There isn't one age when kids should start vitamins. Some babies need a specific vitamin from the first days of life, and many kids never need a multivitamin at all. Here's the age-by-age picture.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against AAP guidance and NIH fact sheets
What age can kids start taking vitamins?
It depends on the vitamin. Breastfed babies are advised to get 400 IU of vitamin D daily[1]. Some breastfed babies also need iron from 4 months[2]. Gummy multivitamins are a different story. Many are labeled not recommended under age 2 because sticky, chewy foods are a choking hazard for young children[3].
Caveat: Every age guideline here is general. Premature babies and children with medical conditions often have different needs, so follow your pediatrician's plan.
Sources: AAP: Vitamin D · NIH ODS: Iron · AAP: Choking prevention · Verified 2026-09-27
In this article
Do babies need vitamins?
A couple of specific ones, sometimes:
- Vitamin D: The AAP recommends 400 IU a day for breastfed infants[1]. Formula-fed babies need a supplement if they drink less than 32 ounces of vitamin D-fortified formula a day[1].
- Iron: The AAP recommends iron for exclusively or mostly breastfed full-term infants from 4 months until they're eating iron-containing foods. Preterm babies have their own recommendation[2].
These come as infant drops made for babies, not gummies or chewables. Never give honey-containing products to babies under 1.
What about toddlers (ages 1 to 3)?
Toddlers need 600 IU of vitamin D a day[1]. Kids who drink less than 32 ounces a day of fortified milk may need a supplement to get there[1]. Toddlers are also at higher risk of low iron. About 8% of US toddlers are iron deficient[2].
What toddlers don't automatically need is a multivitamin. The AAP says most healthy kids on a varied diet don't need extra vitamins or minerals[4]. The gummy format adds a choking concern. The AAP lists hard, gooey or sticky candy among the foods to avoid until at least age 4, depending on the child's development[3]. If a pediatrician recommends a supplement for a toddler, ask which form is safest.
What about kids 4 and up?
By preschool and school age, most kids can chew a gummy safely under supervision. The question becomes whether they need one. Good reasons include a truly limited diet, a diagnosed deficiency or a medical condition[4]. Vegan or vegetarian eating that doesn't reliably cover vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin D is another[5]. See Common Nutrient Gaps in Kids for the nutrients that come up most.
Keep supervising as kids get older. Kids who can open bottles are the ones most likely to take extras. See How Many Gummy Vitamins Is Too Many for a Kid?.
How do you pick the right product for your child's age?
- Use a product labeled for your child's age. Don't cut down an adult product. Read more in Adult vs. Kids Multivitamins.
- Follow the age-based serving on the label. Many kids' gummies give different amounts for ages 2–3 and 4+.
- Supervise every dose for young children, and store bottles up and away[6].
The honest summary
- Babies: vitamin D, and sometimes iron, as infant drops per AAP guidance[1][2].
- Toddlers: vitamin D matters. Most don't need a multivitamin, and gummies pose a choking risk under 2[3].
- Ages 4+: a multivitamin is optional and makes the most sense when there's a specific gap[4].
Our option
Vita Globe Kids' Multivitamin Gummies – 60ct
Our Kids' Multivitamin Gummies are a fruit-flavored gummy with eleven essential nutrients, made non-GMO and gluten-free, and tested by an independent third-party lab. Suggested use is one gummy daily for ages 2 to 3 and two gummies daily for ages 4 and up, preferably with a meal. Not recommended for children under two because of choking risk; give only under adult supervision and keep out of reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 1-year-old take gummy vitamins?
Generally no. Many children's gummies aren't recommended under 2 because of choking risk[3]. If your pediatrician recommends a supplement, ask about infant or toddler drops.
Can a 2-year-old have a gummy vitamin?
Some children's gummies are labeled for age 2 and up, usually at a lower serving than for older kids. Supervise closely and make sure your child chews thoroughly.
Do babies need vitamin D drops?
Breastfed babies are advised to get 400 IU a day. Formula-fed babies drinking under 32 ounces a day of fortified formula need one too[1].
When should kids stop taking kids' vitamins?
Follow the product's age range and your pediatrician's advice. Teens have different needs. For example, girls need more iron once menstruation begins[2].
Sources
- Porto A, Abu-Alreesh S; American Academy of Pediatrics. Vitamin D for Babies, Children & Adolescents. HealthyChildren.org. Updated August 24, 2022. healthychildren.org
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Iron: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated September 4, 2025. ods.od.nih.gov
- Bradin S; American Academy of Pediatrics. Choking Prevention for Babies & Children: What Every Parent Needs to Know. HealthyChildren.org. Updated February 27, 2026. healthychildren.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Nutritional Supplements, Vitamins & Boosting Your Child's Immunity. HealthyChildren.org. Updated April 17, 2026. healthychildren.org
- Patel L, Millstein A; American Academy of Pediatrics. Plant-Based Diets: Are They Good for Kids? HealthyChildren.org. Updated September 5, 2023. healthychildren.org
- Up and Away, an initiative of PROTECT originally developed in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Safe medicine storage tips. upandaway.org
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or caring for a child.
