Best multivitamins for kids, according to parents

These fruity gummies serve up 100 percent of your child’s recommended daily value for key nutrients vitamins D and B12, while offering smaller supplementary amounts of other vital vitamins and minerals. As an added bonus, each serving of SmartyPants Kids Formula Multi and Omega 3s contains 100 micrograms of EPA and DHA, the "long-chain fatty acids"Opens a new window that are used by the body to build nerve cells in the brain and eyes. EPA and DHA are derived from fish oil, a supplement that often imparts a weird taste to vitamins. But this multi is absolutely delicious, parents say, with bright, fruity flavors like lemon, strawberry banana and orange. 

Each gummy has a gumdrop-like sugar coating that gives them a pleasant crunch kids love. Miriam Kalaev, Everyday Health Group's Senior Director, Data Strategy, Monetization and Measurement, says that her children enthusiastically ask for them every day. "For them these vitamins are like getting gummy treats," she says. "We often use them as their after lunch/after dinner treat." Miriam also says that she can be forgetful about vitamins but whenever she notices her kids are run down or on the verge of getting sick, she ups her consistency and notices that her son is subsequently able to fight off a cold in two or three days. 

Some parents worry about the added sugar in these vitamins, but the amount of added sugar is small: 5 grams of sugar, well under the 25 grams of added sugarOpens a new window that's the AAP's recommended daily limit for children 2 years and older. Some parents worry that the serving size of four gummies is a lot, but SmartyPants says that's why its gummies don't taste fishy: They spread the fish oil dose out. 

Iron is a crucial nutrient for kids’ growth and development, and kids who consistently fall short could be at risk for weakness and fatigue caused by anemia. So if your child is having trouble meeting her needs, your pediatrician might recommend an iron supplement or a multivitamin with added iron, Dr. DiMaggio notes.

These classic chewables are one of the few multis that deliver 100 percent of your child’s daily iron, to ensure she’s getting her fill. (Gummy vitamins, you will notice, don't contain iron at all.) Parents say their kids are fans of the fruity flavor of these old-school favorites, and that they appreciate that these vitamins are easy to find in grocery stores and drugstores — plus they are relatively affordable.

Flintstones also recently updated its formula; it has the same vitamin/mineral content and good taste, but is now free of artificial colors and flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and potential egg, shellfish, fish, soy, peanut, and tree nut allergens. So parents can truly rest easy with these classic tablets. The brand says half a tablet can be given to children as young as 2, but again, use your judgment to decide whether your toddler can handle a chewable. 

High-quality multis don’t have to cost upwards of $30 a bottle. These gummies serve up a healthy dose of the vitamins your child needs, 100 percent of the daily dose for vitamin D and added probiotics for a fraction of the price of other vitamins. The fruity flavor is naturally sourced, and the gummies themselves are free of high fructose corn syrup, gluten, and synthetic colors. In other words, it’s a solid option at a solid price.

Dina FreemanOpens a new window, BabyCenter's Executive Director, Social and Community is a fan and says that her daughter loves the taste so much that she never fights taking them. "They really do taste like candy. It's kind of crazy. Kate actually looks forward to taking her vitamin every day now."

Lest you fear that the good flavor comes from equally absurd amounts of sugar: a serving of Olly gummies contains only 1 to 2 grams of sugar (depending on whether your child takes one or two gummies). If you order the pack of 120 vitamins, it comes in a small pouch you can use to refill a reusable bottle. Like all gummy vitamins, this one doesn't contain iron. 

Hiya’s pediatrician-formulated chewable tablets deliver a blend of 12 organic fruits and veggies and 15 essential vitamins and minerals to support your child’s growth. The vitamins are free of added sugars too, getting their sweet flavor from all-natural monk fruit extract. They're also vegan, handy for families who prefer a plant-based diet. 

"Hiya all the way!" says BabyCenter Senior Health Editor Olivia DeLongOpens a new window. "Absolutely no added junk or sugar/gummy junk and they are transparent about what's in them." She says her daughter absolutely loves them and asks for them each night after dinner. "I think she would take multiples if I let her!" 

