As parents, it’s our responsibility to make sure that our toddler is getting the best nutrition possible. Apart from a healthy diet, supplements exist to help bridge nutritional gaps and provide extra benefits to keep them strong, active and thriving. That's why it's important to choose toddler vitamins that are most beneficial for them.
There are a ton of children’s multivitamins on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your child. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over the key vitamins and minerals that can help your little ones be their healthiest, happiest selves. Plus, we'll provide you with tips on how to choose the best multivitamins that could help boost their health.
What are toddler vitamins?
Toddler vitamins are supplements specifically formulated to aid your growing kids’ needs. They contain a combination of important nutrients that are essential for their development, giving them a greater chance to live a healthy and full life.
Similar to adult multivitamins, these supplements come in different forms like gummies or chewable vitamins, powder, capsules, syrup, or chewable tablets. Each is made and manufactured differently. So it’s important to choose one that works best for your child.
Do kids need vitamin supplements?
Before we go any further, remember that a balanced diet is still the number one source of essential vitamins and minerals for your child’s growth and development. While all these nutrients are necessary for their health, some are especially needed by children like Vitamin D, iron, calcium, and more.
Nothing beats feeding your child whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other foods. So it’s important to keep in mind that supplements exist to assist your little one’s health. They come with a plethora of benefits that, along with a daily healthy diet, can boost your child’s immune system and help them live a better life.
Asking help from your child’s doctor
It's important to talk to your child's pediatrician about children's multivitamin supplements. Their doctor can help you choose the right vitamin for your little one and can help ensure they are getting the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals each day.
Pediatricians may also help enlighten you more about vitamin supplementation and other dietary advice to support your child’s well being.
How can children’s multivitamins help?
Let’s face it: Kids don’t always eat the healthiest foods all the time. They gravitate towards chocolates, candies and others that don’t necessarily provide them with what they need. It’s our job as parents to ensure their bodies absorb enough nutrients. Along with a balanced diet, supplements come in handy to help protect against nutritional deficiencies, which can be common among toddlers.
Here are some of the many benefits of toddler vitamins:
It can help picky eaters
Kids who are picky eaters may not be getting all the nutrients or adequate nutrition they need from their diet. This can become a bigger problem, especially if their parents are picky eaters too.
It aids poor diet
Children who have a poor diet are at risk for nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to health problems and can affect their growth and development.
It helps kids who live in places with colder climates
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin your children need to absorb sufficiently. Wintertime can make that particularly challenging. This is where supplements can help fill in the gaps.
It helps children who are vegetarian or vegan
Some kids are put on a strict vegan diet or vegetarian diet. However, a lot of vitamins that come from plant-based foods aren’t easily absorbed by the body. Supplements can be their nutritional safety net.
It helps children who are on a restrictive diet
Some kids who have food allergies or intolerances may need to follow a restricted diet. This can make it difficult for them to get all the nutrients they need from food alone. In these cases, it may be necessary for them to take a vitamin supplement.
It assists breastfed or partially breastfed toddlers
While breastfeeding remains an integral part of child-rearing, breast milk doesn’t provide sufficient amounts of Vitamin D, which plays an important role in your child’s health. In this case, supplementing can help bridge nutritional gaps.
What happens when a child doesn't get enough vitamins?
If a child doesn't get enough essential nutrients from their diet, they may develop a nutritional deficiency. This can lead to problems with growth and development, and can even be life-threatening in some cases.
That's why it's beneficial for kids to take a supplement if their diet isn’t sufficient. This can help ensure they are getting essential vitamins and minerals they need to keep them going.
What to look for when choosing toddler vitamins
When looking for children’s multivitamins, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here are simple ways to get you started.
Choose a vitamin that contains a variety of essential nutrients
It’s crucial to choose a vitamin that contains a variety of essential nutrients. This is important because growing kids need specific vitamins and minerals. Plus, remember to choose supplements that meet their recommended daily intake.
Go for one that is age-appropriate
Toddler vitamins are designed specifically for younger kids and are usually smaller and easier to swallow than adult vitamins.
Buy vitamins made by a trusted brand
It's important to choose a vitamin that is made by a credible brand. This is important because you want to be sure that the vitamin is safe and effective.
Aim for vitamins made from organic fruits and veggies
Some parents may prefer to buy vitamins that are made from organic fruits and veggies or whole foods. This is because these vitamins are likely better absorbed by the body and less likely to cause any adverse effects.
Choose one with less sugar and no artificial sweeteners
It's important to choose a vitamin that has less sugar. Too much sugar can be harmful to your kids' health. Not only could it spike their sugar levels. It could also lead to other risks and health conditions down the line.
Go for one without artificial flavors and colors
It's also important to choose a vitamin that doesn't contain any artificial flavors or colors. These are fillers that don’t have any nutritional benefits, and are unnecessary for your children to take.
Consider going for vegan and non-GMO
You could also opt for vegan vitamins, or vitamins that are non-GMO. This helps ensure that these supplements are made responsibly and don’t contain harmful ingredients.
Which vitamins and minerals do kids need?
There are nine essential vitamins that a toddler needs to help them grow. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin for healthy vision, skin, and bones. It also helps fight off infection.
