Do you give your child vitamins?

Rebecca - posted on 10/04/2011

I tried something different for my daughter called Juice Plus+. It's not a vitamin or a supplement but rather whole food in a capsule or in chewable form for kids. It does not have any additives and is NSF approved. I like Juice Plus+ because it is backed by over 22 research studies. And, they test for over 150 contaminents to avoid giving adults and children anything they don't need or that might be harmful.

Please be careful with the vitamins and supplements. They are not regulated, so you don't always know what is in them. Furthermore, many of the children's vitamins have harmful dyes and sweeteners, like aspartame, in them.

If you want to learn more about Juice Plus+, you can visit my website www.rebeccamacejuiceplus.com to get more information, read the research and watch videos. Also, for every adult on Juice Plus+, they sponsor any child ages 4-college for three years. It's a great way to get real nutrients into children who are picky eaters and help them reach their daily requirements. I take them too because there is no way I can get the recommended daily dose of fruits and veggies either!

Just another way to go. . .

LaTasha - posted on 09/29/2011

Yes. I have been giving my girls vitamins since I stopped giving them breast milk, around18 months. My girls are now three and four.

Elizabeth - posted on 09/26/2011

I give both my boys (5 and 2) age appropriate vitamins. My children don't eat balanced meals (no. matter how hard I try!) and I just feel better knowing they are getting what they need even if they won't eat properly

Donna-Marie - posted on 09/18/2011

I personally do. My kids have been taking them since they turned 2. The recommended start age on the ones i use is 2.
I haven't noticed any negative side effects whatsoever. They are barely sick and very healthy. Plus I feel as though they are getting all the nutrients they need when they aren't eating alot.
Could all be a coincidence, but that's just my view =)

Claudia - posted on 09/18/2011

Yes! my two sons are picky eaters and the vitamins help them.

Kristine - posted on 09/16/2011

I would give her vitamins. I started giving my girl a childrens gummy multivitamin once she turned 2. I've also been giving her omega gummies and she LOVES them! :)

Ashley - posted on 09/09/2011

I started both my children on vitamins at 6 weeks. My mom did with us, my sister with all 3 of her kids and we continue to give them a multivitamin everyday. Especially with them being in daycare i feel it's important to have them

Vicki - posted on 09/08/2011

I give my kids Lil Critters vitamins with zinc and Echinacea, and they rarely get colds or sick.

Sherrie - posted on 09/08/2011

I give my child Flinstone vitamins,strictly for 2-3 year olds,she's 21/2!(at Wal-Mart), per her Peds Dr.She's a picky eater and now is doing so, so much better.They love the taste AND THE Pediatric dentist told us that the gummy vitamins did damage to my daughters teeth,because they have extreme amounts of sugars in them and they don't list them as sugar!Be careful moms.Good Luck and vitamins def. help!God Bless,Sher

Angela - posted on 09/04/2011

I've been giving my daughter vitamins since she was around 3 months old. I find that they have helped keep her immune system strong; she doesn't get sick as often (coupled with me breastfeeding during her 1st year) although when she does get sick it's pretty bad but she bounces back rather quickly too.

Suzanne - posted on 09/03/2011

Thanks everyone for all your help, I've bought some liquid vitamins as the chewable ones here in the uk are for over 3's. Think I will give them to him when I remember as he has a pretty good diet but at the minute he doesn't want to eat meat or fish, but we've just been on holiday so I'm hoping now we're home he'll go back to normal, thanks again! Xx

Kathy - posted on 08/30/2011

Hope you've paid attention to the liquid vitamins idea - if you're not into the brand names and looking for specifics, two things to look for that are important - a good range of vitamins incuding vitamin b-complex and vitamin d as well as a compliment of minerals to insure their diet is well rounded.

Katie - posted on 08/29/2011

You should talk to your childs Dr. about them prior to you deciding weather or not your children need them. Some children do need them while other children do not.

Vivien - posted on 08/29/2011

Hi! We started giving our son a multi vitamin for children since he was about 3 years old, only because he became a fussy eater with vegetables. He's almost 5 now and he's very healthy. We actually had him tested for a whole bunch of things just to make sure he didn't have any deficiencies and he's perfect!

MaryLou - posted on 08/28/2011

I used to. I used to have Flinstones and twenty years later I was giving my daughter them.

