Tips for Getting Your Child to Take Children’s Multi Vitamins

The following tips are to help parents and other caregivers administer children’s multi vitamins.

Small children cannot be expected to swallow tablets or pieces of tablets. Chewable children’s multi vitamins are a safer and easier option than adult capsules or tablets.

Offering vitamins for children before a meal is one of the easiest ways to get them to start a regular habit of taking vitamins.

If your child doesn’t like the taste of a vitamin, you can provide a “chaser” of a piece of fruit, a teaspoon-full of honey, or a small glass of a sweet, non-acidic juice.

Taking vitamins is a learned behavior just like walking. Be consistent to form a routine. The earlier you start to build the routine, the better.

Liquid vitamins for children are a good choice for infants and babies. However, they do not keep as long as other forms of vitamin supplements. It’s important to follow the storing instructions on the label. Most recommend storing liquid vitamins in a cool, dark place. This isn’t the refrigerator, though because of the high humidity. Thus, a dark closet or cabinet is a better choice, out of the sun, out of a car, and definitely out of the reach of children.

Carefully read the labels of any children’s multi vitamins that you’re considering for your child. You will want balanced formula that is preferably sweetened with a natural sweetener like xylitol. As well, you will want one that doesn’t have artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Some children simply do not like to take vitamins regardless of the taste. Most vitamins for children can be added to applesauce or other pureed foods.

If it’s necessary for your child to take vitamins during the school day, almost all schools will require a letter from their pediatrician giving them permission to take supplements at school.

Do your best to make the process of taking vitamins a fun time for children. It shouldn’t be a battle. There are many adults who cannot swallow tablets, and often these individuals were forced to take pills before they wanted to when they were children. Do your best to be patient and consistent when it comes to administering children’s multi vitamins.