The Best Multivitamins For Kids (2024 Guide)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.If you are concerned about your child’s picky eating habits or are otherwise doubtful that they are not getting their nutritional needs met, it might be a good time to discuss quality multivitamins with your doctor. This list of The Best Multivitamins for Kids (2024 Edition) is a great place to start. In this post, we go over the top kid’s vitamins in a variety of categories, what to look for when considering vitamins, and how to know if your child even needs one.
Researching and shopping for the best kids vitamins can be tricky and confusing. There are so many questions: does my kid even need a vitamin? Can I trust the claims made on the bottle? Which vitamins are the best? Does my child need a children’s multivitamin with iron, or is a classic multivitamin sufficient?
Many of these questions can be overwhelming because there are so many brands and different offerings out there. There is also so much information to consider. So, in this post, I set out to find, research, and recommend the healthiest kids vitamins on the market today. Consider this is your guide for the best kids multivitamins: what to buy, what not to buy, and what to look out for!
Related: Best Vitamins for Teens
But First, A Disclaimer
As a board certified health coach and certified nutritionist, I support supplements that are rooted in science and are evidence-based. The FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market, so I prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by one of three independent third-party certifiers (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).
Though I may receive a commission (at no extra expense to you) if you purchase through some of the affiliate links provided, I only recommend products I’ve researched, evaluated, consulted experts on, and would feel comfortable giving to my own two children.
As always, I only share products that are the highest quality and that can help you and your family the most. By purchasing any of these products from the links below, you help keep this blog running, so thanks for your support!
Large doses of vitamins can be harmful to children; your child may benefit from individual vitamin supplements instead of a multivitamin. Always speak with a healthcare professional or physician about your child’s supplementation needs before adding a vitamin or similar supplement to their diet. The information shared in this post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you read here and always consult with your doctor to determine the proper administration and recommended dosage of vitamins for your child.
All product prices are accurate at the time of this publication but are subject to change.
Related: The 18 Best Multivitamins for Women
Our Top Picks
Before we dive into our detailed list of the best children’s vitamins, here are our quick picks!
- Best Overall: Hiya Vitamins
- Best Infant: Mary Ruth’s Infant Liquid Vitamin
- Best With Iron: Raise Them Well
- Best Subscription: First Day
- Best Vegan: Llama Naturals
- Best Liquid: Mary Ruth’s Kids Liquid Vitamin
- Best Organic: Children’s Best
- Best For Picky Eaters: Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi
- Best Whole Food Based: Bluebonnet Nutrition
- Best Budget Friendly: Wellvites
Best Overall Children’s Multivitamins
These vitamins are tried and true, easy to find, made with quality ingredients, organic, and more.
Hiya Vitamins
This is my number one best pick when it comes to children’s vitamins and the one that I give to my children.
Hiya offers chewable children’s vitamins that are sent to your door each month. The first order comes with a glass container and recyclable refill pouches arrive every subsequent month. These vitamins have no added sugar and have kid-approved flavor.
Each bottle is a 30 day supply for 1 child. Suitable for children aged 2 and over.
Cost: $30 for 1 bottle (price per bottle decreases when purchasing for multiple children)
Related: Hiya Vitamin Review
Pros
Cons
Smarty Pants Kids Multi & Probiotics
This is one of the best gummy multivitamins because it is easy to find, organic, and contains both a multivitamin and probiotics in one. Note: This version of SmartyPants vitamins is made with flaxseed oil to be both vegetarian friendly and include Omega 3s. 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!
Each bottle comes with 120 gummies, or a 30-day supply of vitamins.
Cost: $28.45
Pros
Cons
Zarbee’s Kids Complete Daily Multivitamin + Probiotic Gummies
Zarbee’s Kids Complete Daily Multivitamin + Probiotic is rich in essential vitamins while boasting a natural fruit flavor that little palates love. These vitamins have minimal added sugar and are sweetened with cane sugar, honey and fruit juice. Because of the honey, unfortunately, these gummies are not vegan-friendly. They do contain 500 million to 1 billion probiotic strains, however.
Each bottle contains 7o gummies. Formulated for kids 2 years and up.
Cost: $21.29
Pros
Cons
Best Infant Multivitamins
Always discuss multivitamins with your pediatrician before giving them to your infant, as breastfeeding along with a vitamin D supplement and formula are considered to be complete sources of nutrition for your baby.
Mary Ruth’s Organic Infant Multivitamin
Formulated specifically for infants aged 6 months and up, Mary Ruth’s Organic Infant Multivitamin comes in a liquid, making it easy to stir into breast milk, formula, or even baby cereal. This infant formulation comes in an orange-vanilla flavor, making it easy for babies to taste and enjoy.
Each bottle contains 2 fl oz of supplement drops, or about 30 servings. For babies 6+ months.
Cost: $14.96
Pros
Cons
Best Children’s Multivitamins With Iron
If you are looking for the best kids multivitamin with iron, here are my top two picks.
Raise Them Well
Formulated with methylated B vitamins, a form of the essential vitamins that is more bioavailable for your child, these all-star vitamins are vegetarian, gluten-free, non-GMO, and third-party tested. Raise Them Well also offers a subscription service, discounting the price for all subscription orders.