Kimmy - posted on 08/28/2011

My 2 year old takes flinstones complete vitamins.

Dorie - posted on 08/28/2011

I agree, if you have a fussy eater, it just makes sense to give vitamins. I have heard that fluoride is bad for you and you don't need extra, so I don't understand why they have fluoridated water for babies?

Elfrieda - posted on 08/25/2011

I do it in the winter, or if he's getting a cold. In the summer I figure he's outside every day, he eats piles of fruits and veggies, so he should be fine. :)
I also give him probiotics when he starts getting sniffly.

To give your 2 year old vitamins, some people think it's not necessary, but I'd try it (the gummy kind that are like candies, or the liquid kind that you can put in her drink or just give it to her straight, or the powder kind that you can mix into her yogurt). See if a you notice a difference. I don't really notice a difference with vitamins, but I give them to him in the winter anyway. The probiotics make a huge difference for him. He's way healthier when he takes them.

Nicole - posted on 08/25/2011

I don't worry about my daughter getting her vitamins. She goes to daycare 3 days a week right now and it outside at least twice a day for a long time and on weekends we are always going outside(vit D). Her favorite snacks are bananas and frozen peas and grapes, she tries just about any vegetable we put in front of her and goes through a gallon of milk by herself every 2-3 days-at least 2 gallons a week! She loves corn flakes and rice cheks or just a plain piece of bread(wheat of course).I think just a good balanced diet is all you need to do or at least healthy snacks to add to it.

Miriam - posted on 08/25/2011

The only vitamin I give my kids is Vitamin D. Their pediatrician insists on it - especially with the decreased exposure to direct sunlight most kids get these days. The sun is definitely harmful, necessitating hats and sunscreen, but it means most of us are vitamin D deficient. Breastmilk does NOT have enough vitamin D in it, and unless you are going against the sun exposure recommendations of the medical community your body can't make enough from daylight anymore. Carson's makes a wonderful, tasteless Vitamin D drop that is sold on Amazon.com - I even take one every day, partially to model for my kids but also because I myself am deficient (we wear a lot of sunscreen and hats).

As for other vitamins, I tend to skip. I talked to my pediatrician, and she said it wasn't necessary unless she saw a specific problem, which she doesn't. Also, I think the gummy variety sets kids up to expect candy every day. The sugary chews sort of send a mixed message, IMHO.

Allana - posted on 08/24/2011

I give my kids a liquid, whole food supplement that tastes like black cherries. They love it and ask for it every day! I tried the tri-vi-sol and poly-vi-sol and they were the most disgusting thing in the world. My daughter would have that multi vitamin smell all day and she hated taking it (I don't blame her!). They say to start supplementing babies diet at 6 months because they usually become deficient in iron- but if YOU aren't deficient in iron, and you eat lots of leafy greens, your baby should be fine. Most kids aren't getting half of the amount of nutrition they should be getting so I am definitely an advocate of supplementing. I'd just educate yourself before you buy one. If you are interested, I'd be happy to direct you to some more info on the supplement we take :) You can private message me...

Janessa - posted on 08/23/2011

If they eat a balanced meal they shouldn't need vitamins, too much vitamins can also cause problems. I give mine a multivitamin every now and then, when I feel so prompted, but not everyday.

Carrie - posted on 08/23/2011

Both of my kids started taking vitamins at age 1. I use the gummy ones, they like them and never complain. Only give a half of one though if your child is less than 2

Anamaria - posted on 08/23/2011

If your daughter eats well I don´t think it is necessary. Only think I gave and still give is cod liver oil (vitamin D) very important to help absorb other vitamins. Even living in a tropical country It is hard to make him get the necessary amount of sun, specially on winter

Sally - posted on 08/22/2011

I give my 15month old a multi vitamin everyday and it helps. she was getting sick a lot but since taking the multi vitamin she isnt getting sick as much

Martha - posted on 08/22/2011

I give my children a multivitamin everyday starting when they are 1. Unfortunately even if they are a good eater they do not get the nutrition they need because our soil does not have enough nutrients anymore. This is true for us as adults too. I do not use gummies because they barely absorb into their bloodstream and they are full of sugar. I use a vitamin that has Oligo as the delivery process so I know my children are actually getting all of the nutrients they need (85% absorbed versus less than 10%). If you want to know more let me know. I don't want to write a book LOL!

