Are you a parent like me that feels like you’re being tested when the health worker comes to check on your kids?
I just landed back home in the UK after 12 years in Australia and the NHS have been hounding me with registrations and checks and vaccinations and goodness knows what else to get us all up to date.
I got a double hit from two lovely NHS nurses for a 10 month check on my son and 2.5 year check on my daughter last week and one of the questions that threw me was, "which vitamins are your kids taking?".
Erm, none?!!!
Dammit, I failed that one.
Needless to say, I’ve spent the last week researching kid’s vitamins, I hate failing a test!
So, if you didn’t know your kids should be taking vitamins, or you did but you just don’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered! Read on to see the best on offer.
NHS Advice on Vitamins*
‘The government recommends all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day.
Babies who are having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day should not be given vitamin supplements. This is because formula is fortified with vitamins A, C and D and other nutrients.
Babies who are being breastfed should be given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth, whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.’
You're entitled to free vitamin drops if you qualify for Healthy Start.
*taken from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/vitamins-for-children/
Vitamin A
Vitamin A provides a healthy immune system, helps keep skin healthy and also helps kids see better in the dark. It’s usually found in:
· dairy products
· fortified fat spreads
· carrots, sweet potatoes, swede and mangoes
· dark green vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli
Vitamin C
Most of us are familiar with Vitamin C, which is important for general health and immune system as well as helping the body absorb iron. (Did you know if your child eats iron without Vitamin C, their body doesn’t take it in?). Foods rich in Vitamin C are:
· oranges
· kiwi fruit
· strawberries
· broccoli
· tomatoes
· peppers
Vitamin D
There’s probably a reason I hadn’t heard about this one having had my kids in Australia, Vitamin D comes directly from sunlight on the skin and is difficult to find in foods. Remember it is not safe to leave baby in direct sunlight and their skin needs protecting with baby-safe sunscreen.
Catch-22! Hence the need for a supplement.
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends:
· Babies from birth to 1 year of age who are being breastfed should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D to make sure they get enough. This is whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.
· Babies fed infant formula should not be given a vitamin D supplement if they're having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, because infant formula is fortified with vitamin D and other nutrients.
· Children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
How I Choose – Best Baby Vitamins
Whenever we put something directly into our babies bodies, we first want to be sure it is totally safe and free from nasties and so I have read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings and spoken to tons of Mums to find the best products out there.
As well as recommendations from other parents, I cross check facts with medical advice including the NHS so that my recommendations are safe for baby to use and medically recommended.
So lets look at which multivitamin is best for babies and kids;
Baby Ddrops Daily Vitamin D3 Supplement for Infants and Young Children
Best vitamins for babies
Daily Vitamin D3 Supplement for Infants and Young Children
Why Parents Love It
Parents love how easy this is to give to their young babies by popping a drop on their dummy or the nipple. Parents report it must taste good as their babies don’t seem to notice!
The Baby Ddrops are specifically designed for breastfed babies and include the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D in just one, easy to measure drop to boost baby's immune system.
What You Need to Know
Suitable for babies 0-12months.
Free from preservatives, additives, artificial flavours, colours, and common allergens.
Made with only two naturally sourced ingredients, pure vitamin D3 and fractionated coconut oil.
Contains 60 drops – 1.7ml.
Sambucol Kids
Why Parents Love It
Parents who use the Sambucol Kids say that their kids are thriving and put it down to this innovative liquid which was developed by a world-renowned scientist who recognised the potential of the antioxidants present in the Black Elderberry.
It is recommended especially in winter or colder months and is said to help with kids immunity, helping them avoid colds and flu.
What You Need to Know
Suitable for age 1 year and older.
Free from artificial colours and flavours.
Made with Glucose Syrup, Black Elderberry Juice (Sambucus nigra), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid, Preservative: Potassium Sorbate.
Contains 24 serves (5ml each) 120ml.
Bassetts Vitamins Multivitamins
Why Parents Love It
These strawberry flavour soft, chewy vitamins are reminiscent of jelly babies, so its no wonder kids love to gobble them up!
Parents say their kids love these and don’t need to be reminded to take them, in fact they just need to be reminded to only take one! They are said to help with kids immunity and avoiding those annoying sniffles and snots by boosting your child's immune system.
What You Need to Know
Suitable for age 3-6years.
Made with sweeteners (Maltitol syrup, Sucralose), Gelatine (Bovine), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Strawberry flavouring, Acid (Malic acid), Colour (Anthocyanin), Glazing agent [Vegetable oil (Coconut oil, Palm kernel oil, Sunflower oil), Carnauba wax], Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Vitamin D.
Contains 30 pastels.
Abidec Kid Baby Multivitamin Drops
Why Parents Love It
Parents say their kids take this without any problems, whether it is from the small syringe included in the package or snuck into water bottles, but they do say the taste isn’t great.
On theother side of the slightly challenging taste is a plethora of required goodies: Vitamin A, Vitamin D2, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitmain B6, Vitamin B3
What You Need to Know
Suitable from birth.
Contains 7 vitamins; Vitamin A, Vitamin D2, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitmain B6, Vitamin B3.
Contains 25ml (83 serves).
