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
Pros
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! Fellow vegetarian mom here. Curious what multi you give your vegetarian kiddos?
I give them Hiya! I have also given them Children’s Best, Raise Them Well, Llama Naturals, First Day, Smarty Pants and Ritual in the past — but we’re using Hiya right now because it’s the most comprehensive and doesn’t contain iron (we don’t need extra iron supplementation). Hope that helps!
Thanks – great info! With vegetarian kids at a higher risk for iron deficiency, how do you know your kiddos don’t need any iron supplementation?
Hi Kelly! I got them tested for anemia and their iron levels were ok! We also eat a lot of iron rich foods, and I make sure to give them iron rich foods without dairy in the same meal (since dairy makes it hard for the body to absorb plant based iron when eaten together). Hope that helps!
It does help – thank you so much! When you say you got them tested for iron, are you referring to a hemoglobin check? Or something else?
Pretty much — I had their CBC/CMP and ferritin checked!
My kids don’t like Hiya. I have one really good eater and one really picky eater. What vitamin would you recommend next?
Hi Katie! I would try First Day! They are gummies (so a different texture than Hiya) and they taste really good!
Gotcha. My understanding is that CBC/CMP and ferritin are tested by a vein draw (not finger prick)…is that correct? Curious because my Ped has only ever checked Hemoglobin (via a finger prick) for my 3 and 6 yo and I’m thinking it’s because the others are drawn from a vein?
Yup – we had an actual blood draw from the vein! They were really good about it though at my peds office!!
Ok, thanks! How old were your kids when they had a vein draw? Is a finger prick (hemoglobin) sufficient for younger kiddos?
Hi Kelly! My daughter was 6, but if you really want to get ferritin tested, pediatricians will do blood draws for kids younger than 6 as well. Hemoglobin is actually a totally different measure of anemia than ferritin – and it’s a less sensitive marker. You could have normal hemoglobin but low ferritin and still need iron supplementation. Ferritin is a measure of iron stores in the body, while hemoglobin is a measure of the iron in your blood (e.g. iron from the food you eat vs. iron excreted by the body). Hope that helps!
It does, thank you! On the topic of iron-only supplementation, what are your thoughts on Frunutti iron tabs/melts for kids (5 mg dose)?
Hi Kelly! So – the only thing with that particular brand – is that it contains lactose – which is strange, because dairy actually inhibits the absorption of iron. So I’d recommend finding a different iron only supplement for kids – I like Seeking Health but that one is 10mg per dose. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you so much for the article!!! Very useful information! Could you please recommend something antiparasite (pinworms) for a 4 year old. Thank you!
Hi Maria! I’m so glad you found this post helpful! To your question, unfortunately, I’m not a doctor so can’t recommend an antiparasite medication for kids. Your pediatrician would be the best person to ask there!
Hi! I love your article especially that you went into ones to avoid if possible! I’m looking for recommendations for my 4 year old (has milk allergy – casein & whey) and 2 year old boys. They eat pretty well but don’t get as much greens as they should. We live in Wisconsin. They gets colds every couple months but lately more often and sometimes turns into ear infection for my oldest so I’m looking at possibilities for immune support.
I’m looking for one that doesn’t have anything more than vitamins if possible. Less sugar the better or even no sugar. Would it be better to take a multivitamin…looking for at least vitamin d, zinc and vitamin c maybe elderberry?, pre and probiotic. Anything you recommend would be greatly appreciated! I’m so glad I came across your article!!!
Hi Cassie! Thanks for reaching out, I’m so glad my post has been helpful to you! For vitamins, I’d recommend Hiya Vitamins because it has all of the vitamins you’re looking for (except elderberry) and can be used for kids aged 2+. If you want to add eldeberry, you could for your 4 year old with this supplement from Llama Naturals. For a really high quality probiotic and prebiotic you’ll have to supplement with each separately – no vitamins that include one or the other have a true comprehensive supplement of pre/probiotics included. For a probiotic I recommend Garden of Life, for a prebiotic I recommend BeginHealth. Hope that helps!
Hi there,
Thanks for this, it’s such valuable info! My 2.5yr old son is allergic to strawberries, apples, cherries, raspberries and peaches (so far), which means he doesn’t currently take any vitamins as they all seem to be flavoured/sweetened with one or more of the above. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Laura! Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, I don’t know of any vitamins that are 100% free of all of those fruits, is made for kids under the age of 4, and don’t have any cross contamination with any of those fruits! Ritual might be free of all of those fruits, but is for kids aged 4+ – but could be a good option for your son when he gets older! Sorry I can’t be more helpful!
Hi there! This is a great page 🙂
I’m currently giving these to my son. Can you please advise if they’re worth going ahead with or not. Thank you so much
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/5566/centrum-kids-incremin-iron-mixture-cherry-flavour-200ml
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/62967/nature-s-way-kids-smart-complete-multivitamin-100-capsules
Thanks so much.
Hi There! So the iron one has artificial flavors & colors, and the multivitamin has artificial sweeteners (sucralose and aspartame it looks like). If you can, I’d look for a vitamin with no sugar added, no artificial flavors or colors, and no artificial sweeteners! Hope that helps!
Thank you for the good info. Especially what to look out for and not to go over the 100% mark in Vit A,E,K. My grandkids (2 yrs on up) are always catching something(mostly cough, runny nose). They are eating good foods(not processed), but how about immune boosters? I am looking for a good product to give as a birthday gift etc. because the parents cannot afford it in their regular budgets. In my days of raising 5 kids, I gave liquid echinacea/golden seal for 10 days, three or four times a year. This is harder to do than a gummy (every day?). Do you have any opinion on Juice Plus products or the Shaklee brand products? Thank you.
