Best multivitamins for kids

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" that are used by the body to build nerve cells in the brain and eyes. EPA and DHAare 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, 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 sugar that's the AAP's recommended  daily limit for children 2 years and older. 

Heads up
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. 

Parents say
"They genuinely taste like fruit gummies that you could feed a kid, so so good, and I've read nothing but good reviews on them!"

"I want to try hiya but they seem expensive. We use smartypants organic gummies. Yes they do have a small amount of sugar, but I'm okay with it. She sees them like a treat and gets excited for them."

Specs 

• Package size: 90 or 120 count
• Dosage: 4 gummies
• Age range: 4 and up
   

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 Freeman, 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. 

Heads up
Like all gummy vitamins, this one doesn't contain iron. 

Parents say
"I give my kids the olly multivitamin + probiotic gummies daily. Last year we saw our share of illnesses but hand washing was horrid then. Even so, it was like colds and a couple of stomach bugs. The first time we've ever dealt with stomach flu was last year. I have 4 kids, oldest is almost 12. I highly recommend probiotics!!"

Specs 

• Package size: 70, 100, or 120 gummies
• Dosage: 1 gummy for age 2-3; 2 gummies for age 4 and up
• Age range: 2 and up

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 liquid 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

Heads up
To ensure dosing accuracy, make sure you’re using the dropper that comes with the package.

Parents say
"DS takes Nova Ferrum liquid iron. We tried the enfamil vitamin but it smelled horrendous, tasted just as bad, and stained everything."

"Check out nova ferrum liquid for infants. Babies and kids like the flavor and it’s a type of iron that’s gentle on the stomach."

"Nova ferrum is the one St Judes recommends (I work at a St Jude affiliate). Apparently it's not as bad tasting as the others."

Specs 

• Package size: 1.69 or 4 ounces
• Dosage: 1 milliliter
• Age range: Birth- 4

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. 

Heads up
The easily dissolvable texture makes these appropriate for kids as young as 2. But kids under 4 only need half a tablet.

Parents say
"I have 5 kiddos and they all take Renzos vitamins. I like that their multivitamin has iron in it which many kids vitamins don’t. Perfect for filling in the gaps for picky eaters."

"My daughter also takes Renzo’s picky eater plus iron. She spit it out the first two times I gave it to her, but now she loves it. It’s only half a tablet until they’re four."
 
Specs 

• Package size: 60 tablets
• Dosage: 1/2 tablet for age 2-3; 2 tablets for age 4 and up
• Age range: 2 and up

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. 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. 

Heads up 
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. 

Parents say
"My kids either take the Flintstones with iron or Zarbee’s with iron. They prefer the taste of the Flintstones though."

"My son, like me, is anemic, so he's on Flintstones vitamins, but we only started them after diet didn't fix it."

Specs 

• Package size: 60, 70, or 160 tablets
• Dosage: 1/2 tablet for age 2-3; 1 tablet for age 4 and up; take with food
• Age range: 2 and up

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 DeLong. "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. 

Heads up 
Vitamins are sent automatically each month, but you can cancel at any time.

Parents say
"We went with them for clean ingredients and because my son hates anything gummy!"

"I give Hiya my kiddo loves it. I used to give childlife but the liquid had so much sugar and my son is 4 so basically guzzling the bottle."

"I started giving my son Hiya multivitamins and I really feel that has helped his immune system. They’re chewable and sugar free, maybe check into them!"

"He takes the hiya brand which i love for him because they are no sugar and made from great ingredients and my son loves them and has them every morning."

Specs 

• Package size: 30 tablets
• Dosage: 1 tablet
• Age range: 2 and up