The first few months of your baby's life are a period of rapid growth and development, and proper nutrition plays a key role. While breast milk or formula typically provides most of the necessary nutrients, there are situations where additional supplementation may be needed to support the baby's health. In this article, we’ll share expert-recommended supplements that are safe and beneficial for young children. 📌 Looking for the right supplements for your kids? See which ones are the best fit for them! How we Choose the Best Multivitamins for Infants When selecting these best dietary supplements, we considered factors such as: Ingredients and nutrient profile: High-quality supplements should include essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, and iron to support development while avoiding unnecessary additives like artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners. Suitability for the child's age: The product must be tailored to the child’s age, with suitable dosages and ingredients. Supplement formula: The supplement should have a safe formula designed to minimize the risk of choking. Recommendations and quality certificates: We looked for pediatrician-approved products with certifications guaranteeing quality and safety. No allergenic substances: Hypoallergenic options without gluten, lactose, artificial flavors, or colors are vital for sensitive infants. 📌Also, check out which vitamins are best for supporting children's growth. Our Expert's Picks of the Best Multivitamins for Infants Here are our recommendations for supplements for babies and children: Multivitamin: MaryRuth's Organic Infant Multivitamin Liquid Drops SmartyPants Baby Multi&DHA Supplement Zarbee's Naturals Baby Multivitamin with Iron Calcium: Childlife Essentials Liquid Calcium Life Nutrition Kids Calcium + D3 Zinc: MaryRuth's Organics Infant Liquid Ionic Zinc Mommy's Bliss Organic Baby Drops with Zinc Vitamin D: Nordic Naturals Baby's Vitamin D3 Liquid Mommy's Bliss Baby Vitamin D Organic Drops Iron: Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron Liquid Multivitamin Drops Mommy's Bliss Baby Multivitamin + Iron Feature MaryRuth's Organic Infant Multivitamin SmartyPants Baby Multi&DHA Zarbee's Naturals Baby Multivitamin ChildLife Essentials Liquid Calcium Mommy's Bliss Organic Baby Drops Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan ✅ ✅ (Non-GMO, gluten-free) ✅ (Non-GMO, gluten-free) ✅ (Non-GMO, vegan) ✅ (USDA-certified organic) Age Range 6–12 months 6–24 months 2+ months 6+ months 2+ months Key Nutrients Vitamins A, C, D3, E, B complex, Zinc Vitamins C, D3, E, DHA Vitamins A, C, D, E, Iron Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, D3 Zinc, Elderberry, C, D3 Bone Health Support ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ (Calcium + Magnesium combo) ✅ (Vitamin D3 inclusion) Immune Support ✅ ✅ (C, D3, E for immunity) ✅ (A, C, D, E for immunity) ✅ (Minerals for overall health) ✅ (Elderberry + Zinc combo) Taste Orange Vanilla Neutral flavor Mix with food to hide taste Fructose sweetened Some infants dislike the taste Ease of Administration Liquid (dropper) Liquid (dropper) Liquid, mixable with food Liquid, mixable with drinks Liquid, dropper with no-spill syringe Unique Selling Point Complete essential vitamins for infants DHA for brain and eye development Includes iron for red blood cell production Magnesium enhances calcium absorption Elderberry for added immune support Main Drawback Expensive Limited flavor options Limited to 2+ months Contains fructose Short shelf life (3 months after opening) Multivitamins Multivitamins are supplements that contain a blend of vitamins and minerals. Multivitamins are meant to fill nutritional gaps and support the overall health of your infant, particularly when your infant’s diet lacks some nutrients. Multivitamins designed for infants typically come in liquid drops you can put in their bottle or directly into their mouth. Infant multivitamins typically include vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins such as folic acid, along with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. While multivitamins can be beneficial for health, they’re not a substitute for a balanced diet, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before use. Most infants get the necessary nutrients from breast milk or formula, so multivitamin supplements are usually not needed. However, supplements such as vitamin D (400 IU daily) for breastfed infants and iron may be needed in certain cases, starting at 4-6 months. Infants of vegan mothers or those with a vitamin B12 deficiency may also need supplements. It's important to consult a pediatrician before giving any vitamins to your infant to ensure they’re what your kid needs. What is the best age for a baby to take vitamins? Babies may need vitamins depending on their diet. Breastfed infants should take vitamin D starting in the first few days of life, while formula-fed babies usually don't need extra vitamins. Around 6 months, as solids are introduced, iron supplements may be needed if the diet lacks it. Multivitamins might be recommended for toddlers with limited diets only after a medical consultation. Always consult a pediatrician before giving supplements. Do doctors recommend multivitamins? Doctors may recommend minerals and vitamin supplements for children in certain situations, but they typically prefer that nutrients come from a well-balanced diet. Multivitamins are generally suggested if a child has a nutrient deficiency, is a picky eater, follows a restricted diet (e.g., vegetarian or vegan), or has specific health conditions that affect nutrient absorption. Which multivitamin is best for infants? Here is a selection of multivitamin supplements for infants. MaryRuth's Organic Infant Multivitamin Liquid Drops These drops are specifically made for infants ages 6-12 months and come in an orange vanilla flavor that most infants seem to enjoy. Here are some of the key benefits of this multivitamin: Organic, non-GMO, and vegan Contains essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D3, E, and B complex, as well as zinc and choline Comes in liquid form, making it easy to take for toddlers who can't swallow pills or gummies Some of the cons are: Some infants don’t like the taste. This multivitamin is more expensive than other options. 