Each bottle contains 60 chewable tablets. Suitable for children aged 4 and up.
Cost: $21.99 ($20.89 for subscription orders)
Pros
Cons
Zarbee’s Naturals Children’s Complete Multivitamin + Iron
With a total B complex, iron, and natural fruit flavors, there isn’t a whole lot not to love about this one. It’s one of the best kids vitamins with iron. One of the only drawbacks is that it is made with honey so it is not vegan-friendly.
Formulated for kids aged 2+. Each bottle contains 90 gummies, or 45 or 90 servings depending on the age of your child.
Price: $16.49
Pros
Cons
Children’s Best Complete Sugar-Free Multivitamin for Kids
If you are looking for a sugar-free kids vitamins, Children’s Best is a fantastic pick. With no artificial colors, a berry mix flavor, and 100% vegan and gluten-free, these kids chewable vitamins are a favorite with little ones and their parents.
Each bottle contains 120 chewables. Suitable for children ages 4+.
Cost: $19.99
Pros
Cons
Best Children’s Multivitamins Without Iron
If your doctor says that your child doesn’t need supplemental iron, here are my best children’s multivitamins without iron.
Mary Ruth’s Organics Kids Multivitamin Gummies
Mary Ruth’s Kids Multivitamin Gummies are vegan, gluten-free, and made with no gelatin. They have a selection of flavors that kids love. Made with 12 essential vitamins, they help support your kid’s immune system and overall wellness.
Each bottle contains 60 gummies and is suitable for kids aged 2 and older.
Cost: $29.97
Pros
Cons
Naturelo Chewable Multivitamin for Children
This is one of my favorite chewable vitamins for kids. Not only is it organic, but it is also vegan and vegetarian; these vitamins are made with plant-based vitamins and minerals and they do not contain any gelatin or other animal products.
Each bottle contains 60 chewable tablets. Suitable for children ages 4 and up.
Cost: $24.95
Pros
Cons
Best Organic Children’s Multivitamins
Look no further for the best organic vitamins for kids. You don’t have to worry about any pesticides or GMOs in these multis; they’re full of only good-for-you ingredients!
Children’s Best Organic Kids Multivitamin Gummies
True to the brand name, Children’s Best makes some of the best organic kids vitamins. They are made with organic and non-GMO ingredients, contain a host of essential vitamins and minerals, and are allergen-friendly (that is gluten-free, dairy-free, and gelatin-free). They are also suitable for vegan diets.
Each bottle contains 90 gummy vitamins. Suitable for children ages 2+.
Cost: $19.99
Pros
Cons
Lil Critters Organic Complete Multivitamin Gummies
Lil Critters are budget-friendly, USDA-certified organic, easy to find in major retailers, and made with no processed or artificial sugars or sweeteners. Kids love their fruit flavors so the gummies can be a good option for picky eaters as well.
90 gummies per bottle. Suitable for children aged 2-3 years+.
Cost: $17.20
Pros
Cons
Best Subscription Children’s Multivitamins
Enjoy the convenience of having high-quality children’s vitamins delivered to your home each month, thanks to this popular children’s multivitamin brand!
First Day Kids Vitamins
Another one of the best organic kids vitamins. This gummy multivitamin is made with real organic fruits and vegetables and contains 9 of the top micronutrients that children most need.
Each bottle contains a 60 gummies and is suitable for children ages 4+.
Bonus: first day has a great subscription service and they offer 15% off of all subscription orders.
Cost: $39/bottle ($30.60/bottle with subscribe and save)
Related: My complete review of First Day vitamins.
Pros
Cons
Best Kids Liquid Vitamins
Liquid vitamins can be helpful for younger kids or those who want to be able to stir their vitamins into a drink, yogurt, or other food. Here are the best vitamins in liquid form:
Mary Ruth’s Organic Multivitamin Liposomal
This vegan liquid vitamin supplement has a delicious strawberry cherry vanilla flavor that many kids love. The liquid is easy for kids to drink and is perfect for children who do not want to chew tablets or gummies. It has zero added sugar, and has greater bioavailability thanks to its liposomal technology.
Each 15.22 bottle contains up to 60 servings. This product was formulated for kids aged 4 to 13 years old.
Cost: $34.99
Pros
Cons
ChildLife Essentials Kids Liquid Multivitamin
ChildLife Multi Vitamin & Mineral liquid vitamin is a great budget-friendly option for your child. Though it is not organic it is non-GMO. It contains twelve vitamins plus minerals to support growth and has won many awards. Finally, this liquid vitamin is third-party tested for purity, identity, and strength, making it a vitamin that you can feel great about giving to young ones.
Each 8 oz. bottle contains up to 24 servings. Suitable for children aged 6 months and older.
Cost: $14.36
Pros
Cons
Best Children’s Multivitamins For Picky Eaters
If you have a picky eater who rejects most children’s vitamins, this picky eater vitamin brand is a great option.
Renzo’s Picky Eater Multivitamin
Renzo’s is a newer brand that has great reviews amongst the picky eater crowd. It was created by a doctor who wanted better vitamins for his young son before going into an important surgery.
