While it’s true that there are a number of supplements that kids should stay away from, there are certain liquid children’s vitamins that are safe for kids to consume. There are even certain cases where doctors recommend that a liquid children’s vitamin be given to babies when they are in need of a little extra help in the nutrition and growth department. 

In many cases, healthy kids don’t need to take a daily multivitamin or a megadose of one particular vitamin. But there are certain instances in which a child could use a boost. But before you incorporate any of these supplements into your child’s diet, make sure to consult with their doctor in order to make sure that it’s appropriate. 

What Vitamins Might My Child Need?

If you’re wondering in what areas your child might be lacking when it comes to nutrients, the two most common supplements that parents give their children include a vitamin D supplement and an all-encompassing multivitamin (1). 

We absorb the vitamin D that our bodies need directly from the sun, and you might think that if your child spends enough time outside, they are getting enough of this vitamin. That isn’t always the case, though, as many kids are safely slathered with sunscreen when they head out to play. While sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, it makes it difficult for the body to absorb vitamin D. Babies may need a little help in this department, especially if they’re breastfed. The reason behind this is because formula typically contains a sufficient amount of vitamin D, but breastmilk often doesn’t. A breastfed baby may benefit from a liquid vitamin D supplement that they can continue taking throughout childhood. 

Most children get the vitamins and minerals they need from food, but that’s not the case for every child. If a child’s diet is severely limited due to pickiness, dietary restrictions, or allergies, a multivitamin may come in handy to make sure they’re getting all the nutrients that they need to grow and thrive. A multivitamin can fill the gaps that show up in a child’s diet and round out their nutritional intake. 

At What Age Can My Child Take a Liquid Vitamin?

This is the question that many parents ask if they’re worried their child isn’t getting the nutrients that they need to grow strong. It’s essential that you talk things over with your doctor before starting your child on any sort of vitamin, but the general consensus is that children can start on liquid vitamins very early, even as young as when they are newborns - as some newborns who are nutritionally deficient are prescribed liquid vitamins right when they leave the hospital. 

During babyhood, you should only ever give your child a liquid form of vitamins as babies don’t yet have the ability (or the teeth) to chew anything. You might think about experimenting with gummy vitamins as your child grows into a toddler, but if you’re worried about the vitamins acting as a choking hazard, stick with the liquid form for the ultimate peace of mind. 

Risks Associated With Children And Vitamins

There are risks associated with almost everything in life, including the intake of vitamins. It’s important to be smart when you’re introducing vitamins to your children and to make sure they don’t consume supplements that contain more than 100% of the recommended daily intake. There are certain vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, and K that are toxic in large amounts, and could harm your child should they take too much. 

Vitamins should always be kept out of reach of children, especially vitamins in gummy form as children tend to see these supplements as candy. If those vitamins are within reach, children could be tempted to grab a handful and eat too many of them, which could be detrimental. 

And in order to avoid the risk of choking, as we already mentioned, stick with liquid vitamins. They go down easily and they are absorbed into the body in the most efficient manner possible. 

The Top Vitamins For Kids

Out of all the available options, there are a few vitamins that stand out as the most important for kids to be getting (2). 

Vitamin A promotes growth and development, tissue and bone repair, healthy skin and eyes, and a good immune response. 

The group of vitamin Bs aids metabolism, energy production, and healthy circulatory and nervous systems. 

Calcium helps to build strong bones in a growing child. 

Iron builds muscle and is essential in the production and maintenance of red blood cells. Iron deficiency is a risk that most commonly shows up in adolescence, especially in teen girls when they begin to menstruate. 

 

Resources:

1. Bruso, Jessica. "At What Age Can Kids Start Taking Vitamin Supplements?" SFGate, 17 Dec. 2018, healthyeating.sfgate.com/can-give-children-vitamin-c-supplements-7678.html.
2. Buffam Taylor, Rebecca. "Vitamins for Kids: Do Healthy Kids Need Supplements?" Grow by WebMD, 2 June 2020, www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/vitamins-for-kids-do-healthy-kids-need-vitamins#:~:text=Consider waiting until a child,your child's doctor suggests otherwise.