The Best Multivitamins For Kids (2024 Guide)

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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. 

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. 

Best Children’s Multivitamins With Iron

If you are looking for the best kids multivitamin with iron, here are my top two picks.

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.

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!

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!

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:

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.

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.

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:

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!

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.

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.

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 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

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!