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From gummies to drops to tablets, our dietitians evaluated the best vitamins for kids. Their top picks come from Ritual, SmartyPants, and Hiya.
As children grow, it’s important for them to get enough vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal health.
Most kids get adequate amounts of nutrients from a balanced diet, but under certain circumstances, children may need to supplement with vitamins or minerals.
This article tells you everything you need to know about vitamins for kids, whether your child may need them, and the 9 best products to choose from.
Vitamin or mineral supplements can be toxic to children when taken in excessive amounts. This is especially true of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are stored in body fat (1).
One case study reported vitamin D toxicity in an infant who took too much of a supplement (2).
Gummy vitamins, in particular, can be easy to overeat thanks to their candy-like form and flavor (3, 4).
It’s best to keep vitamins out of reach of young children and discuss appropriate vitamin intake with older kids to prevent accidental overeating of supplements.
If you suspect that your child has taken too much of a vitamin or mineral supplement, contact a healthcare professional or poison control center immediately.
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a supplement for your child.
The products featured in this article were selected based on the following criteria:
General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($–$$$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $0.04–$1.20 per serving, or $13.99–$35.99 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Note that serving sizes or the recommended number of servings per day may vary by age of your child.
When giving your child a multivitamin, you want to ensure they’re getting only the good stuff by opting for a supplement free of GMOs, artificial colorants, preservatives, or synthetic fillers.
That’s what you get with Ritual’s gummy multivitamin. It’s even sugar-free!
This vitamin, which is “made with picky eaters in mind,” includes 50 milligrams (mg) of brain-boosting omega-3 DHA and has a hearty dose of fiber in each serving.
It also features a tasty citrus berry flavor and is recommended for kids ages 4–12.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This vitamin brand is third-party lab tested for quality and accuracy. It’s also free of GMOs, synthetic colors, and artificial flavors and is particularly beneficial for children with allergies since it’s free of milk, eggs, nuts, soy, gluten and wheat.
What it does contain: 15 essential nutrients, including vitamin D3 for bone and immune health, vitamin B12 for energy, omega-3 EPA and DHA for heart and brain health, iodine for thyroid support, and vitamin E for antioxidant support.
This gummy multivitamin is available in several flavors and is recommended for children over 4 years old. The company also offers a gummy supplement that’s suitable for toddlers ages 2 and 3.
Just keep in mind that these gummies provide 5 grams (g) of added sugar per serving, which could contribute to excessive sugar intake throughout the day.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Designed by parents looking for a lower sugar toddler multivitamin without artificial ingredients, Hiya offers a limited ingredient list and is free of added sugar. Instead, it is naturally sweetened with monk fruit.
The multivitamin is also suitable for toddlers as young as 2 years, and it contains 15 essential nutrients your growing child needs, including vitamins A, C, D, and E; B vitamins; and zinc.
Hiya vitamins come in eco-friendly refillable jars and are delivered right to your doorstep each month.
They are also third-party tested by Eurofins Scientific with Certificates of Analysis (COAs) available upon request.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Similar to Hiya, OLLY Kids Multi + is designed for toddlers as young as 2 years old.
This gummy vitamin also contains 12 essential vitamins, as well as live probiotics — good gut bacteria that help keep tiny bellies balanced.
The addition of probiotics can come in especially handy if your child is taking antibiotics since probiotics help prevent gut bacteria disruption, notes Elisa H. Song, MD, a Stanford- and UCSF-trained board certified holistic pediatrician.
OLLY vitamins are also third-party tested by NSF International for purity and potency, so you can rest assured that the product contains the types and amounts of ingredients that it claims on the label.
This supplement is recommended for children ages 2 and up. However, keep in mind that the dosage may vary depending on your child’s age, so be sure to read the label carefully.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Give your child a gummy multivitamin that you know isn’t processed and doesn’t contain chemicals you can’t pronounce.
Each bottle contains nine USDA organic and non-GMO whole fruits, along with the essential nutrients and antioxidants your little one’s growing body needs.
Last, but certainly not least, this multivitamin is appropriate for children ages 4 and up and has great reviews for tasting good, too!
Just keep in mind that, like most other gummy vitamins, this product does contain added sugar.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This all-natural multivitamin tastes sweet, but it’s made with real fruit instead of added sugar and doesn’t include fillers or other synthetic ingredients.