This complete multivitamin with iron comes in melty tabs and has 18 essential vitamins while being vegan and having no added sugar. The multivitamin is available in two delicious flavors: cherry and green apple. It is approved for children 2 years and older, making it one of the best vitamins for picky eater toddlers.
60 melty tabs per box.
Cost: $23.39
Pros
Cons
Best Toddler Multivitamin
Though some of the other listed vitamins are formulated for kiddos aged 2-3+, these two options are two of the best vitamins for toddlers.
Note: if you are looking for a specific toddler vitamin with iron, there isn’t currently one on the market that I recommend. You may want to speak with your doctor about giving your child an iron-only supplement in addition to one of these vitamins.
Smarty Pants Toddler Multi & Probiotics
This multivitamin has it all: essential vitamins and minerals, probiotics, and omega-3s. It is an organic vitamin that has over 13 nutrients and fantastic fruit flavors. It is easy to find at most major retailers and has flavors that kid-approved flavors.
Each package comes with 60 gummies (a 30 day supply) and are formulated for kids 2-3 years of age.
Cost: $23.18
Pros
Cons
Garden for Life Baby
If chewables or gummies are a choking hazard to your toddler or if they simply prefer a liquid, Garden of Life Baby Multi-Vitamin liquid may be a great option. This variety is safe for babies as well as toddlers so it can be a great multi for your child to grow with.
Each bottle contains 56 servings and is formulated for ages 1 year+.
Cost: $16.79
Pros
Cons
Best Whole Foods Based Children’s Vitamins
If you are looking for a vitamin that is made with healthy and whole foods, the following brand is for you:
Bluebonnet Nutrition Rainforest Animals Chewable Tablets
This whole foods based vitamin is one of the cleanest children’s vitamins: the chewable tablets are formulated with a base of super fruits. They contain 19 essential vitamins (including iron) and are a budget-friendly option for the number of tablets in each bottle.
Each bottle contains 180 chewable tablets. They are suitable for children ages 2+.
Cost: $29.45
Pros
Cons
Best Natural Vitamins For Kids
You can feel good about giving any of these natural vitamins to your children. They lack artificial ingredients and preservatives and one of them is even organic!
Garden of Life Organic Kids Multi Gummies
Made with an organic fruit base and no processed ingredients, these USDA-certified and third-party tested vitamins are rich in 17 essential vitamins and minerals. This is one of my favorite natural vitamin options, though the serving size of 4 gummies is somewhat large for picky eater kids.
120 vegan gummy bears per bottle. Suitable for children ages 4+.
Cost: $26.59
Pros
Cons
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Kids
Not only are these vitamins made with raw whole food, but they also have added probiotics for digestion. They are made with 25 fruits and vegetables and contain 15 essential vitamins and minerals. The chewable bear-shaped vitamins have a cherry berry flavor that is popular with kids.
Each bottle contains 60 chewable tablets, or 30 servings. Suitable for children aged 4 years and older.
Cost: $22.34
Pros
Cons
Best Vegan Children’s Multivitamins
Fill in any nutrition gaps your plant-based child may have with these vegan-friendly children’s multivitamins. They contain plant-based vitamin D3 and vitamin B12 and are made without gelatin, making them the perfect supplements for youngsters following a plant-based diet.
Llama Naturals Plant-Based Multivitamin
These iron-free real fruit gummy vitamins are a best-seller on Amazon and for good reason! They’re a hit with plant-based and non plant-based children alike. They are rich in water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, methyl B12, folate, biotin, and pantothenic acid as well as fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K, making them a well-rounded option for your child. These multivites are free of all major allergens and featuring a tasty natural strawberry flavor.
90 fruit gummies per bottle. Suitable for children ages 2+.
Cost: $26.95 for 1 bottle ($24.26 for subscription orders)
Pros
Cons
Vitamin Friends Multivitamin & Iron for Kids
This vegan kids’ vitamins contains iron, B-complex, vitamin C, biotin, and zinc, making it a good choice for children who follow a vegan diet or don’t get enough iron in their diet. These gummies are made without gelatin and have a delicious strawberry flavor that kids love. They are also free of any common allergens.
60 vegan gummies per container. Suitable for children over two years of age.
Cost: $21.49
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Cons
Natures Plus Animal Parade Children’s Chewable Multivitamins
Another one on the list of best vitamins that are vegan is Natures Plus multivitamin. This chewable supplement is made with whole food ingredients such as spirulina, broccoli, whole brown rice, and carrot. Though this vitamin isn’t organic or non-GMO, is third-party tested.
180 chewable tablets (or 45 servings) per container. Suitable for children aged 2 and older.
Cost: $80.20 for 3 containers of vitamins (or $26.74/container)
Pros
Cons
Best Budget-Friendly Children’s Multivitamins
Don’t break the bank while still giving your child a quality multivitamin with this favorite budget-friendly brand.
Wellvites Kids Multivitamin Gummies
With most other non-GMO vitamins clocking in at over $25/month supply, this one can cost as low as $17.09 per month with Amazon’s subscribe and save option. These gummy vitamins are sugar-free, vegan, gluten-free and made without gelatin or artificial sweeteners.
Each bottle contains 60 gummy vitamins. Suitable for children over the age of two.