Eleanor Meireles
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FAQs
Knowing what is best for baby when it comes to giving them supplements can be tough as there are a lot of options available so I have compiled some of the top questions around baby carries here for you to review.
Do babies need vitamin Ddrops?
Yes, infants do need vitamin Ddrops, especially if they are not breastfed. Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs in the first six months of life, but it does not contain enough vitamin D. That's why most pediatricians recommend giving babies a vitamin D supplement.
There are three ways to give a baby vitamin D: through drops that are put into the baby's mouth, through a prescription gel that is rubbed on the baby's skin, or through drops that are put in the baby's food. Whichever way you choose to give your baby vitamin D, be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the bottle or prescription accurately. Too much or too little vitamin D can be harmful.
How many drops of vitamin D3 drops for baby uses?
There is no standard dosage of vitamin D3 drops for babies, as it can vary depending on the baby's weight and age. However, most pediatricians recommend a dosage of 400 IU per day for babies up to 12 months old, and 600 IU per day for children aged 1-3 years old. Talk to your pediatrician to get a precise dosage recommendation for your baby.
Do newborn babies need vitamins?
Yes, newborn babies need vitamins because they are born with low levels of stored vitamins and minerals.
A baby's diet should include breast milk or formula for the first year of life, which provides all the essential nutrients a baby needs. After the first year, a baby's diet can be gradually introduced to foods that contain vitamins and minerals. However, it's still important for babies to have a vitamin supplement, especially if they are not eating a variety of healthy foods. prenatal vitamins or children's chewable multivitamins are good options.
Are multivitamins necessary for babies?
Multivitamins are not necessary for babies, but they can be helpful if the baby isn't getting enough vitamins and minerals from food. For example, if a baby is exclusively breastfed, he or she may not be getting the right nutritional intake with enough vitamin D, iron, and zinc. In that case, a multivitamin could provide those nutrients.
When should kids start taking vitamins?
It's best to consult with a pediatrician, but typically kids should start taking vitamins around 6 months old.
There are a few different types of vitamins that kids need. The most important ones are vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy vision and skin, while vitamin C helps the body fight off infections. Vitamin D is important for strong bones and teeth.
Kids can get these vitamins from food, but it can be difficult to get enough from a balanced diet alone. That's why many pediatricians recommend that kids start taking a multivitamin at around 6 months old. This way they'll be sure to get the nutrients they need each day.
Kids can keep taking vitamins right up to their teenage years where they can supplement their diet with more vitamins such as vitamin B1, flaxseed oil, folic acid, vitamin K, biotin, niacin, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and vitamin B2.
Do formula fed babies need vitamin drops?
Yes, most formula fed babies need vitamin drops. The main nutrients that are lacking in most formulas are vitamin D and vitamin K. Babies who are breastfed typically don't need to take vitamin drops because their mothers pass along these nutrients to their babies through their milk. But since most mothers don't produce enough vitamin D and/or K to fully meet their baby's needs, it's usually recommended that all babies - whether they're breastfed or formula fed - take a supplement containing these vitamins.
What to look for when buying kids vitamins?
When buying kids vitamins, you'll want to look for a product that has been specifically formulated for children. It's important that the vitamins are age-appropriate, since kids need different amounts of vitamins and minerals at different stages of development.
You'll also want to check the label to make sure that the vitamins contain good-quality ingredients and are free from fillers and artificial colors and flavors. Ideally, the vitamins will be organic and non-GMO.
Finally, it's important to find a vitamin supplement that is easy for your child to take. Some kids supplements come in fruit or candy flavors, while others are chewable or dissolve in water. Choose the form that is most likely to be accepted by your child and contains all the age-relevant essential vitamins.
How can I boost my baby's brain?
There are a lot of things you can do to boost your baby's brain. Some of the most important include:
-Talking and reading to your baby
-Exposing your baby to different sights and sounds
-Providing lots of opportunities for physical activity
-Encouraging creativity and playtime
All of these activities will help stimulate your baby's brain development and foster healthy cognitive growth.
And lastly, be sure to feed your baby healthy foods that are rich in nutrients essential for brain development. Things like omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, and B vitamins are all important for cognitive function.
What are the 3 most important vitamins?
There are many different vitamins, and all of them are important in their own way. However, some vitamins are more important than others, and here are three of the most important ones:
Vitamin A is important for maintaining good vision, healthy skin, and a strong immune system.
Vitamin C is important for maintaining healthy skin, teeth, and gums, and for fighting off infection.
Vitamin D is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and for keeping the immune system functioning properly.
What vitamins are really necessary?
There are a lot of different vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health, but some of the most important ones include:
-Vitamin A: This vitamin is important for healthy vision, skin, and hair. It also helps the body fight infection.
-B vitamins: These vitamins help keep the nervous system healthy and energy levels up. They are also essential for cell growth and reproduction.
-Vitamin C: This vitamin is important for strong bones, teeth, and muscles. It also helps the body fight infection.
-Zinc: This mineral is important for wound healing, immune function, and cell growth.
So, what vitamins should I buy for my baby?
You are now armed with the knowledge of what the best baby vitamins are for your specific needs are so that you can make an informed decision.
All of the vitamins above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which vitamins work best for you and baby so you can shop today!
Thanks for reading!