It contains 13 highly concentrated vitamins plus phytonutrients gleaned from real fruits and veggies and comes in a tasty gummy form suitable for kids ages 2 and up.
However, keep in mind that the dosage varies depending on your child’s age, so check the label carefully.
Llama Naturals Plant-Based Vitamin Bites are certified organic and third-party tested for quality and accuracy, though the name of the testing organization isn’t disclosed on the company’s website.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This multivitamin from Thorne is formulated specifically for children ages 4–12 and contains 15 essential nutrients to support healthy growth and development.
It also features a blend of antioxidants and carotenoids to protect against blue light exposure from mobile devices.
This supplement has a strawberry-kiwi flavor and comes in the form of convenient dissolvable discs, which can be added to water or mixed into yogurt, applesauce, or smoothies.
Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and free of gluten, dairy, sugar, and soy.
Keep in mind that not all Thorne products are third-party tested, which is an important consideration for some.
However, this supplement is produced in a third-party certified facility and thoroughly tested in-house to ensure safety and quality.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Because breast milk typically doesn’t provide adequate amounts of vitamin D, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a vitamin D supplement for breastfed and partially breastfed infants (5).
Formula-fed infants are also recommended to take a vitamin D supplement if they’re consuming fewer than 32 ounces (oz), or about 1 liter (L), per day of formula (6).
This is our best overall pick for the best vitamin D drops for babies because Nordic Naturals is known for its strict testing standards and this product also provides good value (contains enough for a baby’s full first year).
Be sure to talk with a pediatrician if you’re unsure whether your baby needs vitamin D.
With 400 IU of vitamin D3 per serving, this liquid supplement is a great option for infants under 12 months to help support bone health and immune function.
It also contains just two ingredients and is free of GMOs and fillers to ensure the highest possible quality.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Liquid multivitamins are a convenient alternative to gummies and tablets, especially for infants and picky eaters.
This organic liquid supplement contains 13 essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also free of GMOs and artificial ingredients.
Plus, it’s easy to mix into foods or liquids and is suitable for both infants and toddlers (under the supervision of a pediatrician).
Just keep in mind that this product contains several herbal ingredients. While likely safe, it’s best to confirm with a pediatrician before giving herbal-containing supplements to your child.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Many multivitamin supplements don’t contain iron, which is an important mineral involved in the production of healthy red blood cells (7).
Although most children can get enough iron from iron-rich foods, certain kids may be at a higher risk of iron deficiency, including picky eaters and those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
These dissolvable tablets contain 18 vitamins and minerals, including iron, and are free of sugar and artificial colors and flavors. They are also vegan and can be used by children ages 2 and up.
Keep in mind that giving your infant or child too much iron can be dangerous. Make sure to have your child tested for iron deficiency before giving them an iron-containing supplement.
Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:
If your child follows a restrictive diet, cannot adequately absorb nutrients, or is a picky eater, they may benefit from taking vitamins.
Here are some tips on what to look for when selecting a supplement:
Always discuss supplements with a healthcare professional before giving them to your child.
Kids’ nutrient needs depend on age, sex, size, growth, and activity level.
According to health experts, children ages 2–8 require 1,000–1,400 calories each day. Kids ages 9–13 need 1,400–2,600 calories daily, depending on certain factors such as activity level (8, 9).
In addition to including enough calories, a child’s diet should meet the following Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) (10):
While the above nutrients are some of the most commonly discussed, they aren’t the only ones kids need.
Children need some amount of every vitamin and mineral for proper growth and health, but the exact amounts vary by age. Older children and teens need different amounts of nutrients than younger kids to support optimal health.
Kids need the same nutrients as adults but usually require smaller amounts.
As children grow, it’s vital for them to get adequate amounts of nutrients that help build strong bones, such as calcium and vitamin D (11).
Moreover, iron, zinc, iodine, choline, and vitamins A, B6 (folate), B12, and D are crucial for brain development in early life (12, 13).
Although kids may need smaller amounts of vitamins and minerals than adults do, they still need to get enough of these nutrients for proper growth and development.
In general, kids who eat a healthy, balanced diet do not need vitamin supplements.
However, infants have different nutrient needs than children and may require certain supplements, such as vitamin D for breastfed babies (5).
The AAP and the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans do not recommend supplements over and above the Recommended Dietary Allowances for healthy children older than age 1 who eat a balanced diet.
