Food & Formula
The supplement aisle is full of colorful bottles aimed at kids, and it is easy to feel like you should be buying something. The truth is that most healthy kids who eat a varied diet get what they need from food. Kids vitamins and supplements can help in specific situations, and your pediatrician is the right person to make that call. This page explains what to ask, what to check and how to store them safely.
Ask a Dad
Reach out and we’ll connect you with an experienced father or point you to the right next step.
Send a MessageYour pediatrician may talk with you about supplements in a few common situations. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vitamin D for breastfed and partially breastfed infants, and some babies need extra iron as they get older. Kids with restricted diets, certain medical conditions or very limited eating may also need help.
Bring up supplements at well visits instead of guessing. Mention any vitamins, powders or herbal products you are giving, since some can interact with medicines or add up to too much.
Gummy vitamins look and taste like candy, and kids know it. Accidental overdoses of iron-containing supplements are dangerous for young children. Store all vitamins up high, locked if possible, in child-resistant containers, and never call them candy.
If your child swallows more than the dose, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away, even if they seem fine. Keep the bottle handy so you can read the label to the specialist.
Picky eating is common in toddlers and preschoolers. Keep offering a variety of foods without pressure, eat together, and let kids help shop and cook. A child may need many exposures to a new food before accepting it. Many experts suggest the parent decides what and when to serve, and the child decides whether and how much to eat. Bribes, battles and hiding vegetables tend to backfire. A calm table with one familiar food on every plate gives a hesitant eater a safe starting point.
For meal ideas, see balanced diet for growing kids and nutrition and healthy living for kids. If you are worried about growth or weight, talk with your pediatrician.
Supplements can be expensive, and marketing makes them feel necessary. Put money toward fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and protein first. Frozen and canned produce without added salt or sugar is just as useful and keeps longer. A family meal where kids see you eat vegetables does more for their nutrition than any chewable. If food costs are a struggle, dial 2-1-1 to find local food help or ask about WIC for young children. This page is part of food and formula, alongside baby and toddler foods.
FAQ
Many healthy children who eat a varied diet do not. Some situations, such as breastfeeding, restricted diets or medical conditions, may call for specific supplements. Ask your pediatrician before starting one.
They can be when used at the correct dose, but kids often treat them like candy. Store them out of reach in child-resistant containers, and do not call them treats.
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even if your child seems fine, and have the bottle ready. If your child is having trouble breathing or is unresponsive, call 911.
Keep going
A Balanced Diet for Growing KidsA balanced diet for kids, explained simply: food groups, the plate method, smart snacks, drinks and picky eaters. Feed your growing kids with confidence.
Nutrition and Healthy Living for KidsHealthy living for kids, the dad way: family meals, picky eaters, active play, screens and sleep. See what this video series covers and habits to start.Kids Health and Nutrition Guides for DadsKids health and nutrition guides for dads: feeding growing children, family meals, staying active together and handling food allergies. Find your guide today.Ask a question, meet other dads in the 24/7 room, or join the community for resources and support at every stage.
Join our 24/7 Room to meet and talk with other dads
Join Today