5 Best Toddler Vitamins, Tested by a Dietitian (and Mom)
In a nutshell:
Based on product testing by a pediatric dietitian and her children, as well as expert advice from a pediatrician, we selected NovaMV Multivitamin Pediatric Drops as the overall best multivitamin for toddlers. This supplement impressed us with its exceptional taste, ease of administration and high nutritional value.
As a pediatric dietitian and a mom of three kids under five, I’m familiar with the struggles of getting kids to eat a wide range of healthy foods. While I prefer to offer vitamins and minerals from whole foods first, let’s be real—it’s not always realistic or feasible. I experienced picky eating with two of my toddlers, one of whom practically survived on crackers and quesadillas for a good six months. For picky eaters or kids with special dietary needs or restrictions, adding toddler vitamins into their routine may be just what they need. Supplementing their diet with a toddler multivitamin brings me peace of mind because I can fill in nutritional gaps and tackle deficiencies from a diet lacking certain food groups (hello, meat and veggies!).
In order to help you choose the right multivitamin for your toddler, I’ve collected insights from our testing adventures and made suggestions based on my experience as a dietitian and mom. Below, you’ll find my top five recommendations for toddler vitamins.
With dozens of multivitamins to choose from, finding the best vitamins for kids can feel overwhelming. But hey, that’s where this article comes in clutch! With the support of The Bump editorial team, I’ve done the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. And who knows, maybe you’ll have an extra moment to sneak in a few sips of your morning coffee. Here are the steps we took to select the best vitamins for toddlers:
- I tested eight different options with the assistance of my two toddlers—aged 16 months and 3 years—who served as junior testers. Based on my experience as a pediatric dietitian and mom of three, I evaluated the ingredients list, ease of use, value for money and overall quality of the vitamins, while my kids weighed in on the scent and taste of each supplement. All of the products on this list were well-liked by our junior testers.
- The Bump team interviewed a board-certified pediatrician and consulted guidelines from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, for more information on the nutritional needs of young children.
- We prioritized multivitamins from reputable brands that are third-party tested for quality and purity, when possible.
- We chose multivitamins that provide the appropriate doses of nutrients, aligning closely with the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for children aged 1 to 3 years, only tested products that are easy and safe to administer—available in powder, liquid or chewable forms to avoid choking hazards—and only chose vitamins that are free from added sugar.
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Overall best toddler vitamin
- Includes nine essential nutrients
- Has a good taste and smell
- Sugar- and gluten-free
- Dropper can be hard to use
- Doesn’t contain 600 IU of vitamin D
This toddler multivitamin earned high scores across all categories—nutritional value, ease of use, taste, affordability and overall quality. With just 1 milliliter per serving, it provides nine essential nutrients crucial for kids’ growth and development, including vitamins A, C, D3 and E, as well as several B vitamins including B12. Plus, it closely matches with the RDAs for children aged 1 to 3 years, ensuring their nutritional needs are met. For kids with nutrition deficiencies or those who struggle to obtain sufficient amounts of these nutrients from their diet, this multivitamin is an excellent option.
Personally, I love that this multivitamin is sugar-free and sweetened with monk fruit extract as I prefer not to introduce sugar before bedtime, which is typically when I administer supplements. It’s also free of synthetic colors, dyes, artificial sweeteners, parabens and alcohols. (Sugar alcohols can cause gas or digestive problems for kids with sensitive bellies.) The fact that it's gluten-free is also a big win, especially for kids with celiac disease who may be lacking in certain B vitamins typically found in wheat products. I also appreciate that this product has undergone third-party testing for heavy metals, and that NovaFerrum publishes clinical research to support the safety and efficacy of their supplements.
One of my favorite features is the child-proof twist cap and the inclusion of a dropper with clear measurements. These features make it both safe and easy to use. The multivitamin is in liquid form and has a similar texture to maple syrup. It has a delightful orange flavor with a pleasant, fruity aroma, which my son enjoyed. He was even eager to take the second dose!
Number of servings: 50 | Serving size: 1 ml | Key ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12
Our product tester says:
“My son said ‘it tastes sweet, like oranges!’”
Best toddler vitamin for picky eaters
- Sweet, fruity taste
- Diverse range of nutrients
- Three methods of administration
- Chalky texture
- Contains sugar alcohols that may upset sensitive tummies
If you have a picky eater, you know mealtimes are anything but enjoyable. Whether your kid is sensitive to textures and flavors or simply refuses anything with even a hint of green on their plate, making sure they hit daily nutritional goals can be a challenge, to say the least.