Michelle - posted on 08/22/2011

i have a 8 6 and a 2 year old they all get vitamins everyday which i get from my health food store they are shaped in to animals and they enjoy eating them with the orange flavouring they eat well and drink well but for peace of minds on their days off i know they have all they need to keep their bodies healthy

Raquel - posted on 08/22/2011

We give our children multivitamins, vitamin c, omega 3s and acidophilus (not all at once, though!). Stay away from flouride vitamins. Flouride may help prevent tooth decay, but it also is toxic to the rest of the body (don't swallow your toothpaste!), and too much will result in stained adult teeth (white spots, very ugly).

Lynn - posted on 08/22/2011

Yes, yes, yes! I gave them to my children and now I give them to my grandchildren. Children are picky eatters and they don't get the vitamins a body needs.

Yulia - posted on 08/22/2011

I have twins and they are good eaters of pretty much everything, but to have a peace of mind I give them a good quality liquid vitamin (you can get it at your local vitamins store. Ask them what they'd recommend). Oh, don't forget about Vitamin D in liquid form - a tiny little tastless drop in anything will do. I also have read a lot about benefits of fish oil to children and adults alike(Google it - you'll find a wealth of information). That can also be found at a vitamin store (or a chiropractor's office who specialized in infant/toddler treaments - that's where I got mine - they are like gummy worms). A lastly, I give my boys probiotics (again - you'll find it at vitamins store - be sure to get one that needs refrigeration) - helps with diagestion and keeping the bacterial balance in intenstines. I notice when I forget to give it to the boys for several days in a row - they are more gassy and restless at night. Hope this helps! :)

Mel - posted on 08/21/2011

I started giving my daughter vitamins at about 2. She got most of her vitamins from her formula and food. She still eats very well, all food groups, but it helps to keep her healthy and well. I dont see how it can hurt :)

Kristen - posted on 08/21/2011

I give my 2 year old son gummy multi-vitamins. He eats tons of fruit and vegetables, but really doesn't like meat so I worry about his iron level. He knows he gets 2 vitamins at bedtime just before he brushes his teeth and he never lets me forget!

Kamal - posted on 08/20/2011

We used to give our son iron supplements and Surediet, a multi vitamin till last month or so....

we have stopped that for some time now...but he is a fussy eater...so thinking of starting again..

but i am in two minds

Brandy - posted on 08/20/2011

I do, but mostly because my kids are poor eaters and eat very limited foods.

April - posted on 08/19/2011

I have given my son Flinstone gummies since he was 12 months. He loves them and I know he is getting what he needs especially during his picky phases which come and go.

Tamara - posted on 08/19/2011

I was very worried about my 18mo son who is a shocking eater, so instead of cow's milk to sip on during the day I give him formula, as it has so many added vitamins and nutrients

Susan - posted on 08/18/2011

Our pediatrician recommended flouride vitamins since our water does not have flouride added to it, starting at 6 months, although somehow we didn't find that out until after 1 year I think. Otherwise, if your child eats a balanced healthy meal, they shouldn't need vitamins. By the way, flouride vitamins can only be purchased with a prescription.

Lori - posted on 08/18/2011

My 3 year old doesn't eat anything for me but three or four things so we have to supplement. My 1 year old is great, eats whatever. We give my three yr old a daily vitamin that we crush and put in his juice and the one yr old gets a pediasure every other day. it won't hurt anything to do it and it would ease your mind. but if your 2 yr old eats his fruits, veggies, and every thing he's supposed to then he probably doesnt need it, but once again it wouldd just give you some reassurance.

Katherine - posted on 08/18/2011

I give my 29mo vitamins. They say on the package how much. I've never heard of a 6mo though. I think they get enough with formula or breast milk. Yes and I did do the poly-vi-sol when she was younger because she wasn't eating properly.
But I would start giving her vitamins now.

Jill - posted on 08/17/2011

I have an 18 month old daughter and when I was breast feeding she was getting tri-vi-sol vitamins. When she went to regular food she gets poly-vi-sol. Her pediatrician recommended taking these vitamins until she is eating table food well. It's a liquid version you can find in walmart for around $8.00. I add it to her orange juice in the am and she doesn't even know it's there. Hope this helps...