Kids' Vitamins

Vitamins children actually need, in forms they will take: vitamin D3 drops for babies, gummies and syrups for fussy eaters, omega 3 and probiotics for growing kids. Pharmacist advice on what helps and what is just sweets.

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What children really need

Vitamin D: the one that matters

The HSE recommends 5 micrograms (200 IU) of vitamin D3 daily for every baby from birth to 12 months, and a supplement for children from one to four years through the winter. Baby Vit D3 drops or the pump are the easiest. Older children can use a chewable or spray.

Multivitamins: a safety net for fussy eaters

A child who eats reasonably well does not need a multivitamin. For picky eaters, children recovering from illness, or vegetarian and vegan children, a gummy or syrup such as Chewy Vites, Haliborange or Vivio Junior covers the gaps. Revive Active Junior is a more complete option for active older children. Keep gummies out of reach: they look like sweets and an overdose of iron-containing products is dangerous.

Omega 3

Only needed if your child does not eat oily fish. Eskimo Kids is a palatable liquid or chewable with good EPA and DHA levels.

Probiotics

Useful during and after antibiotics and for tummy upsets. OptiBac Babies & Children sachets dissolve into milk or food; BioGaia drops suit babies with colic.

Iron

Only on advice after a blood test; too much iron is harmful to children.

Pharmacist tip: give vitamins at the same time as something they already do, such as brushing teeth, and store them locked away. Treat them as medicine, not a treat.

Common questions about kids' vitamins

Does my baby need vitamin D drops?

Yes. Every baby in Ireland should have 5 micrograms of vitamin D3 daily from birth to one year, whether breastfed or formula fed, according to HSE guidance.

Are gummy vitamins any good?

They work if the child actually takes them, which is their main advantage. Choose a sugar-free or low-sugar option, give them after brushing or rinse afterwards, and store them out of reach because children see them as sweets.

What age can a child start a multivitamin?

Most children's multivitamins are suitable from one year, with gummies from three. Check the pack. Under one year, vitamin D drops are all that is needed.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.