Cost: $18.95
Pros
Cons
Best Single Supplements For Kids
Healthy Children’s Iron-Only Supplements
Iron is a necessary nutrient for both adults and children. It allows the body to produce hemoglobin which transports oxygen via red blood cells throughout the body (source).
Most kids can get enough iron through iron-rich foods such as red meat, dark leafy greens, iron-fortified bread and breakfast cereal, nuts, and seeds, and more (source). If your child doesn’t eat many of these foods or follows a plant-based diet and has been diagnosed with iron deficiency, your doctor will likely want you to supplement with an iron-only supplement or a multivitamin with iron for kids. Otherwise, supplementing with iron is not necessary for most kids (source).
- Clever Bird Liquid Iron: Formulated for kids aged 1+ (check for your child’s recommended dose with your pediatrician), this supplement tastes great and is easily absorbed.
- Hiya Iron+ For Kids: Can be used for kids aged 2+, non-GMO, sugar-free, made with carbonyl iron to be gentle on tummies, includes Vitamin C for easy absorption, tastes great!
- Mary Ruth’s Liquid Iron For Toddlers: Organic, Non-GMO, Super clean ingredients list, formulated for kids aged 1-3 (note: there is also a Mary Ruth’s Liquid Iron For Kids ages 4+!), it’s hard to go wrong with this liquid iron supplement.
- Nature’s Nutra: Formulated for babies as well as kids, I like this option because of its clean ingredients list. No artificial colors or flavors, either.
Related: Best Chewable Iron Supplements For Kids
Best B12 Children’s Supplements
It can be a good idea to consider supplementing with vitamin B12 if your child follows a vegetarian or vegan diet or otherwise doesn’t eat a lot of animal protein. The vitamin plays a very important role in many essential body functions, including red cell formation, nerve function, metabolism, and more (source).
Good sources of vitamin B12 are red meat, chicken (especially dark meat), dairy products, and some fortified cereals (source), so if your child doesn’t eat many of these foods it can be a good idea to discuss supplementation with your child’s healthcare provider.
When researching these supplements, it’s always a good idea to look for supplements with methylated B12. This form of the vitamin is more bio-available, meaning that your kiddo’s body can absorb it most readily (source). Here are some of the best children’s vitamin B12 supplements on the market today, with all of them having methyl B12:
- Vimergy: An organic, vegan, and gluten-free vitamin B12 option that is naturally sweet and that kids love. Quite a high price tag ($63 for 2 ounces), but a quality product.
- Live Wise Naturals: These B12 drops are made with methylated B12, clean ingredients, and are formulated specifically for vegan toddlers and children. This brand isn’t organic but it is non-GMO and it sits at a more affordable price point ($19.99), though the price per ounce is higher as each bottle is only .4 fl oz.
- Nutra Champs: For a vitamin B12 supplement that comes with a B complex, Nutra Champs is a fantastic pick. It is budget-friendly ($20.66 for 2 ounces) and contains B1, B3, B3, B6, B7, B9, and methyl B12, though it is sweetened with monk fruit and stevia.
Best Vitamin C For Kids
I often get asked about the best vitamin C for kids. Vitamin C is an important vitamin because it helps boost the immune system and also repairs red blood cells (source). Here are my top vitamin C supplement picks:
- Raise Them Well Children’s Immunity Chewable: With vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and zinc, this is a good one to choose if your doctor also recommends that your child supplement with vitamin D. Note: consult your pediatrician if your child is already taking a multivitamin with these vitamins.
- Llama Naturals Vitamin C with Elderberry: Containing potent elderberry extract, these naturally sweetened gummies are delicious tasting, great for immune health, and rich in vitamin C and zinc. Because of this, Llama Naturals is some of the best vitamin C for toddlers!
- Children’s Best Organic Immune Support(with Elderberry): A great option for parents who want an organic vitamin C supplement for their children. Raspberry flavored with elderberry extract.
- Olly Kids Immunity: Delicious cherry flavor makes this gummy vitamin a hit with little ones. With vitamin C derived from Acerola cherry as well as elderberry and Zinc, these chews are not made with gelatin, making them vegan-friendly.
Related: Best Kids Immunity Vitamins to Fight Colds
Best Vitamin D Supplement For Kids
Unless your baby is formula-fed (and getting 32oz / day of formula), you will always want to supplement vitamin D for any infant 0-12 months (source). Older kids who have been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency or otherwise don’t get enough vitamin D (or sun exposure) may be directed by their pediatricians to take vitamin D supplements as well. Here are a few of my top recommendations:
- Bobbie Vitamin D Drops: These organic, vegan Vitamin D drops are designed for infants 0-12 months and children aged 1-3 but personally, they could be used for kids older than 3 years as well. Just check with your pediatrician before using this for your child. They provide 100% of the daily recommendation for Vitamin D (400 IU) for infants 0-12 months, and 67% of the daily recommendation for Vitamin D (600 IU) for children 1-18 years (source). These drops are 3rd party tested, Clean Label Certified, have no artificial ingredients or added sugars, and are made without peanuts, eggs, wheat, milk, fish, shellfish, soy, and sesame.
