When should you start toddler vitamins for your child

When and what type of toddler vitamins should I give to my kids

By Tony Zorrilla
When should you start toddler vitamins for your child

When should I give toddler vitamins?

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. 

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Types of Vitamins

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

If your child eats a healthy balanced diet, then it may not be necessary for you to have to supplement a vitamin for your child, but if you do, it would not hurt. A child's eating habits can change on a dime and the additional vitamins can be like an insurance in case their diet is now lacking. It is best to be in constant contact with your pediatrician. 

When to give vitamins?

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)

When choosing a vitamin, make sure it is a vitamin that is recommended for your toddlers' age group and does not give more than the 100% Daily Value requirements. Also, always remember to keep out them out of reach and to make sure the child understand that these are not candy.

Below are some popular vitamins which can be easily purchased, but do check with your pediatrician if your child should be taking. Remember, with all kinds of vitamins and supplements - Prior to taking always make sure to consult with your pediatrician first.

Toddler Vitamins with Iron

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. 

NovaFerrum Multivitamin with Iron

NovaFerrum Multivitamin with Iron Supplement for Infants and Toddlers 50 mL

Amazon.com: NovaFerrum Multivitamin with Iron Supplement for Infants and Toddlers 50 mL

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. 

Renzo's Iron Strong

Renzo’s Iron Strong, Vegan Dissolvable Vitamins for Kids, Zero Sugar, Oh-Oh-Oh Orange Flavor, 90 Melty Tabs

Amazon.com: Renzo’s Iron Strong, Vegan Dissolvable Vitamins for Kids, Zero Sugar, Oh-Oh-Oh Orange Flavor, 90 Melty Tabs: Health & Personal Care

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. 

Toddler Vitamins with DHA

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 Toddler Daily Vitamins Complete

SmartyPants Toddler Daily Gummy Vitamins Complete: Multivitamin, Gluten Free, Omega-3 Fish Oil (EPA/DHA Fatty Acids), Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Iodine, Vitamin E, 90 Count (30 Day Supply)

Amazon.com: SmartyPants Toddler Daily Gummy Vitamins Complete: Multivitamin, Gluten Free, Omega-3 Fish Oil (EPA/DHA Fatty Acids), Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Iodine, Vitamin E, 90 Count (30 Day Supply): Health & Personal Care

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.

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Gummies

Nordic Naturals - Nordic Omega-3 Gummies, Supports Optimal Brain and Immune Function, 120 Count

Amazon.com: Nordic Naturals - Nordic Omega-3 Gummies

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.

Toddler Vitamins and Probiotics

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.

Cultrelle Kids Daily Probiotic

Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic Packets Dietary Supplement | Helps Support a Healthy Immune & Digestive System | Works Naturally with Your Child’s Body | 50 Single Packets

Amazon.com: Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic Packets Dietary Supplement | Helps Support a Healthy Immune & Digestive System | Works Naturally with Your Child’s Body | 50 Single Packets: Health & Personal Care

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. 

 

Toddler Vitamins To Increase Appetite

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. 

Zinc

Nature's Nutra Happy Zinc, 2 Fl. Oz (60ml), Premium Baby and Infant Liquid Drops, Toddlers Kids Children Multivitamin Supplement, Antioxidant, High Bioavailability

Amazon.com: Nature's Nutra Happy Zinc, 2 Fl. Oz (60ml), Premium Baby and Infant Liquid Drops, Toddlers Kids Children Multivitamin Supplement, Antioxidant, High Bioavailability: Health & Personal Care

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. 

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