Children’s Vitamins: A Parent’s Guide to Supplements for Kids

Children grow fast, play hard and (often) eat poorly. Getting the right vitamins into your child can support healthy development, strong immunity and good energy — but with so many products on the market, knowing what to buy isn’t always easy. This guide has you covered.

What the NHS Says About Children’s Vitamins

The NHS recommends that all children aged 6 months to 5 years should take a daily supplement containing Vitamins A, C and D. This is because it can be difficult to get sufficient amounts from diet alone at this age, and deficiency — especially of Vitamin D — is very common in UK children due to limited sunlight.

Children who are breastfed should be given Vitamin D drops from birth, as breast milk alone does not provide enough. Formula-fed babies who consume more than 500ml of formula per day don’t need additional Vitamin D as formula is already fortified.

Key Vitamins Children Need and Why

• Vitamin D — Bone growth (calcium absorption), immune function. Deficiency causes rickets — a condition that was considered rare but has been increasing in the UK.
• Vitamin A — Vision (especially in low light), immune function, skin and mucous membrane health.
• Vitamin C — Antioxidant, supports the immune system, essential for collagen formation (bones, teeth, gums, skin).
• Iron — Brain development, cognitive function and energy. Toddlers who drink large amounts of cow’s milk can become iron-deficient as milk displaces iron-rich foods.
• Calcium — Bone and tooth development. Children need more calcium relative to body weight than adults.
• Omega-3 (DHA) — Brain development and visual acuity. Particularly important in the first 5 years. Found in oily fish — which many children won’t eat.
• Zinc — Immunity, growth, wound healing.

Chewable vs Liquid vs Gummy Vitamins

Liquid drops — best for infants and toddlers under 3. Easy to dose accurately. Abidec and Haliborange both offer liquid options.

Chewable tablets — suitable from age 3+. More nutrients per dose than gummies. Less sugar. Numark Kids Chewable Multivitamins are a great example — berry-flavoured, free from artificial colours and yeast.

Gummies — popular but often contain significant sugar and fewer nutrients per dose. Fine occasionally but not the optimal format for daily supplementation.

Top Children’s Vitamin Brands at Chemist 2 Customer

We stock a comprehensive range of children’s vitamins from trusted brands:

• Haliborange — a well-established brand with age-specific products
• Numark Kids Chewable Multivitamins — excellent daily supplement for ages 3+
• Full children’s vitamin range — all brands in one place

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start giving my child vitamins? The NHS recommends from 6 months for breastfed babies, and from 5 years as a general recommendation for all children up to age 5.

Can children take too many vitamins? Yes — particularly Vitamin A, which is toxic in excess. Always follow age-appropriate dosing and keep supplements out of reach.

Are gummy vitamins good? They’re better than nothing but chewable tablets or liquids are nutritionally superior and contain less sugar.

See also: Complete Vitamins Guide and Vitamins for Immunity.