When should you start toddler vitamins for your child

Have you been down the vitamin aisle at your local grocery store lately and find yourself just staring at all options of vitamins they have. Then you find yourself wondering if you are taking the right daily vitamin? Well, that question only leads to more questions. Such as should I be giving my toddler a daily vitamin and if so, which one works best?  We all know that a healthy balanced diet is crucial for the overall development of a child, and if you feel that their diet may be lacking the necessary vitamins and nutrients, then you need to speak to your pediatrician. 

There are a few vitamins that are absolutely necessary for the overall development of a child:
 

• Vitamin A - Will help keep their skin healthy, as well as help their eyes
• Vitamin C - helps absorb iron from food which  is essential for healthy blood
• Vitamin D - is important for bone health
• Iron - Helps with red blood cell growth which carries oxygen around the body

Multivitamins are not necessary to give to a healthy growing toddler. Most foods are heavily fortified with the necessary vitamins needed for a toddler to stay healthy.  Even if you consider your child a picky eater, they are still possibly getting more vitamins than you think.   

There are a few instances when a pediatrician will recommend a supplement for your child. A child who is delayed in development or physical growth is usually the main reason that a supplement will be recommended. Some instances may be:
 

• Failure to Thrive - which is a delay in physical and mental health
• Certain food allergies or a chronic disease
• Restricted diet (Vegan)

If your toddler enjoys proteins like meat, chicken, and poultry then they should be getting enough iron to fill their daily needs. Most cereals including oatmeal are fortified with iron. If your pediatrician recommends that your toddler needs to add an iron supplement to their diet here are some options. Always make sure to follow the recommended dosage. Iron overdose is the leading cause of childhood poisoning. 

Recommended for children 4 and under, this multivitamin is a great tasting option for your toddler.  Free of sugar, dye, lactose, alcohol, peanuts, tree nuts, corn, dairy, and soy. One dose daily delivers the daily value of not only iron but of vitamins A, B, and D. 

Orange is just one of the many flavors that are available. Renzo's is an iron supplement that has additional Vitamin C in it. They use the ingredient carbonyl iron instead of iron salts, which makes it easier on your toddler's tummy. No sugar and gluten-free. Each box comes with stickers and a note from Renzo himself. 

DHA is an omega fatty acid that is essential to vision and neurological health, but it is also thought that DHA can be used to treat allergies, asthma, and ADHD. It is found naturally in fish and seaweed. It is also available in a supplement form. There is very little research to show the benefits of adding DHA to your child's diet. 

SmartyPants is high in Omega-3 EPA & DHA (essential fatty acids) sustainably sourced from wild-caught small fish, along with other necessary vitamins. They are Non-GMO and free of milk, wheat, tree nut allergens, fish allergens, shellfish, eggs, soy, gluten, and peanuts. no synthetic colors, artificial flavors, or artificial sweeteners and no need to refrigerate. They are a chewable so make sure to teach your toddler that they are not candy and make sure you keep them out of reach from your toddler.

What child doesn't love gummies? This is a great Omega 3 option for children 2 and older. They have a tart tangerine flavor and they are gluten free, dairy, free and yeast free. Contains no artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring.

Probiotics are necessary for digestive health. A probiotic will increase the level of good bacteria in your child's digestive tract keeping them healthy and regular. They may help relieve symptoms from constipation and acid reflux.

When it comes to probiotics Culturelle is the best. It is the number one recommended probiotic brand by pediatricians. Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic Packets One of many products Culturelle offers, this one is powered by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), which has been clinically proven to help alleviate stomach issues including diarrhea and upset stomachs. Very easy to take. Just take one package of Culturelle and mix into a drink or even with food. Recommended for toddlers 1 and up. 

 

For the most part, a child will eat as much as needed. A child's appetite can change for a number of reasons. Certain ages ( between 2 and 3) a child's growth slows down as does their appetite. Most of the time, a child will not eat just to be stubborn. A deficiency in some vitamins like Zinc or Thiamine, or also known as Vitamin B1 can cause a reduction of appetite.

Again, a child should get what they need eating a well-balanced diet. But if the reduction is due to a medical or a psychological condition, a supplement may be needed. If you feel your toddler's appetite has changed for any reason, please speak to your pediatrician before using any kind of supplements or dietary aides on your child. 

Most multivitamins have enough Zinc in them to meet a child's recommended daily value, but if a supplement needed, then Nature's Nutra Happy Zinc is what's needed. One drop is all that is needed to help improve your child's appetite. It's also colorless and tasteless.

As mentioned throughout this article, it is important to consult with your pediatrician before making any changes to your toddler's diet. If there are any changes in your toddler's appetite or behavior, have it checked out. The worst thing is to self-treat an issue and make things worse.

Bottom line is if your child is eating a well-balanced meal and is growing and developing accordingly then a multivitamin is unnecessary. A multivitamin is only necessary if there is a deficiency and that is best diagnosed through your physician. Remember to not go over the recommended Daily amount, for fear of getting sick. Keep all vitamins safely stored and out of reach from your toddler.