendation on them. Thanks!
Hi Lee! Seeking Health actually updated their website with more information about why their warning is on their products: https://www.seekinghealth.com/blogs/education/prop-65#:~:text=The%20reason%20that%20minerals%20are,other%20organizations%20have%20deemed%20safe. Given that, I’m not as wary of this brand anymore. Hope that helps!
Hi Anjali,
Thanks for your research and kind heart to help others and their kids health – such a noble thing. My daughter is 3 years old and we are vegetarians. She is severe allergic to all the tree nuts (cashew, pecan, walnut, sesame etc., ), peanuts and all the dairy products. And she is a picky eater. I’m considering adding multi vitamins to help with her growth. Can you recommend a best brand without all those preservatives, artificial colors and sugars? Thank you so much
Hi Lakshmi! I would recommend Raise Them Well. While their vitamins are made for kids age 4+, you can ask your pediatrician if you can give a half dose to your 3 year old (and you can definitely use Raise Them Well once your daughter turns 4 and onwards). Raise Them Well Children’s Multivitamins contain no yeast, wheat, eggs, dairy products, nuts, processed sugar, artificial coloring, or artificial flavoring. Their kids’ vitamins are also vegetarian, non-GMO, gluten-free, and Certified Toxic-Free. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Anjali,
My daughter cannot chew the Hiya vitamins. She finds the taste unbearable. We do the llama Vit D gummies. We are vegetarians and she is a picky eater. Would you go with the Lllama multivitamin or the First Day vitamin to get a multi vitamin in addition to the Vit D? She is 12. Thank you very much!
Hi Sejal! For a picky eater, I’d go with the Llama natural multivitamins since they’re a bit more comprehensive (they include more of each vitamin) compared to First Day which is a great option but is meant more as a “food gap” supplement so it’s better for kids who are less picky. Hope that helps!
Do you have a recommendation for a vitamin that is non-chewable? We can now swallow pills. This is for a 12 year old girl – looking for without iron.
Thanks!
Hi Sejal! Once your daughter turns 13, I’d recommend Ritual for Teens – which are pills and are a great vitamin for teens. All kids vitamins intended for kids 12 and younger are either in liquid, gummy, or chewable form. Hope that helps!
Hi,
My kids are vegetarian and do the mykind kid multivitamin gummies and I am debating switching to Hiya. How would you compare the two?
Also, any algae based Omega 3 supplement for kids? I can find them for adults, but not kids.
Thanks!
Hi There! I like Hiya better because it’s lower in sugar than the MyKind gummies – but otherwise they are pretty comparable. For an algae based Omega 3 supplement for kids, I like Nordic Naturals Vegetarian DHA for kids. Hope that helps!
What about Plexus vitamins for kids?
I don’t love Plexus vitamins because they contain erythritol – which is a sugar alcohol that has been recently linked to heart disease and stroke (see more info from the Cleveland Clinic here). So I’d recommend one of the other vitamins on this list instead!
Hi Anjali, could you recommend a calcium supplement for my 3 and 5 year old kids? They both don’t drink milk. Thanks!
Hi Mona! I’d recommend this calcium supplement form Nature’s Way. Hope that helps!
Hi Anjali,
With this being an incredibly hard winter with viruses upon virus’s for my kids I am really looking to add multivitamin for overall support. They currently take lil critters Vit c and d with zinc immune support and the culturelle probiotic. (Happy to see lil critters was on the list). With plans on switching them to lil critters multivitamin I was just wondering if I should also be looking for omega 3 as I do not see this vitamin in the ingredient label for Lil critters or in other multivitamins I have looked into. My boys are 4.5, 6.5, 8.
Your blog was so incredibly helpful as I was trying to figure all this out on my own. So happy I came across this on Pinterest.
Hi Mari! Thanks so much for reaching out and I’m so glad you’ve found this post helpful! To your question, you could certainly add Omega 3s for added immune support. I would recommend Nordic Naturals for kids. Hope that helps and let me know if you have any other questions!
What’s your opinion about Yum multivitamin with iron syrup
Hi Sava! It’s ok – but the vitamins on my list are much better both in terms of quality of the vitamins themselves (Yum doesn’t use methylated B vitamins for example), and the added ingredients in the vitamins (Yum uses Benzoic Acid as a preservative which I don’t love). Hope that helps!
Hello, want to start my boys with vitamins, ages 7 and 12, what are the best one? My 12 has adhd what else should he take thank you.
Hi Renata! For your 7 year old, I would recommend Hiya Vitamins. Your 12 year old could take Hiya as well, but I would ask your pediatrician if they want him on an teen vitamin given that he’s almost a teenager. If they do want him on a teen vitamin, I would recommend one of these vitamins for teens. Hope that helps!
We love hiya based on your recommendation!!
Yay! So happy to hear that!
I ordered the hyia vitamins. I’m now looking into getting something for winter immunity boost. I thought about Raise them well immunity however I noticed it has Sorbitol in the ingredients. We do take homemade elderberry so I don’t think he can take anything with that in there, unless he can? I did order child life vitamin c however it’s not agreeing with him since it does have fructose. We don’t give him anything with that since high in sugars it affects him differently. He’s 4. What would you recommend?