Hi there! I’d recommend a liquid vitamin C that can be used for all ages, or for the kids aged 4+ you can use Raise Them Well’s Immunity Chewable! I think juice plus is generally fine, I’m not as familiar with Shaklee – but I’d say both of those brands are more for general supplementation and aren’t as immune specific. Hope that helps!
Hi there! I’m taking a trip with my 1 year old and 2.5 year old and I’m looking for a healthy vitamin for immune support! Any suggestions for us? I generally prefer liquid as it’s easiest for the 1 year old.. thanks!
Hi Elise! For kids that young, I typically recommend just supplementing with liquid vitamin C and liquid vitamin D – both help with boosting immunity. Hope that helps and have a good trip!
Hi Mam,
I have 11 years old boy, so please suggest complete multivitamingummies.
Thank you very much
I’d recommend Llama Naturals!
Hi there, this is so helpful! My child is allergic to dairy so I worry about her calcium intake. Is there a vitamin with calcium that you like?
Hi Michelle! I’d recommend Hiya! It’s for kids aged 2+ and contains calcium. Hope that helps!
Hi,
I’m debating between Hiya or Ritual. My only concern with Hiya is that it contains a sugar alcohol, Mannitol. You had mentioned in your article above to stay away from sugar alcohols.
Hi Laura! Yes, if your child has a super sensitive stomach, then the sugar alcohol in Hiya might bother them. That being said, mannitol is typically better tolerated than sorbitol and I haven’t heard any complaints of children reacting badly to the mannitol in Hiya. If you are looking for a more comprehensive vitamin (with more vitamins included), I would still try Hiya. If not, Ritual is also a great option! Hope that helps!
Hi Anjali,
Thank you for this super helpful post. My daughter current takes olly kids multivitamin with probiotic along with olly immunity vitamin. She is 2 years old and has is struggling with constipation since we started potty training. Any recommendations for a vitamin with fiber and or magnesium that she could take?
Thank you.
Sri
Hi Sri! For magnesium to help with constipation, I recommend Mag Go from Raise Them Well! It’s super gentle and should help ease the constipation from potty training (which is super normal to have!) Hope that helps!
Hi,
I took my 2-year-old for her check-up and did a lead test. I was told her lead levels are at 2.9 and was recommended to take multivitamins with iron. Any other possible suggestions you may have? Thank you!
Hi Kim! I would try Yumi – which is made for kids aged 2-4 and contains iron. Hope that helps!
We’ve been taking Flintstones vitamins for my 6-year-old but now I’m concerned I’ve been doing something wrong after reading your post. All the moms in our FB group recently switched to hiya and rave about how great the ingredients are and how they just love the company. They think I’m crazy for still doing Flintstones. Sooooo am I crazy for sticking with Flintstones?
Hi Yazzi! If you are able to, I’d highly recommend Hiya Vitamins over Flinstones for all of the reasons I mentioned in my post! 🙂 Flinstones contains sugar alcohols, artificial colors (which are banned in Europe due to their link to hyperactivity and other health issues in kids), artificial flavors, and the forms of vitamins included are not the most bioavailable which means they aren’t absorbed well by kids. Hiya Vitamins is a much better, healthier, more natural, sugar free and more effective/absorbable vitamin for kids!
This article was very informative. Thank you! What would you recommend for a 7, 9, & 12 year old. They currently all take Flintstones Complete plus a Culturelle probiotic daily, however I would like to find more natural options as well as add in more vitamins (Vitamins C, D & zinc)to help build the immune system before winter cold/flu season. Thanks for your suggestions.
Hi There! I’d recommend Hiya Vitamins for all of your kids! Once your 12 year old turns 13, I’d recommend Ritual Vitamins. They have one for Teen Girls and one for Teen Boys so you can pick the one that’s right for your kiddo! Hope that helps!
Hi, I was looking for the best multivitamin for kids ages 9, and 11. Just the best all around, my son sometimes gets constipated so any help with that but not necessary. I’m not sure if I should put them on one with a probotic, but immune system health is my number one. I just want them to be as healthy as possible.
Hi Jill! I’d recommend Ritual – it’s super comprehensive, great for kids aged 4-12, and it includes a fiber + prebiotic blend which should help with constipation. It also includes the key vitamins for immunity. Hope that helps!
Hi there,
Just wondering if you have heard of / what you think of Dr Wholeness Multivitamin Complete?
Thanks!
Hi Romina! I hadn’t heard of that brand before, but after looking up their ingredients they look good to me!
Hi
I am looking for a natural multivitamin for my daughter who is 9 and has vitamin D deficiency. Thanks.
Hi Sunkree! I would recommend Hiya Vitamins – it has the highest amount of Vitamin D among most of the other vitamins on my list! You might also need to supplement with Vitamin D separately depending on how much Vitamin D your pediatrician wants your daughter to be taking every day! Hope that helps!
We bought Hiya based on your recommendation and wow WE LOVE HIYA. Best vitamin, best customer service, best ingredients, best packaging haha. It’s really just the best. I wish they made adult vitamins but they’re 100% focused on kids.
Yay! So happy to hear that! We love Hiya too! 🙂
My 3 yo is a very picky eater- no vegetables, steak, French fries and strawberries. He lives on milk. I tried Hiya but he didn’t like the sour part of the”sweet tart” flavor. I am desperately in need of a great tasting supplement for him. Any suggestions?
Hi Mary! Why don’t you try Raise Them Well – I don’t think it’s as tart as Hiya so that might work better! Or if you need a gummy vitamin recommendation let me know and I can suggest something else!
Thank you for your reply. He likes gummies. He’s a bit Leary of chewable one right now.
For a gummy, I’d try FirstDay!