You do your best to make sure that your child has a balanced diet, but there’s only so much that you can do. They’re a picky eater who would live off of chicken nuggets and ice cream if you would let them. They’ll pick at a plate of veggies for hours until you finally let them leave the table.
For little ones like this, there are vitamins for children. These supplements can help make up for the vitamins and minerals your kid isn’t getting from their food.
The question is, what should you look for in a multivitamin? We can help you choose the perfect one for your growing child. Keep reading to learn more.
Do Children Need Vitamins?
Not all children need a multivitamin. For the most part, kids get all the nutrients they need from the meals you feed them. There are only a few instances where this isn’t the case.
If your child is a picky eater, they might not be getting the right amount of nutrients. Some kids don’t eat enough to stay healthy. Vitamins for kids can help make up for what their diet lacks.
If your child is on a vegetarian diet, they’ll need an iron supplement. Calcium supplements can help children that have to be on a strict dairy-free diet.
If your child insists on drinking a bunch of carbonated sodas, they’ll need some kind of vitamin. The reason being is that sodas can suck nutrients and minerals from the body.
Nutrients All Kids Need
If your kid falls into any of the categories above, you’ll need to shop around for supplements. When you flip the bottle over, look for some of the following types of vitamins.
Vitamin Bs
Vitamin B is a family of supplements that are composed of vitamins B2, B3, B6, and B12. They’re needed to keep your little one’s metabolism working like a well-oiled machine.
They also promote a healthy nervous and circulatory system. Children can get these vitamins from milk, cheese, fish, nuts, chicken, and beans.
Vitamin A
If your child is at school-going age, they’re exposed to a large number of germs every single day. To help them avoid getting sick, you’ll need to make sure that they get plenty of vitamin A in their system. Not only does vitamin A help improve a child’s immune system, but it also promotes healthy skin and tissue repair.
You can give your child vitamin A by incorporating plenty of milk, carrots, yams, squash, eggs, and cheese into their diet.
Iron
If your child is deficient in any mineral, it’s iron. Many kids have this issue. Again if you have them on a vegetarian diet, they’ll need a supplement to help build their muscles and promote the growth of red blood cells.
If they’re not on a vegetarian diet, they can get their source of iron from consuming red meats, beans, and spinach.
Calcium
Everyone needs calcium to help build strong bones and teeth. The best source for this mineral is dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. They can also get it from calcium-fortified orange juice and tofu.
Best Picks
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to choose a product for your child. Here are a few of the best children vitamins that are on the market right now.
Ritual Essential for Kids
First up on the list is Ritual Essential for Kids. It’s recommended that you hold off on starting your child on this vitamin until they are at least 4 years old. They can continue taking it until they’re about 12.
By giving your child this multivitamin, you ensure that they get tons of good ingredients with none of the bad. The product is free of dangerous GMOs and fillers.
It’s sugar-free and full of things your kid needs such as omega-3s and fiber. You won’t have to worry about chasing your kid down to get them to take this vitamin. It’s got a delicious berry flavor that they’ll love.
Usana Usanimals
If your child is a little younger than four, you can give them Usana Usanimals. This multivitamin is for kids between the ages of 2 and 12.
Like Ritual Essential, Usana doesn’t contain any fillers or artificial ingredients. It only has the nutrients your child needs such as vitamins C, D, K, and E, folic acid, copper, vitamin B12, biotin, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
SmartyPants Kids Daily Multivitamin
SmartyPants vitamins are ideal for parents on a budget. They’re also free from harmful ingredients such as GMOs and artificial flavors and colors.
It’s also a good vitamin if your children have allergies considering that it’s free from wheat, milk, eggs, soy, gluten, and nuts. It’s full of ingredients that will boost your child’s immune health as well, and it comes in several delicious flavors.
Additional Tips
First of all, you can have too much of a good thing. You don’t want your kid to get into the vitamins and chow down. This is a common problem because children’s vitamins often resemble and taste like candy.
To this end, make sure you keep their multivitamin locked away. Some vitamins interact badly with certain medications. Talk to your kid’s regular doctor before you start them on vitamin supplements.
Choosing the Best Vitamins for Children
Kids are often picky eaters who don’t get near enough nutrients on their own to stay healthy. If this sounds like your little one, you’ll need to start them on vitamins for children.
They’re full of vitamins and minerals that your kid needs to grow up happy and healthy. Talk to your child’s doctor today about starting them on a supplement.
If you’re looking for more ways to take care of your child’s wellness, we’ve got your back. Check out our blog daily for all the latest parenting hacks and tricks.