- Llama Naturals Vitamin D Gummies: Plant-based vitamin D3 can be hard to find, but Llama Naturals does it again! This vegan gummy vitamin is great for adults as well as kids. They are made with vitamin D3 that is sourced from lichen and that can help with bone health, immunity, and more. No added sugar cane or artificial ingredients.
- Raise Them Well Vitamin D Drops: With absolutely nothing (flavors, colors, etc.) added to these drops, they are fantastic for picky eater kids and young babies. All your baby needs is one drop of the supplement in their milk each day.
- BabyD Drops: Another fantastic vitamin D3 drop option and a favorite with pediatricians. This brand is certified organic, is easy to find, and has a neutral flavor.
- UpSpring: Gluten-free, non-GMO, and made with all-natural ingredients, UpSpring drops are a fantastic pick. They can be hard to find but do tend to be more budget-friendly.
Best Children’s Omega 3 Supplements
Fatty acids such as Omega-3’s are one of the key nutrients growing kids need. In fact, DHA, one of the Omega-3’s, is found in breast milk and is added to most regular and organic baby formulas. This fatty acid is crucial in eye and nervous system health as well as brain development throughout infancy (source). As kids get older, they still need omega-3s for healthy development and growth, brain function, and even improving sleep and mood (source). For that reason, it’s always a good idea to make sure your child is getting enough healthy fatty acids. Here are some of my favorite picks:
- Nordic Naturals: This fish oil supplement tastes like strawberry, making it a favorite with kids. It contains DHA and EPA, improving learning, immune system function, and brain development. It is made with 100% wild arctic cod, making it a safe source of Omega-3s. Because of this, it is not vegetarian or vegan-friendly, however.
- ChildLife Cod Liver Oil: Another fantastic kid-friendly fish oil supplement. This cod liver oil has a strawberry flavor and the bottle has recommended dosage for kids aged 6 months to 4 years.
Related: BEST Kids Vitamins for Brain Development
Healthiest Probiotic Supplements For Kids
Probiotics can help with your young one’s digestion, immune system, brain health, and more (source). Since there are currently no official dosage recommendations for children, it is generally the best idea to add probiotics to your child’s diet by encouraging probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sourdough bread, and more (source).
If your child doesn’t prefer to eat these foods, it can be a good idea to discuss supplementation with your doctor. Here are some of the best kid-friendly probiotic supplement options:
- Hiya Probiotics: 10 billion live cultures make these chewable probiotics an immunity and gut health superstar. Subscription-based purchasing model for the ultimate convenience.
- Bobbie Probiotic Drops: These USDA organic certified liquid probiotic drops are designed for infants 0-12 months, but personally, they could be used for kids older than 12 months as well. Just check with your pediatrician before using this for your child. They include 1 billion live cultures with two strains of probiotics. They’re 3rd party tested, Clean Label Certified and were granted the Pesticide Free Award. They also happen to be virtually tasteless and can be mixed into just about anything!
- Llama Naturals Probiotics: With a prebiotic as well as a probiotic, this real fruit-sweetened gummy with peach mango flavor is always a kid favorite!
- Garden of Life Chewable Probiotic: This variety of kids probiotic features 14 strands of probiotics along with vitamins C and D, making it a multitasking powerhouse. It is organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.
- Garden of Life Powdered Probiotic: Easily mix this powdered probiotic into mix, yogurt, infant formula, or juice for easy supplementation. It has a neutral flavor so it doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or sweeteners.
- Children’s Best Organic Gummy Probiotic: These gummies are made in the United States and have a fantastic strawberry flavor. They are non-GMO and contain 2.5 billion live cultures per serving.
Bonus: Learn more about the best probiotics for kids here.
The Healthiest Prebiotic Supplement For Kids
Prebiotics are sources of food for probiotics, allowing the probiotics to better benefit the digestive system (source). Prebiotics can be a tricky one to find for children because many of the popular brands contain stabilizers and other artificial colors and flavors.
The one prebiotic brand that I do confidently recommend is 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). It’s super clean and really effective!
What Are Multivitamins For Kids?
Children’s multivitamins are a daily supplement containing vitamins and minerals that are created to be a dietary supplement to your child’s diet. All of the vitamins reviewed here have vitamin amounts following recommended dietary allowances, which are set by the Food and Nutrition Board (source).
Should Your Child Take A Multivitamin? Is It Safe To Give Multivitamins To Children?
Most pediatricians will tell you that a multivitamin is not necessary for most healthy children who are growing normally and eat a well-balanced diet (source). Kids and young children who eat well and eat a variety of foods can get all of the nutrients they need from whole foods.
But, for kids who are picky eaters, aren’t growing well, have food allergies, have been diagnosed with certain medical conditions, or follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, a multivitamin supplement may be a good idea to consider. They can help fill nutritional gaps and encourage healthy development, supplying your children with the essential nutrients to thrive.
As always, however, always speak with your healthcare provider before giving your child vitamin supplementation. If they suggest giving your child a multivitamin, then definitely do so.
What To Look For In A Multivitamin?
Kid’s vitamins generally come in two groups: kid’s vitamins with iron and those without iron. Always consult your doctor about which category of vitamin to shop for, as they will have the best recommendation for your child’s needs.