Olivia is also a fan of the eco-friendly packaging: your initial 30-day supply comes with a reusable glass bottle and stickers, so your child can personalize their own bottle. After that, each refill comes in a non-plastic pouch to minimize waste. And because it’s a subscription, you don't have to worry about remembering to order more every month, something Olivia and many other parents appreciate. 

Liquid vitamins are safer for babies and toddlers who haven’t yet mastered their chewing skills, and Dr. DiMaggio is a fan of NovaFerrum’s liquid formula. In addition to the standard vitamins and minerals, it delivers vitamin D and iron, two nutrients that are hard to find in gummy vitamins. Parents whose children can't swallow pills or refuse chewables and gummies are also relieved to find a liquid vitamin supplement with iron, particularly one that doesn't taste absolutely nasty, as iron is known for having an unpleasant metallic taste. 

Parents say their kids are fans of the natural raspberry and grape flavor, so dosing shouldn’t be too much of a struggle. But if it is, you can mix the liquid vitamin into juice, smoothies, or other food. And you’ll like the fact that the formula is sweetened with monk fruit extract, so it’s free of added sugars. Make sure you talk with your pediatrician before trying these vitamins, though, as iron toxicity can be dangerous and iron can cause constiptation, so any potential benefits should be weighed with the risks. To ensure dosing accuracy, you should use the dropper that comes with the package.

These cherry-flavored chewables have a melty texture that makes it dissolve quickly in the mouth, which parents say makes it much easier for kids who are reluctant to take a vitamin, as well as those who have sensory sensitivities. The flavors are on-point too: a cherry that tastes like cherry Kool-Aid, according to fans, and a green apple that reminds some parents of a sour apple Jolly Ranchers. 

The vegan formula delivers at least 75 percent of the recommended daily value (RDV) for most of the nutrients children age 4 and up need, including iron and vitamin D. Parents felt relieved knowing that their kids were getting the nutrients they needed, even when they didn't eat much, or ate the same thing on repeat. Renzo's chewables are free of artificial colors and flavors and are sweetened with mannitol, xylitol, and monk fruit extract instead of added sugar. The easily dissolvable texture makes these appropriate for kids as young as 2, but kids under 4 only need half a tablet.

Multivitamins are dietary supplements containing vitamins, minerals and other nutrients if your pediatrician feels that this is necessary. Many children do not need an additional vitamin if they eat a balanced diet (You should never give a child an adult multivitamin). When choosing a multivitamin for your child, we recommend considering the following:

Vitamin form

Multivitamins for kids come in kid-friendly delivery forms like flavored gummies, chewable tablets or liquids. The AAP says that kids 3 and older who can chew hard foods and candy are able to handle a chewable multivitamin. But some brands specify that their chewables or gummies are suitable for kids as young as 2, while others are only recommended for children 4 and up. You probably have a sense of what your child can handle, but the AAP recommends liquidsOpens a new window for kids under 3. 

Specific needs or deficiencies

There are also signs of vitamin deficiencies parents should look for. Kids who are low on iron could look pale, seem more tired than normal, have less pinkness around the rims of their eyes or have a yellow tinge to their complexion, Dr. DiMaggio notes. While children with a vitamin D deficiency don’t always show symptoms, some might complain of bone or muscle pain, she says. If you notice any of these signs, talk with your child’s pediatrician before trying to treat at home with a vitamin. 

Safety measures

“Vitamins, even though they’re over-the-counter and may not seem dangerous, can cause serious adverse effects in children if they consume too many,” Dr. DiMaggio says. You can play it safe by:

• Storing multivitamins and other supplements out of reach, where your child can’t access them.
• Following the dosing instructions on the packaging.
• Avoid giving your child multivitamins designed for adults.
• Making it clear that vitamins aren’t candy. 

Sugar amount

If sugar intake is a concern of yours, you may want to avoid vitamins with added sugar. Or you can factor the grams of sugar in your child's vitamins into their daily intake: The AAP recommends limiting added sugar to 25 grams a day. And, if giving a vitamin at night, make sure you brush your child’s teeth prior to bed.

Marygrace Taylor contributed to this story