Luckily, Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi is the perfect blend of vitamins designed to help fussy eaters meet their dietary needs. This supplement provides a wide variety of nutrients that may be missing in a picky eater’s diet. Including vitamin K (found in leafy greens), iron and zinc (present in meat, chicken and beans), vitamin B12 (from animal proteins) and selenium (found in brazil nuts and fish). It also contains 6.82 milligrams of carbonyl iron, a gentle form of iron that’s easy on sensitive tummies. These vitamins are free from added sugar, gluten, artificial colors and flavors. They’re also vegan and allergen-free, which is particularly helpful for kids following plant-based diets or those with food allergies.
I like that this multivitamin is available as a “melty tab,” formulated to easily dissolve in the mouth with saliva. They can also be chewed or dissolved in beverages. For picky eaters with texture aversions, having multiple ways of taking vitamins is a huge plus. (Keep in mind, even chewable vitamins can be a choking hazard if swallowed whole.) It’s also available in two flavors—green apple and cherry—providing variety for kids who may be sensitive to flavors. Suitable for ages 2 and up, I recommend dissolving the tab in water for young toddlers. Once they turn 3 and get the hang of chewing and listening to instructions, it’s okay to give your kids chewable tablets and melty tabs.
Number of servings: 120 | Serving size: Half a tablet | Key ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, iron as carbonyl iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, chromium
Our product tester says:
“My son said ‘I like the little smiley face on the pill.’”
Best kid-friendly toddler vitamin
- Refillable jar and stickers
- Comprehensive mix of nutrients
- Sweet, fruity taste
- Only available through subscription
- Contains sugar alcohols
If you’re looking to spark your child's interest, give Hiya Kids Daily Multivitamin a try. With your first purchase, you’ll receive a bright yellow refillable glass jar along with a pack of cute stickers for your kids to decorate and make their jar unique. The pills come in three cheerful colors— yellow, pink and green naturally colored with beetroot, turmeric root and spirulina—giving kids the option to pick a different color each day. For children who struggle with taking vitamins, this creative and engaging approach could really make a difference. My son was particularly impressed with the vibrant tablets, saying “they’re happy colors.”
Hiya Kids Daily Multivitamin also offers an excellent blend of organic fruits, vegetables and vitamins. It contains several nutrients that other toddler vitamins lack, such as vitamin K2, selenium and folate. Plus, it includes folate as 5-MTHF, which is a form of folate that’s easily absorbed. It's made without gluten and dairy, and is non-GMO and vegan-friendly. For extra sweetness, without added sugars, this multivitamin relies on monk fruit extract and mannitol. It has a sweet and fruity flavor and a chalky, firm texture. While it's recommended for kids starting at age 2, I suggest waiting until your child is at least 3 or has developed sufficient chewing skills and can follow verbal directions, as chewable vitamins can pose a choking risk if swallowed whole.
I admire Hiya's dedication to being an eco-friendly brand. In addition to the refillable glass jar you receive with your first order, all subsequent subscription shipments come in recyclable paper pouches. Each pouch contains 30 pills, enough for a one-month supply, since the recommended dose is one pill per day. This is quite unique, as most supplements usually require taking multiple tablets to complete a daily dose.
Number of servings: 30 | Serving size: One tablet | Key ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K2, thiamine, riboflavin, folate (as 5-MTHF), vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iodine, zinc, selenium, manganese
Our product tester says:
“I value the subscription option, the product's eco-friendly packaging, and its high-quality ingredients. I like that one pill equates to a single dose. I also appreciate the inclusion of an organic fruit and veggie blend and that it’s sugar free.”
Best toddler vitamin powder
- Sugar-free
- Easily dissolved, no clumping
- Pleasant smell and mild taste
- High price point
- Only available for purchase on Ella Ola
One of the things I really appreciate about Ella Ola Baby and Toddler Multivitamin is that it comes in powder form. Powdered vitamins are simple to give to kids of all ages, especially babies and young toddlers who don’t have the necessary skills to chew a hard tablet. This multivitamin easily dissolves without clumping and can be conveniently mixed with liquids and solid food. Since it’s made with beetroot powder, it becomes a light pink color when diluted and adds a pleasant taste that complements rather than overwhelms the food or liquid it's mixed with—mixing it into yogurt or applesauce would also be a great idea.
Developed by pediatricians and pediatric dietitians, this multivitamin features a well-rounded blend of nutrients, and I love that it includes choline for brain development, vitamin D and zinc for immune support and vitamin A to support eye health. It also contains an organic fruit and vegetable blend which further enriches its nutrient profile.
This multivitamin is completely sugar-free, and flavored with monk fruit for a touch of sweetness. Plus, it's suitable for vegans, making it a great choice for kids following a plant-based diet. It’s also gluten-free and doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners, dyes or flavors.
Number of servings: 30 sachets | Serving size: 1 sachet | Key ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate (5-MTHF), vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, vitamin K2, choline
Our product tester says:
“I love how easy it is to mix together, and can easily be added to smoothies or yogurt. It’s truly hassle-free.”