Toddlers need around 300-400 micrograms of Vitamin A per day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C helps the body form collagen, which is important for healthy skin, bones, and teeth. It also helps the body ward off infection.
Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of iron, a mineral which plays a key role in your child’s health. Vitamin C helps capture what is called non-heme iron and stores it in a form that is easier for your child’s body to absorb. This process helps prevent iron deficiency in your children.
Toddlers need around 15-25 milligrams of Vitamin C per day.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D comes in two forms: Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is necessary for children's bones to develop strong and their immune systems to fight sickness.
Toddlers need 400 - 600 UI of Vitamin D3 per day.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in many plant-based oils, nuts, and seeds. It helps protect cells from damage and helps the body use fat as energy.
Toddlers need around 5-7 milligrams of Vitamin E per day.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin):
Thiamin is one of the essential B vitamins that a kid needs because it helps the body convert food into energy.
Toddlers need around 0.75 milligrams of thiamin per day.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):
Riboflavin is a B vitamin that is commonly found in fatty fish, which are rich in omega 3. It helps the body convert food into energy.
Toddlers need around 0.85 milligrams of riboflavin per day.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine):
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is necessary for normal brain development as well as the functioning of the nervous and immunological systems. Poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, and fortified cereals are all good sources of vitamin B-6.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid):
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is mainly found in leafy green vegetables and fruits. It forms healthy red blood cells and is important for pregnant women.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin):
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is mainly found in meat and dairy products. This vitamin helps form healthy red blood cells.
Toddlers need around 0.5 - 0.9 micrograms of Vitamin B12 per day.
What are the benefits of children’s multivitamins?
Together with a balanced diet, children’s supplements pave the way for a stronger, more active and happier child.
Here are some of the ways your little one can benefit from taking a children’s multivitamin:
- It improves cognitive development
- It promotes healthier bones and teeth
- It prevents iron deficiency
- It boosts the immune system
- It provides daily energy
Tips for getting your child to take their vitamin and mineral supplements
Considering all the supplements available now, your quest to find the best multivitamins for your child could get a little overwhelming. Once you find one, the next step is to get your kid to take them.
Here are a few tips that could help your child take their vitamin and mineral supplements:
- Choose one that is visually appealing and tastes good.This can make the whole experience more enjoyable for your child, especially if it’s their first time.
- Make sure the vitamin supplement you choose is age-appropriate. Since children need specific vitamins and minerals at their age, choose a vitamin supplement that is designed for children of your child's age group
- Make sure to discuss vitamin and mineral supplements with your pediatrician: Your pediatrician can help you choose the right vitamin and mineral supplement for your child and can also provide guidance on how much your child should be taking.
- Make it a daily habit for your kid, just like brushing their teeth. Try to incorporate it in your child's daily routine so it becomes second nature. Since kids tend to mirror their parents, you can even take your supplements together each chance you get. This will help ensure they are taking their vitamins regularly.
- Reward your child for taking their vitamins with a special treat, whether it’s a quick trip to the park, playing their favorite sport together or cooking their favorite meal.
- Make it a learning experience by teaching your children the wonders of living a healthy and active life. This way, they can better understand why they need to take their supplements
The bottom line
Choosing the right toddler vitamin can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. The key is to know what you are looking for before you start shopping and ask advice from your doctor. Plus, it’s crucial to remember that multivitamins are only meant to supplement. So be sure to always strive to give your child a healthy, nutrient-varied diet to keep them in shape.
Not all supplements are created equal. It’s best to find one that will tick all the boxes and help your child grow the best they can be.
First Day Kids Daily Essential Gummies
We at First Day believe every child deserves the healthiest life possible. First Day Kids Daily Essential gummies are specifically formulated for younger kids to grow stronger and more energized for their life ahead.
Below are the benefits of giving First Day gummies to your toddlers:
Comes in gummy form
Some kids may feel discouraged taking supplements in forms of tablets or capsules. First Day Kids come in a fun and tasty gummy form that kids will love.
Made from organic fruits & veggies
First Day Kids are made with organic fruits and vegetables, so parents can feel good about giving their children a quality vitamin supplement.
Contains nine essential vitamins that a toddler needs
Our gummies contain nine essential vitamins and minerals that toddlers need to function daily and keep them energized. These essential nutrients help improve their cognitive development and immune system. Plus, they help promote better bone health, teeth, skin and hair.
Made with 80% less sugar and has no artificial flavors or colors:
First Day Kids are made with 80% less sugar and rely on fruits and vegetables for natural flavors. They don’t come with artificial flavors or colors. So parents can feel confident that their children are only getting necessary nutrients with no fillers.
Vegan and gelatin free
As a vegetarian or vegan family that follows a strict vegan diet, it can be tough to find a good children's multivitamin that meets all of their dietary needs. Our gummies are vegan and gelatin free, which is a great fit for children with dietary restrictions and for eco-conscious parents.
Gluten Free and Non - GMO
First Day Kids vitamins are also gluten free, which works for children with gluten allergies or sensitivities. Our gummies are also non-GMO, so parents can feel confident that their children are not taking in any genetically modified ingredients.
Shop First Day for your child today.
