Which multivitamins are best for kids? When your child only wants mac and cheese and skips the veggies, it can make you worry if they’re getting the proper nutrition to support their health and growth. A good kids multivitamin can help bridge the gap and supplement your child’s diet to ensure th ey receive essential nutrients. But which multivitamin is best for kids, and will it taste good enough for your child to take it? This guide can help you choose. Our top pick, Llama Naturals Whole Fruit Gummy Vitamins for Kids, is an excellent overall balanced kids’ multivitamin with great taste. What to know before you buy a multivitamin for kids The best multivitamins for kids can help nourish their growing bones and bodies, boost their immune system, support brain health, improve sleep quality and more. Check for sugar Look at the label to ascertain the sugar content. Since many natural ones exist, don’t select a gummy multivitamin loaded with added sugar. Avoid allergens While most multivitamin companies avoid using common allergens like soy, nuts and dairy, some share production facilities. This could expose multivitamins to allergens that can cause digestive problems or allergic reactions in sensitive kids. Watch for gelatin Since many multivitamins come in the form of gummies, you’ll want to see if they include gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient. You’ll want to avoid this ingredient if your family lives a vegan lifestyle. What to look for in a quality multivitamin for kids Choose one designed for your child’s age Look for a multivitamin designed for your child’s age group, as different ages have different vitamin needs and amounts. Be aware of the dosage Select a kids’ multivitamin that offers only up to 100% of the Daily Value of vitamins and minerals. Only give your child the recommended amount per day (no megadoses). Get zinc and vitamins A and C Vitamins A and C are crucial for immune system function and maintaining bones and teeth. Zinc helps cell growth, brain development, metabolism and the immune system. Watch for calcium and vitamin D As kids grow, they need more calcium to aid bone development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids ages 1-3 get 500 milligrams of calcium and 400 international units of vitamin D per day, ages 4-8 get 800 mg of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D per day, and kids ages 9-17 get 1,300 mg of calcium and 600 IU vitamin D per day. Go for good taste If your child hates the taste of a multivitamin, they won’t take it and can’t get its benefits. Choose a form (chewable, gummy, liquid or powder) that best fits your child’s needs and select one that tastes good enough for them to take. How much you can expect to spend on multivitamins for kids The price range for kids multivitamins runs $12-$25 per bottle, depending on size and quantity. Kids multivitamins FAQ Q. Are multivitamins necessary for kids? A. The Mayo Clinic says food is the best source of nutrients, and multivitamins aren’t necessary for most healthy children. You can talk with your child’s pediatrician about if they’re getting the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals. Mayo Clinic suggests a multivitamin might be helpful for children with developmental delays, chronic diseases, food allergies or a restrictive diet. Q. Should I tell my child a multivitamin is “candy”? A. Absolutely not. Even though multivitamins may be gummy and come in fun shapes and colors, be clear with your child about their purpose. It’s not candy. It’s a one-a-day, special nutritional item to boost healthy eating habits. Make sure to store multivitamins out of your child’s reach. What’s the best kids multivitamin to buy? These multivitamins offer good nutritional supplementation in various forms at affordable prices. Top kids multivitamin Llama Naturals Whole Fruit Gummy Vitamins for Kids What you need to know: Made from whole fruits rather than synthetic ingredients, these multivitamins offer excellent absorption. What you’ll love: They’re available in strawberry and cherry flavors that most kids find tasty. They contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals. They’re free from gelatin and common allergens. What you should consider: They aren’t as sweet as some gummy vitamins, and not all kids like them. Top kids multivitamin for the money MaryRuth’s Kids Multivitamin Gummies What you need to know: These vegan, sugar-free gummies come in a range of tasty flavors. What you’ll love: Each pack contains a two-month supply of gummies, offering excellent value. They’re certified USDA organic. They contain all the nutrients essential for healthy childhood development. What you should consider: Some kids find them too hard or too chewy. Worth checking out ChildLife Essentials Kids Liquid Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement What you need to know: This is an excellent liquid multivitamin that you can add to drinks or foods for kids who won’t take gummy or pill multivitamins. What you’ll love: It’s gluten-free and contains 22 vitamins and minerals. It has a tasty orange and mango flavor easily disguised in juice or smoothies. What you should consider: It must be refrigerated after opening. Hyperbiotics PRO-Kids: Children’s Probiotics What you need to know: This probiotic helps boost immunity (as opposed to a multivitamin) and is an excellent choice for kids with digestive issues. What you’ll love: Its orange-flavored, micropearl form makes it easy for toddlers to swallow or chew. It’s gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, vegetarian and has a long shelf life. What you should consider: It has a higher price. Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Gold What you need to know: This chewable multivitamin includes essential nutrients and a probiotic in one. What you’ll love: Kids enjoy the sweet, tangy flavor and parents like that it’s sourced from organic foods. It’s gluten-free and vegetarian. What you should consider: It’s reasonably priced but on the upper end. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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