Hi Ella! If you are already giving him Hiya and your’e giving him elderberry, I don’t think you need to add any additional vitamins as you don’t want to double dose on anything. You can add a probiotic to help boost immunity if you would like! Hiya actually makes a great probiotic that I love so that’s what I’d recommend. You can find the Hiya probiotic here. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi there, would you have any recommendation for similar vitamins in the UK please?
I have been using Garden of Life until now for my 4 years old daughter but I can’t find them anymore and I tried ordering those above but there is no delivery in the UK available at the moment.
Many thanks
Hi Raluca! Unfortunately I’m just not aware of what’s available in the UK specifically because I live in the US. But if there is a specific vitamin you’re considering and you want some feedback on it, feel free to email me a photo of the ingredients label / nutritional panel (to anjali@pickyeaterblog.com) and I can give you my thoughts!
Thank you very much Anjali! Very kind!
Sure thing! 🙂
Hi Anjali, coming back.
What is your opinion on Children’s Best Organic Kids Multivitamin Gummies please? Made in USA, I found those on a website available in UK.
Thank you!
Hi Raluca! I love Children’s Best Organic Kids Multivitamin Gummies – I actually already include them on this list of the best kids vitamins 🙂 So I think they are a great option. You can buy them online here!
I’m so sorry I have one more question. If we stick with ortho molecular. What immune boosting vitamin do you recommend? Vitamin C, zinc, etc.
Hi Ryan! If you’re using the Ortho Molecular vitamins, I actually wouldn’t recommend any additional supplements because the Ortho Molecular ones already have over 100% of the daily value of all the vitamins – especially Vitamin C, and they already have a good amount of Zinc. You could add something like this elderberry supplement if you wanted to (provided your pediatrician agrees) – but other than that the Ortho Molecular pretty much covers all the immune boosting vitamins as well!
What about supernutes from ortho molecular? Is that a good brand for a 4 year old.
Hi Ryan! In general, Ortho Molecular is a good brand. I couldn’t find any information on how much sugar was in Supernutes Vitamins – they list 5 grams of carbohydrates on the label that I found online, so I’m not sure if that translates into 5 grams of sugar or not. They use high quality vitamins, my only concern is that the dosing amounts of some of the vitamins (especially the B vitamins) included in Supernutes is really really high, especially for the 1-3 age group. If you do use this vitamin, I’d ask your pediatrician for guidance on dosing, because I think giving the full dose would probably be too high of a quantity of vitamins for most kids. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much. We give him 2 or 3 vitamins a day. Is there another recommendation that would be bette Or similar to these? Would hyia work just as good? I noticed that it doesn’t have vitamin b, iron or vitamin k. But I love the ingredients. However do you think he needs mineral intake not just the vitamin intake? If that makes since
Hi Ryan! Hiya is a great option, and it’s only one per day, and it doesn’t “overdose” on any vitamins, so those would be the reasons to switch to Hiya. Hiya has almost all of the B vitamins included (it is missing one), and you are right, it doesn’t contain iron or vitamin K, but you could always supplement with iron and typically most kids don’t need a vitamin K supplement. Regarding mineral intake vs. vitamins – I would ask your pediatrician about that! They can tell you whether to choose Hiya or Ortho Molecular after evaluating your son’s diet, because really that’s what your multivitamin should be doing – supplementing what your son is missing in his diet and then giving him a little boost on vitamins that are hard to get from food anyway. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
One more question im about to order hyia. What vitamin k brand would you recommend?
Hi Ella! I like this Vitamin K supplement from Raise Them Well. Hope that helps!
You recommended to stay below 4g of sugar. I was looking into getting garden of life my kind organics. However I noticed it has 5g of sugar. Would it be best to keep looking? Or is this okay.
Hi Ella! 5 grams of sugar is borderline – if your kids do well on the Garden of Life vitamins, I’d say it’s fine to use them. But if you want a zero added sugar vitamin that’s comparable to Garden of Life, I’d go with Hiya. I also wouldn’t get any vitamins that are 6 grams of sugar or more per serving. Hope that helps!
I really wanted to try llama however I noticed it doesn’t have zinc. This kid just gets sick so much. He’s currently on a multivitamin from our chiropractor with vitamins that range higher than any of these. Garden of life gummies has more in them that’s why I thought about that particular brand. But I don’t like the 5g of sugar.
Hi Ella! I understand! That’s why I was recommending Hiya (not Llama) for your son 🙂 Hiya has a good mix of vitamins and almost 30% of the daily value of zinc for kids aged 4+. If you need more zinc than that, you could do the Garden of Life chewables which have 33% of the daily value of zinc and only 1 gram of sugar, or Raise Them Well which has 45% of the daily value of zinc and 0g sugar. The Garden of Life gummies have only 15% of the daily value of zinc, and more sugar as you mentioned, so all of these options should work better for what you’re looking for 🙂