Otherwise, kids multivitamins usually come with the following vitamins:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- B Vitamins (B6, B12, Biotin, Folate)
- Zinc
Some vitamins also have calcium added, but not many do, as calcium is a bulky mineral which would likely make the vitamins too large for little ones to comfortably consume. Calcium is a very important mineral, however, as it is responsible for building strong bones. It is therefore important for your child to get calcium from food sources such as dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) leafy green vegetables, salmon, legumes, seeds, and more (source). If your child doesn’t ingest many of these ingredients, consult your pediatrician starting your child on a quality calcium supplement, such as ChildLife Essentials.
When looking at the nutrition label a multivitamin label, double-check that none of the ingredients have more than 100% of the daily recommended amount. Vitamins are meant to be a supplement to your child’s diet, meaning that since your child may already likely be getting vitamins in their diet they do not also need the full daily amounts in vitamin form.
Also, consider the dosage for your child’s age when evaluating the vitamin’s nutritional label. Some vitamins are more suited for younger or older children, given the concentration of vitamins in them, and will give serving sizes for ages accordingly.
What To Avoid In Kids Vitamins?
Though all of the options on this list are healthy kids vitamins options, here are some things to look out for on vitamin ingredient labels when considering other children’s vitamins brands:
- Carrageenan: An emulsifier that thickens products, but it has been linked to high levels of inflammation in the body, digestive issues, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease (source).
- Artificial colors and flavors: By definition, artificial colors and artificial flavors are highly processed, synthetic ingredients. Synthetic colors such as Red #40, Blue #2, Yellow #6 have been linked to many different health problems, including cancer, hypersensitivity reactions, and more (source).
- Artificial Sweeteners: In particular, aspartame, sucralose, sorbitol, mannitol, or other sugar alcohols. These are an issue because some sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues and discomfort for some people (source). Mannitol is typically better tolerated than sorbitol, so in choosing between the two, I would avoid sorbitol over mannitol.
- Maltodextrin: While this ingredient isn’t considered to be an unsafe product for consumption, it is highly processed (source), often indicating that the vitamin is highly processed as well.
- Excess Added Sugar: Whereas most children’s multivitamins need some level of sweetening to make them palatable for the child to consume (as swallowable vitamins are seldom an option for most children), I usually look for 4-5 grams of naturally-derived sugar or less per serving.
A note on gelatin: 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 diet or vegetarian diet.
FAQs
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “infants, children, and adolescents need to consume a variety of vitamins and minerals in recommended amounts to ensure typical growth and development. Vitamins are present in human (breast) milk and in a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains” (source).
Infants who are consuming breast milk only, or who are consuming less than 32 ounces of formula per day need an additional vitamin D supplement; infants consuming 32 ounces or more of a government-approved formula (per day) do not need any supplementation (source). Older kids and adolescents who consume a well-rounded diet do not need a vitamin supplement for optimal health, as they get enough nutrients and different vitamins from what they eat (source).
Note: Certain vitamins and minerals, namely vitamins A, C, D, and iron can be toxic in large quantities (source). Always consult your doctor before starting your child on a vitamin.
Unfortunately, vitamins and supplements are not FDA approved. It is for this reason that trustworthy third-party testing is very important when considering the best vitamins for your kids. Reliable third-party testing companies are USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com.
It is somewhat expensive for vitamin manufacturers to undergo third-party testing with any of these three companies, meaning that many of the brands that are certified tend to be more expensive.
Because of this, it also means that there are likely many vitamin companies out there that are healthy to consume but are not third-party tested simply because they did not have the budget for it. For this reason, it is important to research the vitamin companies and always speak with your doctor before consuming a new vitamin brand.
Kids should start taking a vitamin when their pediatrician recommends that they do. Your pediatrician will assess your child’s diet, and any other medical conditions to determine whether they should start on a multivitamin.
Yes, some of the ingredients in children’s multivitamins can cause constipation as well as diarrhea or upset stomachs. A common constipation-causing ingredient is iron. If you ever have concerns, please reach out to your doctor, but often the constipation or stomach upset will disappear as your child’s body adjusts to the supplement. Otherwise, talk with your provider about switching to a multi without iron or to a vitamin that also contains probiotics.
Yes, theoretically adults can take children’s vitamins, as there is no harm in doing so. The amount of the vitamins and mineral supplements in the vitamins, however, will likely be much lower than the daily values needed to supplement an adult’s diet.
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.
After reading this list, always discuss vitamin supplementation with your child’s doctor before choosing the best option for them.
For more guides, recipes, tips, and tricks, check out the Best For Kids section of my blog. If there’s a fabulous kids vitamin brand that I missed, be sure to let me know in the comments! And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or send me a message – I respond to every question I get!
Hi-My son is 13 and is a very picky eater… No vegetables or fruits in his diet. He’s also falling behind on the growth chart. What vitamins would you recommend to help promote growth and adequate nutrition. Also maybe an option with iron.
