Probably one of the biggest concerns for moms of toddlers is nutrition. Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters and have been known to go on food jags on occasion. The question then becomes “is your toddler getting the nutrition she needs to grow” and from that “should I give my toddler a multi-vitamin”.

Vitamins are organic substances needed by the body for healthy development and growth. Our bodies are unable to produce them ourselves, so we need to get vitamins from outside sources. There are two ways to get vitamins: through a healthy, balanced diet and through nutritional supplements.

Most children will get the vitamins they need through their diet. Up until about the age of one children get the vitamins and nutrients they need from formula and breast milk. Once children begin eating regular food there becomes the concern about vitamin intake. Many processed foods have little vitamin content, and many families are too busy to have the time to make proper balanced meals so eating out becomes more frequent.

If you are concerned about your toddler’s diet, ask your pediatrician if she recommends a multi vitamin supplement for your child. She can prescribe a vitamin for you (and the cost usually isn’t too prohibitive). If she does not recommend you give your child a vitamin then you don’t need to do so. Toddlers are pretty good at getting the nutrition they need. Remember that the serving size of foods for toddlers is much smaller than that for an older child or adult, and that your toddler is not growing at the same rate as she was when she was an infant.

Ask your pediatrician what she recommends. If she thinks your toddler could benefit from a multi vitamin then go ahead and use one. Do not rely on the vitamin supplement to be the sole source of vitamins for your toddler. Keep offering your child healthy foods and they will be able to get the vitamins they need from the foods they eat.