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You might be considering a multivitamin for your child if your child is a picky eater, or if you're concerned that they are not getting their nutritional needs met. But there are so many different types of vitamins for kids out there - it's pretty difficult to figure out which ones are the best.
That's why I created this guide to the best multivitamins for kids. As a health coach and nutritionist, I tested over 50 different vitamin brands to figure out which were the best across nutrition, ingredient quality, taste, price, and availability. In this guide, I'll 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.
When I started researching the best kids vitamins, I realized how tricky and confusing this space can be. 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!
Other Information About This Guide: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).
Kid's vitamins generally come in two groups: kid's vitamins with iron and those without iron - and I have included my recommendations for both categories below.
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, as they will have the best recommendation for your child's needs.
Best Overall Children's Multivitamins
If you're looking for a vitamin that covers all your bases (organic, vegan, easy to find, picky eater approved, and more), these three brands are my top picks. These vitamins are tried and true, easy to find, made with quality ingredients, non-GMO, and more.
Related: Hiya Vitamin Review
Best Infant Multivitamins
Before giving any type of supplement to your infant, I strongly recommend discussing options with your pediatrician first! From my experience, breastfeeding along with a vitamin D supplement and formula are considered to be complete sources of nutrition for your baby.
Cost: $14.99
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
While many of the vitamins I've mentioned above happen to be organic, these two brands below deserve to be highlighted in this category because of their commitment to organic, clean ingredients! You don't have to worry about any pesticides or GMOs in these multis; they're full of only good-for-you ingredients!
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. My kids preferred chewables over liquid, but every kid is different so you have to choose what works best for your child! Here are the best vitamins in liquid form:
Best Children's Multivitamins For Picky Eaters
There's only one vitamin I have found that is designed specifically for picky eaters, and has a relatively clean ingredients list with no added sugar. If you have a picky eater who rejects most children's vitamins, this picky eater vitamin brand is a great option!
60 melty tabs per box.
Cost: $23.39
Best Toddler Multivitamin
Most vitamins are designed for kids aged 2-3 and up. But I have found one vitamin below that's designed for kids age 1 and up, perfect for toddlers. I've also added a second option that's great for kids age 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
Gelatin free vitamins are really important to my family, as we're vegetarian. If you have a plant-based child, you can fill in their nutrition gaps 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 because it allows the body to produce hemoglobin - which transports oxygen via red blood cells throughout the body ( source). Here are some of my favorite iron supplements for kids.
- 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.
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. Good sources of vitamin B12 are red meat, chicken (especially dark meat), dairy products, and some fortified cereals ( source). The vitamin plays a very important role in many essential body functions, including red cell formation, nerve function, metabolism, and more ( source).
When researching these supplements, I always 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.
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.
- 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
Related: BEST Kids Vitamins for Brain DevelopmentFatty 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:
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:
- 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!
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!
Should My Child Take A Multivitamin? Is It Safe To Give Multivitamins To Children?
Yes, it is safe to give multivitamins to most children. But many 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). This is because kids who eat well and eat a variety of foods can get all of the nutrients they need from whole foods ( source).
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 vitamins do infants need?
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). I gave both of my kids a vitamin D supplement when they were infants, since I was mainly breastfeeding for the first 9 months of their lives (before I transitioned to formula).
When should kids start taking a multivitamin?
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. I started giving my kids vitamins when they turned 5.
Are vitamins and supplements FDA approved?
Unfortunately, vitamins and supplements are not FDA approved. It is for this reason that I look for trustworthy third-party testing when considering the best vitamins for my 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.
Can children's vitamins cause constipation?
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.
Do kids need iron supplements?
I personally don't give my kids an iron supplement every day, because most kids can get enough iron through iron-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, iron-fortified bread and breakfast cereal, nuts, and seeds, red meat (if they are not vegetarian), and more ( source).
If your child doesn't eat many of these foods, follows a plant-based diet, and/or 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). I'll only give my kids an iron supplement on days when I feel like they haven't eaten as well to help bridge the gap in their nutrition.
Why don't most kids vitamins include calcium?
Note: 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.
Can adults take children's vitamins?
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!