Hi Nicole! If your son is 13, he can actually take adult vitamins and that’s what I would recommend. The best men’s vitamin I’ve found is this one from Performance Lab. It contains 17+ essential daily vitamins + minerals with food cofactors for optimal absorption (including iron). It’s a highly bioavailable vitamin calibrated for men’s specific nutritional needs. It’s also vegan, allergen-free, gluten-free, non GMO, and super clean from an ingredients standpoint. They also have an ongoing buy 3 get 1 free offer (so if you buy 3 bottles, you get 1 free!) If your son can’t swallow pills I’d recommend this liquid vitamin from Mary Ruth’s. It also has great ingredients and will help fill the gaps in his diet, but it doesn’t contain iron. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi
Which vitamins would you recommend for a 12 month old who needs to gain more weight and grow more according to our pediatrician. He just started drinking whole milk and is eating solids. Thank you
Hi Jess! I’d recommend FirstDay which has really high quality nutrients (from 27 organic fruits + veggies) in addition to key vitamins that help with nutrient gaps. Hope that helps!
Hello!
I’ve really enjoyed reading over all the helpful information about vitamins. I’ve found myself so overwhelmed trying to figure out what is best for my 5yo son.
A little about him: He is full of energy and can struggle to focus and sit still. I have trouble keeping up. He may be on the ADHD spectrum. I’ve been talking with his doctor and for now we want to focus on healthy lifestyle, he’s already super active, and diet(he’s been on a veggie strike! So happy it’s finally smoothie season, I get to sneak in the greens without him knowing). I’ve had him on Oneaday multivitamin and also a probiotic. after reading your list and going through each one I’m wondering if I should do a vitamin with iron and then a seperate probiotic(I’ve read about up4 kids gummies. I didn’t see it on your list but was wondering if you knew anything about it?)or should I do the muiltivitamin with the probiotic? I was liking the idea of the smartypants because it came with everything minus the iron. I was also reading about the genius and DHA drops and thought maybe that would be something to try. With the pandemic it’s been even more of a struggle to get him to sit down and want to focus on school work. In all fairness this is a crazy time.
I guess as I said before I’m feeling overwhelmed with all this information and want to make sure I am giving him what he needs.
From one Bay Area gal to another thanks For trying to simplify and break it down for us. It’s much appreciated!
Hi Britt! Thanks so much for reaching out! To your questions — oneaday vitamins don’t have the highest quality vitamins and up4kids probiotic gummies are fine ingredients wise, but have a low dose of probiotics and a small variety of strains (you ideally want a large variety of strains and more total in each dose). Instead, I’d go with this probiotic from Garden of Life, and you could switch to the SmartyPants Organic Multivitamins for Kids with DHA + Probiotics added. The probiotics in the SmartyPants vitamin is just one strain and only 1 Billion CFU so it’s ok to take that along with the separate Garden of Life probiotic I mentioned above. The other vitamin/supplement that helps with focus is Rhodiola Root, which is present in these Genius Drops for Kids. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
My daughter has ADHD and I’m struggling to find the right vitamins for her that include all the recommended vitamins – Omega-3s, Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin C and Ginko. I’m so lost.
Hi Olivia! While I’m not an expert on ADD, Autism, or ADHD, there are a few supplements that I have heard can help with concentration in kids (but make sure to talk to your pediatrician before you give any of these to your kids):
1) Fish Oil,
2) A B-Complex Vitamin,
3) A Zinc, Magnesium and Calcium supplement like this one,
4) A probiotic, and
5) Rhodiola Rosea – which is an herb that can help with focus. I like this supplement for Rhodiola Rosea for kids.
Another thing to keep in mind is that focusing/ADHD issues in kids can be exacerbated by dietary issues — like too many processed foods, too much added sugar and artificial flavors/colors in their diet. So I would make sure your daughter’s diet is free of these as well. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Anjali,
Both of my kids are taking First Day, but my youngest absolutely hates the taste. Any tricks on best way to give it to her? To be honest, I’ve started adding the vitamins in her Greek yogurt as that’s the only way she’ll take it. She used to love the Organic Smartypants vitamins the best, but I wanted to try First Day as I’d see so many ads on it. Now I’m debating if I should just give her that instead?
Thanks,
Tina
Hi Tina! If your youngest will take the vitamins as part of her greek yogurt that’s great! I’d just keep doing that since that’s what’s working. The Organic Smartypants kids vitamins are also really good, so you could totally switch back to that. The main benefit from FirstDay over Smartypants is that FirstDay has 27 organic fruits/veggies added, whereas Smartypants doesn’t. Other than that it’s still a great choice. Hope that helps!
Hi! I have a daughter with Down Syndrome, almost 9 years old. She is on a protocol for DS called TNI. Does she also need vitamins daily? I realize this is also a question for the naturalpaths on TNI site, but wanted feedback! Thank you!
Hi Roxi! I would assume that with the TNI protocol that she already is getting mega doses of vitamins daily — and if that’s the case then the vitamins on this list likely won’t do too much more for her. I think I’d like to better learn more about what vitamins she’s already taking on her TNI protocol before giving you specific recommendations on whether she needs additional vitamins daily, and if so, which vitamins to give her. Feel free to email me at pickyeats@gmail.com with those details and we can take it from there!
Hi, our daughter is 18 months old. We are looking for a liquid multivitamin preferably with iron. Although not sure if iron will be constipating?
If so, which liquid multivitamin do you recommend without iron?