📌Check out the best growth vitamins for kids! SmartyPants Baby Multi&DHA Supplement This option is a liquid formula designed for children aged 6 to 24 months to support their health and development. It combines essential nutrients like: Vitamin D for bone health Vitamin C and vitamin E for immune support DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) for brain and eye development This supplement is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives and is gluten-free and non-GMO. Zarbee's Naturals Baby Multivitamin with Iron This liquid supplement provides essential nutrients for healthy growth for infants aged 2 months and older. Some benefits of this multivitamin include: Contains iron to prevent deficiency and support red blood cell production Has vitamins A, C, D, and E for immune health. Free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives. Gluten-free and non-GMO Easy to give and can be mixed with food or drink, making it a convenient way to ensure babies get vital nutrients 📌If you want to learn more about the best vitamins and minerals for kids, check out this article. Calcium Children who don't get enough calcium may experience bone deformities, delayed growth, and difficulty with movement. In the long term, a calcium deficiency can lead to conditions such as rickets or osteoporosis later in life. Calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth and plays a key role in a child's proper growth. It also helps with blood clotting, muscle contractions, and nerve function. Should infants take calcium supplements? Breastfed babies typically do not need calcium supplements, as breast milk provides sufficient amounts. The calcium in breast milk is easily absorbed, and the levels in the baby’s body are usually enough to support proper growth and development during the first few months of life. How do I know if my baby needs calcium? Babies born prematurely may have higher calcium needs because their bones haven't fully developed in the womb. These babies might require specialized care and calcium supplements to support their growth. Several signs may indicate your child needs more calcium. These include: Difficulty breastfeeding or refusing to drink from a bottle Trembling in the hands or legs Irritability and restlessness Increased muscle stiffness Delays in physical development Remember, if you notice any concerning symptoms in your child, consult your doctor. Never give your baby calcium supplements without professional guidance. What are the best calcium supplements for babies? Here is a selection of calcium supplements for infants. Childlife Essentials Liquid Calcium ChildLife Essentials Liquid Calcium with Magnesium is a supplement designed to support healthy bone growth and development in infants. Here are some of the pros of this multivitamin: Comprehensive bone support: Contains a balanced blend of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D3, that work together to promote bone health Flexible dosing: Offers age-specific dosage recommendations, making it suitable for infants as young as 6 months to teens Easy administration: The liquid form allows for easy mixing with drinks or food, which can be helpful for infants The main con we can highlight is that it contains fructose. 📌Check out our other recommendations for calcium supplements for your child. Life Nutrition Kids Calcium + D3 This plant-based supplement supports healthy bone growth with algae-derived calcium, enhanced by vitamins D3 and K2 for improved absorption. Some of its positive qualities include: Comes in chewable, animal-shaped tablets with a berry flavor. Free from sugar, gluten, and dairy, Non-GMO, Suitable for children aged 1 year and older. 📌Want to learn how to support your child’s development? Discover our tried-and-true tips for raising happy, healthy kids. Zinc Multivitamins for Infants Zinc is another essential element for a child's healthy development. It works closely with the immune system to fight off illness and heal wounds. Zinc also helps to make DNA and proteins used throughout the body, and children need enough zinc to build strong bones for proper growth and development. Can infants take zinc? Infants typically get enough zinc from breast milk, or a balanced diet once they start eating solid foods. If your baby is growing without any signs of deficiency, there’s no need to give them zinc supplements unless recommended by your doctor. How do I know if my child needs zinc? Zinc deficiency in infants can include symptoms like: More infections than normal Long healing time for wounds Loss of appetite Skin changes Diarrhea If your child shows these symptoms, contact your doctor. 📌Check out other recommended toddler vitamins! What are the best zinc supplements for infants? Here is a selection of magnesium supplements for infants: MaryRuth's Organics Infant Liquid Ionic Zinc MaryRuth's Organics Infant Liquid Ionic Zinc is a supplement designed to support the growth and development of infants 6-12 months of age. This unflavored liquid zinc supplement provides an easy way to ensure your little one is getting the essential minerals his growing body needs. These are the key benefits: Easy to use: Liquid form makes it easy to add this supplement to food or drink Clean formula: Unflavored, USDA organic, non-GMO, vegan, and free of common allergens Targeted Dosage: Specifically formulated for infants to provide an appropriate concentration of zinc for their developmental needs Key con is: Potential taste issues: Although unflavored, your infant may still be sensitive to taste, making consistent administration a challenge. Mommy's Bliss Organic Baby Drops with Zinc Mommy's Bliss Organic Baby Drops with Zinc is a supplement designed to support your little one's immune system. Here are the main benefits of this USDA-certified organic formula: Contains a blend of organic elderberry, vitamin C, vitamin D3, and zinc for comprehensive immune support Free from alcohol, artificial flavors, colors, and the top 8 allergens, making it suitable for sensitive babies Comes with a convenient no-spill syringe/adapter for precise and mess-free dosing These are the main cons: Your infant may not enjoy the taste, which could make daily administration challenging. The product has a relatively short shelf life once opened (3 months). It’s limited to babies 4 months and older, which may not suit if you’re looking for options for younger infants. 