The Best Multivitamins for Growing Kids & Picky Eaters
Sure, a balanced diet is the best way for kids to get all the vitamins and nutrients they need — but as almost every parent knows, sometimes even getting a kid to try a leafy green feels like a victory. Whether your child is a picky eater and you’re working on expanding their food choices beyond nuggets and pizza, or you just want a little extra insurance in the nutrition department, a multivitamin can be a good way to ensure your growing kids are getting the vitamins and minerals they need.
I’m scanning the ingredients panel for a kid’s multivitamin, look for essentials like calcium, vitamin D, C, E and various types of B. It’s always smart to go as clean as possible too, so if you pick a formulation that is, say, gluten-free, sugar-free and vegan, you’re likely making the best possible choice. A multivitamin shouldn’t be introducing anything harmful into your child’s diet; instead it should be making up for lack of nutrients and a finicky diet, boosting immunity, keeping energy levels up, fortifying teeth so their trips to the dentist office are as pleasant as possible — and it should be something that goes down easily, which is why gummies and fruity chewables are so popular.
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Of course, you should speak with your child’s pediatrician about any specific concerns, but if your pediatrician has suggested adding a multivitamin to your kid’s daily diet, here are the ones we recommend.
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1. Hiya Kids Daily Multivitamin
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A kid-friendly, parent-friendly and environmentally friendly multivitamin rolled up into one, Hiya was created by two determined dads who found themselves frustrated by the absence of clean vitamins on the market that were actually fun for little ones to gobble down without using sugar. Hiya Kids Daily Multivitamins contain a multitude of essential vitamins including A, C, D, E, various kinds of B, calcium, biotin and riboflavin. They’re vegan and gluten-free and support everything your kid needs for a healthy life: things like concentration at school, energy for sports and functional sleep patterns at home. And toss the plastic — or don’t — because Hiya vitamins come in a refillable glass bottle that your kids can even decorate with stickers. Enjoy monthly deliveries straight to your door and 50% off your first order.
Hiya Kids Daily Multivitamin
2. up & up Kids’ Multivitamin Gummies
This highly rated up & up children’s multivitamin is a customer favorite at Target. They’re like the gummy bears of the vitamin world — well, at least you can convince your kid that. What’s really going on inside is that these supplements contain everything your child needs to grow healthfully. Vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and vitamin D for better calcium absorption are the major players. You’re free of nine major allergens and have no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
up & up Kids’ Multivitamin Gummies
3. SmartyPants Kids Formula Daily Gummy Vitamins
Another great gummy choice, SmartyPant’s gummy multivitamins include the usual roster of vitamins and minerals — including vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, iodine and vitamin E — and also include omega-3 EPA and DHA essential fatty acids. (Note: Because they contain fish oil, they’re not vegetarian.) But they’re free from the eight most common allergens and don’t contain any added synthetic colors, artificial flavors or sweeteners. If organic is a priority for your family, these gummies are USDA certified as well as gluten-free and certified vegetarian.
SmartPants Kids Formula Daily Gummies
4. up & up Kids’ Complete Multivitamin Chewable Tablets
Everything you could possibly need in a multivitamin they’ll actually look forward to taking is in this up & up gummy that’s packed with an incredible 15 nutrients — including vitamin D3, B12, omega-3 EPA & DHA , vitamin E and iodine. Each fruit-flavored dose promotes bone health, supports thyroid function, gives energy and lots more without any GMOs, allergens or anything artificial. If you’ve got a kid who’s fussy about breakfast, this multivitamin is a perfect pick because you can take it with or without food — and the flavors are orange, grape and cherry.
up & up Kids’ Complete Multivitamin Chewable Tablets
5. Flintstones Complete Chewables Children’s Multivitamins
There’s a good chance you grew up with Flintstones chewables — billed as “the pediatricians’ #1 choice for children’s chewable vitamins.” The Flintstones Complete version contains vitamins A,C,E and Zinc, as well as calcium and the latest recommended level of vitamin D for bone health.
Flintstones Chewable Kids Vitamins
6. L’il Critters Gummy Vites Daily Multivitamin for Kids
L’il Critters Gummy Vites Daily Multivitamin for Kids is a well-rounded multivitamin — it’s a source of 101 essential nutrients, including vitamins C, D, A and E — and they taste great. Plus, they’re free of high fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes and flavors.
L’il Critters Gummy Vites Complete Kids Multivitamin Gummy
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