Thank you
Navid
Hi Navid! I actually don’t know of any liquid vitamins that contain iron. So instead, I’d recommend using Garden of Life’s liquid vitamin and then if you need to, adding this separate liquid iron supplement for toddlers as well.
Hello! My son is 5 with autism and very picky. I’m looking for a liquid vitamin with minimal sugar but promotes brain development What are your suggestions?
Thanks
Hi Amanda! I’d recommend Premium Children’s which is a very comprehensive vitamin, has no sugar, and can be used for kids aged 4+!
Hello! My name is Nancy, I have 2 children. One of them has autism spectrum and ADHD, eats a lot, but has a lot of difficulties concentrating and staying still. My other son has the autism spectrum, he doesn’t eat fruits, he doesn’t eat vegetables, he’s super picky for all food. I can’t get him to try new things, to see if he likes them or not. We think he has problems with some textures, and he will soon have an Occupational Therapy Assessment. You have a lot of concentration and anxiety problems. I would like to know if you could please give me your opinion and recommend some supplements for them. I am desperate, as they feel very frustrated at not being able to focus on very simple school problems. I appreciate your time!
Hi Nancy! While I’m not an expert on ADD, Autism, or ADHD, there are a few supplements that I have heard can help with concentration in kids (but make sure to talk to your pediatrician before you give any of these to your kids):
1) Fish Oil,
2) A B-Complex Vitamin,
3) A Zinc, Magnesium and Calcium supplement like this one,
4) A probiotic, and
5) Rhodiola Rosea – which is an herb that can help with focus. I like this supplement for Rhodiola Rosea for kids.
Another thing to keep in mind is that focusing/ADHD issues in kids can be exacerbated by dietary issues — like too many processed foods, too much added sugar and artificial flavors/colors in their diet. So I would make sure your kids’ diet is free of these as well. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi, I have a 3yrs daughter who is a picky eater, not focus when I want her to learn and very busy body, she’s well focus when on her tablet or watching the TV. I need a gummy vitamins r supplement that have everything including DHA which one would you recommend please/ thankyou.
Hi Jacqueline! I’d recommend Smarty Pants Toddler Multivitamin. It has everything you’re looking for including DHA. Hope that helps!
Hi,
I am still doing research on choosing the correct vitamin for my kids. Have you heard of Naturelo Whole Food Multi Vitamins for kids? The Vitamin C does not contain the Ascorbic Acid that I did not want, however, I’m not sure if the vitamins in it meets the daily value for kids ages 9 & 11. What do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks,
D. White
Hi Deshawn! Do you mean this Naturelo Gummy for Kids? I have heard of that vitamin and the ingredients are good. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is sweetened with stevia, so I’m not sure if you’re trying to avoid that for your kids. It does meet the daily value for kids aged 9 and 11 — for 9 year olds you’d have to do 2 gummies, for 11 year olds you’d have to do 3 gummies daily. The only reason it’s not on my list is because I haven’t seen it be consistently in stock for almost a year! But if you can find it online or at your local store, it’s a good option – as long as you are ok with stevia!
Hello,
I am looking for a children’s vitamin 10 years and older (boy 10 and girl 11) that is liquid, and is derived from the food groups. Like Spirulina and Broccoli, etc. I’m also looking for the Vitamin C to be natural instead of Absorbic Acid with soy excluded. Can you find such multivitamins in the one I’m seeking?
Hi Deshawn! The best vitamin I can find is Garden of Life’s Liquid Vitamin – it’s meant for toddlers but can be used for older kids too. All of the vitamins, including Vitamin C are derived from organic foods. All of the other liquid vitamins on the market for kids are not derived from organic foods. There are plenty of chewables or gummies derived from organic food but liquid vitamins are more limited! Hope that helps!
Thank you so much for your informative post! Can you recommend a liquid probiotic for a 20 month old? My daughter is fed by g-button and I’m having difficulty finding a great liquid probiotic.
Hi Mandi! I love this probiotic from GoHealthy Natural. It’s got a nice variety of strains, can be used starting at age 1, and is organic.
Hi my children are of age 4 years and 9 years .the elder one is my daughter and is very fuss in eating vegetables she like eating everything plain for eg plain noodles,plain pasta so what should I do and the younger one my son eats fruits but he also don’t eat vegetables like carrot,capsicum and beans
Hi Megha! I’d recommend FirstDay for both of them — which includes 27 organic fruits and veggies as part of their vitamin!
Hi-looking for a good daily probiotic for my 5 and 8-year-old. My 8-year-old also gets occasional constipation issues, so need something to help keep him regular, but of course doing the right diet for him too.
Thanks!
Tina
Hi Tina! I’d recommend Garden of Life’s chewable probiotic for both of your kids! Hope that helps!
Hi I have three boys 3/5/7 and looking for vitamins/probiotics. My 5 yr old has celiacs and a dairy allergy. The other two have tree nut and peanut allergies. I would prefer for them to all take the same kind if possible. As much as I don’t care for added sugar I want them to taste good and not be a fight to take. Your suggestion is appreciated.
Hi Ashlee! I would get FirstDay. It’s completely allergen friendly, it’s low in sugar, tastes good, and is a really comprehensive vitamin with high quality ingredients. For a probiotic, I’d go with this powdered probiotic from Garden of Life. Hope that helps!