📌You can't miss our list of the best supplements to support your child's brain development. Vitamin D One of the most essential vitamins for ensuring the healthy growth and development of infants, toddlers, and young children is vitamin D. It helps build strong bones, and supports the nervous system and immune health. Vitamin D is primarily produced in the skin through exposure to UV radiation. However, since newborns should not be exposed to direct sunlight, they need to get a daily supplement of 400 IU (international units) starting from the first days of life. Vitamin D deficiency in children can lead to rickets, a weakened immune system, and slowed physical development. Do newborns really need vitamin D drops? Liquid vitamin D is the best and safest supplement form for newborns. They need vitamin D drops, especially if they are exclusively breastfed. Breast milk contains very little vitamin D, so infants fed this way may not get enough from their diet. Is 2 months too late to start vitamin D drops? Starting vitamin D drops for your baby at two months old is not too late. If you want to start vitamin D supplementation for your child now, it's a good idea to check with your pediatrician to find out which supplement they recommend and the best way to give it. Which Vitamin D supplements are best for babies? Here is a selection of vitamin D supplements for infants. Nordic Naturals Baby's Vitamin D3 Liquid This high-quality supplement provides 400 IU of vitamin D3 per serving, supporting healthy development and preventing deficiencies. It is non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from artificial colors, preservatives, and common allergens, making it a safe choice for infants. Mommy's Bliss Baby Vitamin D Organic Drops This natural, organic supplement is made with just two ingredients: vitamin D3 and MCT oil. These drops are free from artificial additives, colors, and preservatives, offering a clean and safe option for babies. The liquid form makes it easy to administer the correct dosage. This product is USDA-certified organic, making it a good choice for parents seeking natural solutions to support your baby's health. 📌Want to know more about the best supplements for height growth? We have the right content for you. Iron Iron is crucial for producing red blood cells that transport oxygen to tissues. It’s a key part of proteins like hemoglobin and myoglobin, which help deliver oxygen to muscles and organs. Iron also plays a role in DNA synthesis and neurotransmitter production, supporting both the nervous and immune systems. Unfortunately, iron deficiency is common and impacts people of all ages, from children to adults. Children with iron deficiency may experience reduced cognitive function. Low iron levels can also impact physical performance, hinder focus, and increase vulnerability to infections. Iron deficiency in infants is often caused by a vegan diet or medical conditions that interfere with iron absorption. Should babies take multivitamins with iron? For the first few months of life, newborns rely on the iron reserves they build up in the womb. As a result, there’s no need to give iron supplements during this period. After around 6 months of age, breastfed babies showing signs of iron deficiency may be given iron supplements, but only if recommended by a doctor. What are the side effects of iron multivitamins for babies? Iron supplements for babies can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. The baby’s stool may also darken in color, which is usually harmless. If you see these side effects consult a pediatrician. What is the best multivitamin with iron for babies? Here is a selection of multivitamin supplements with iron for infants. Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron Liquid Multivitamin Drops These drops are a dietary supplement for infants and young children, supporting their health and development. It contains vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex, with added iron. Enfamil Poly is suitable for infants from 6 to 24 months. Its liquid form makes it easy to administer. The product is free from artificial colors, flavors and also gluten. Mommy's Bliss Baby Multivitamin + Iron This multivitamin has the following benefits:: A blend of essential vitamins, including A, C, D, E, and B vitamins A combination with iron to help prevent or address deficiencies that are common in young children Carefully crafted with natural and organic ingredients Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives Suitable for babies as young as two months 📌Curious about which vitamins support your child’s growth? Check which products can supply them. Conclusion Supplements for newborns could help, but they should not replace a balanced diet. In most cases, breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients and vitamins to your infant. However, some vitamin and mineral supplements, such as vitamin D or calcium may be recommended by a doctor. If you’re a mother, a well-balanced diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding can also help ensure adequate vitamin intake for your baby. Parents like you should always consult with a pediatrician before introducing any infant vitamins to ensure they meet the specific needs of your child. It is essential to follow professional guidance to avoid any risks associated with over-supplementation.