Best toddler vitamin with iron
- Contains an easy-to-digest form of iron
- Tasty and enjoyable smell
- Liquid form for ease of use
- Dropper can be hard to use
- Doesn’t contain 600 IU of vitamin D
If your kiddo has been diagnosed with iron deficiency or anemia or is a selective eater, NovaFerrum YUM Multivitamin can help boost their iron levels. Low iron levels are quite common in kids, especially during growth spurts. While iron supplements can sometimes lead to constipation, this multivitamin contains elemental iron (as polysaccharide-iron complex), which is gentle on the stomach and has minimal side effects. Each dose contains 10 milligrams of iron, and provides 143 percent of the daily recommended dose of iron for kids aged 1 to 3 years.
Besides iron, this pick includes eight other important vitamins for overall health, including vitamins A, D3, and E, along with several B vitamins. I value a multivitamin that is sugar-free and this one is sweetened with natural monk fruit extract. It’s also gluten-free, and contains no synthetic colors, alcohol and parabens.
I appreciate that this multivitamin is available in liquid form, as it’s safe for even the youngest toddlers between the ages of 1 and 3. It comes in raspberry-grape flavor, and has a fruity taste and enjoyable smell. For children who struggle with taking it directly, it can be mixed into solid foods like yogurt, apple sauce or other fruit purees.
Number of servings: 50 | Serving size: 1 ml | Key ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, elemental iron
Our product tester says:
“My son said that ‘it tastes like grape juice’”
The simple answer is no. Most toddlers don’t need to take multivitamins, especially if they eat a well-balanced diet. Ideally, we advocate for a “food first” approach and prefer kids get all their vitamins and minerals from a diverse range of foods.
However, toddlers will be toddlers, and their eating habits can be unpredictable. They may happily eat chicken and carrots one day, while the next day it’s all about pouches and puffs. Kids may also be missing nutrients due to dietary restrictions or food allergies. For example, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) states that “children who follow vegetarian or vegan diets may need to supplement with vitamin B12 since it’s only found in animal-based foods.” Loretta Cody, MD, a board-certified pediatrician based in Connecticut agrees that most children do not need a multivitamin, but notes that children with celiac disease, cystic fibrosis or an inflammatory bowel disease may need supplements as these conditions can affect vitamin absorption. In these instances, a multivitamin can help guarantee they receive essential nutrients for optimal health. Before introducing a multivitamin to your child, it’s a good idea to talk to your child’s doctor first. “If your pediatrician feels it’s necessary to add a multivitamin they will guide you on what your child may be lacking and they may recommend a certain multivitamin,” says Cody.
When choosing toddler vitamins, consider nutrients that might be missing from their diet. Every multivitamin is different, and each brand will offer unique formulations and ingredients. Most importantly, every child has their own health needs, so what works for one might not work for another. Here are a few other things to think about before buying a multivitamin:
- Make sure that the multivitamin contains the right amounts of nutrients suitable for your child’s age. The goal is to bridge any nutritional gaps, so ideally, it should supply all or most of the RDA for each nutrient.
- Excessive intake of certain vitamins can be harmful, so it’s important to take into account how much is coming from the diet too. Consult your pediatrician or dietitian for further guidance, as they can provide personalized advice based on your child’s specific needs and diet.
- If your child has a deficiency that needs correcting, it’s crucial to work closely with your pediatrician to determine the most suitable dosage to effectively address the deficiency.
- Toddler vitamins are available in different forms: powder, liquid, chewables and gummies. We excluded gummy vitamins in our roundup because they pose a choking risk to toddlers aged 1 to 3 years. Chewables can also be a choking hazard, so we only recommend them for children who have adequate chewing skills and can follow verbal directions, typically around age 3.
- Another aspect to consider is the overall sugar content and whether sweetness comes from non-nutritive sweeteners like monk fruit or sugar alcohols. While we generally prefer toddler vitamins without added sugar, sometimes the alternatives aren’t necessarily better for your child. Kids with sensitive tummies may not tolerate sugar alcohols, and may experience gas, abdominal pain or other uncomfortable symptoms. Some kids have sensitive palates and may not enjoy the taste of monk fruit due to its distinct aftertaste.
- Always consult your pediatrician before beginning any new supplement regimen with your child.
About the writer:
Dahlia Rimmon is a freelance writer and registered dietitian specializing in infant and toddler nutrition. She contributes to pediatric, family and lifestyle brands to help readers make informed decisions about baby and kids products and review pieces that skillfully combine her passion for research and her commitment to providing parents with evidence-based guidance and care. Dahlia lives with her family and energetic puppy in the Midwest.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Loretta Cody, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician based out of Connecticut. She received her medical degree from New York Medical College and completed her residency at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kids Eat Right Logo Does My Child Need A Supplement, September 2021
American Academy of Pediatrics, Dietary Supplements for Toddlers, May 2017
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