Instead, they suggest that kids eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and protein foods to obtain adequate nutrition (14, 15).
These foods contain all the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development in children (16).
Overall, kids who eat a balanced diet that includes all food groups don’t usually need vitamin or mineral supplements. However, the next section covers some exceptions.
Even though most children who eat a healthy diet don’t need vitamins, specific circumstances may call for supplementation.
Certain vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary for kids who are at risk of deficiencies, such as those who (17, 18, 19, 20):
In particular, kids who eat plant-based diets may be at risk of deficiencies in calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins B12 and D — especially if they eat few or no animal products (17).
Vegan diets can be particularly dangerous for children if certain nutrients — such as vitamin B12, which is found naturally in animal foods — are not replaced through supplements or fortified foods.
Failing to replace these nutrients in children’s diets can lead to serious consequences, such as atypical growth and developmental delays (21).
However, it’s possible for children on plant-based diets to get adequate nutrition from diet alone if their parents are incorporating enough plant foods that naturally contain or are fortified with certain vitamins and minerals (17).
Children with celiac disease or IBD may have difficulty absorbing several vitamins and minerals, especially iron, zinc, and vitamin D. This is because these conditions cause damage to the areas of the gut that absorb micronutrients (19, 22, 23).
On the other hand, kids with cystic fibrosis have trouble absorbing fat and, as a result, may not adequately absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K (18).
In addition, children with cancer and other diseases that cause increased nutrient needs may require certain supplements to prevent disease-related malnutrition (24).
Finally, some studies have linked picky eating in childhood to low intakes of micronutrients (20, 25).
One study in 937 kids ages 3–7 found that picky eating was strongly associated with low intakes of iron and zinc (20).
Still, the results indicated that blood levels of these minerals were not significantly different in picky compared to non-picky eaters (20).
As a result, if you suspect that your child isn’t meeting their nutritional needs, its best to have them tested for nutritional deficiencies before giving them supplements.
To ensure children are getting adequate amounts of nutrients so that they don’t need supplements, make an effort to include a variety of nutritious foods in their diet.
Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and dairy products (if your child can tolerate them) into meals and snacks will likely provide enough vitamins and minerals.
To help your kid eat more produce, continually introduce new veggies and fruits prepared in different and tasty ways.
A healthy diet for kids should also limit added sugars and highly processed foods and focus on whole fruits over fruit juice.
However, if you feel that your child is not getting proper nutrition through diet alone, supplements can be a safe and effective method to deliver the nutrients children need.
Consult your child’s pediatrician or a registered dietitian if you’re concerned about your child’s nutritional intake.
The type of vitamin supplements your child needs will depend on their age and specific concerns. Consult with your pediatrician to see if your child needs or would benefit from taking vitamins.
If a pediatrician recommends that your child take vitamins, look for quality brands that have been tested by a third party and are formulated with the appropriate doses of nutrients for kids (to avoid toxicity).
Not all kids need vitamins, but some groups may benefit from them (see below). In particular, breastfed and partially breastfed infants should be given vitamin D supplements shortly after birth (5).
Outside of this age group, when you should start giving vitamins to kids depends on when they begin to have needs that warrant vitamins. For instance, a child who has undergone surgery that affects nutrient absorption will likely need to start taking vitamins after the surgery.
Discuss with your pediatrician to confirm the best time to give vitamins to your child.
Children who eat a balanced diet generally do not need to take vitamin supplements. However, some kids may need them if they are at risk of deficiencies.
This would include children who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, have had surgery affecting their intestines, have a medical condition that affects nutrient absorption, or are very picky eaters.
Kids who eat a healthy, balanced diet typically fulfill their nutrient needs through food.
Still, vitamin supplements may be necessary for picky eaters, children who have a health condition that affects nutrient absorption or increases nutrient needs, or those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
When providing vitamins to children, be sure to choose high quality brands that contain appropriate doses for kids and stick to the recommended dosage.
It’s also best to be cautious of giving your child supplements without documented evidence of a deficiency.
To ensure your child is getting enough nutrients, try to offer them a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods and limits sweets and refined foods.
Last medically reviewed on January 3, 2023
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Lizzie Streit, Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD
Lizzie Streit, Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD
Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN, CDCES
This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.
This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.
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