Best Kids Vitamins with Iron for Energy and Growth

If your child drags through the day, gets winded easily, or seems extra picky with food, an iron-containing kids vitamin can help fill gaps that affect energy and growth. This guide compares the best liquids, chewables, and melt-in-mouth options and shows you exactly how to match them to your child’s age, stomach, and schedule. We also cover dosing, absorption, and safety so you can choose with confidence.

Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen, which is why even small shortfalls can show up as tiredness, poor focus, and slower growth. Many popular kids gummies skip iron entirely, and plenty of children are picky about iron-rich foods. If your pediatrician has recommended an iron-containing supplement, or you simply want a prudent, age-appropriate multivitamin with iron, this guide will help you find an option your child will actually take and tolerate.

Below you will find quick picks for busy mornings, followed by in-depth reviews that explain who each product suits best, how it tastes, what it contains, and any drawbacks to know before you buy. Always keep iron out of reach of children and check with your pediatrician about dosing, especially if you suspect deficiency or anemia.

Quick picks

• Flintstones Chewable Multivitamin with Iron: Best classic chewable multi for school-age kids
• NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops Liquid Iron: Best gentle liquid iron for toddlers and sensitive tummies
• Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron: Best infant-to-toddler liquid multivitamin for growth support
• Renzo’s Picky Eater Multivitamin with Iron: Best meltable option for kids who dislike gummies
• Carlson Kid’s Chewable Iron 15 mg: Best iron-only chewable when you do not need a full multi

In-depth reviews

Flintstones Chewable Multivitamin with Iron review

Who it is for. Parents who want a time-tested, budget-friendly chewable multivitamin that includes iron for everyday support. It suits school-age kids who can chew tablets and prefer a familiar, fruity taste.

What is inside and how it helps. Flintstones Chewable Multivitamin with Iron delivers a meaningful amount of iron per tablet along with B vitamins to help convert food to energy, vitamin D for bones, and vitamin C to support immune health and iron absorption. Because these tablets include a full multivitamin profile, they are useful if your child’s eating is inconsistent and you want coverage beyond iron.

Flavor and feel. The classic chewable texture is chalky, which some kids like and others tolerate only with a drink nearby. The fruit flavors are kid friendly, though parents of highly sensitive children should check the label for sweeteners or colors. Giving the tablet with a small snack can reduce the chance of an upset stomach.

Trade-offs to consider. Chewables are not ideal for toddlers or kids who gag on tablets. Some formulas contain colorants or added sweeteners that ingredient-conscious families avoid. If your child only needs iron, a standalone product can give you more control over dosing and may be easier on the stomach. Compared with Renzo’s Picky Eater Multivitamin with Iron, Flintstones offers that classic chew but is less tailored to dye-free or sugar-free preferences. Versus NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops Liquid Iron, it is a full multivitamin rather than iron alone.

NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops Liquid Iron review

Who it is for. Babies, toddlers, and older kids who need iron specifically, especially those with sensitive stomachs, constipation concerns, or a history of struggling with ferrous sulfate. It also suits families who want flexible dosing guided by a pediatrician.

What is inside and how it helps. NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops use a gentle iron form in a liquid base designed to be easier on tiny tummies. This iron-only format lets your pediatrician fine tune the daily amount. Vitamin C in juice or fruit alongside the dose can further support absorption.

Flavor and feel. The drops have a mild flavor and can be taken directly or mixed into a small amount of juice or puree. Liquids are easy to dose by body weight and age, and you can split the daily amount into two smaller servings to improve tolerance. As with all iron, expect darker stools, and be careful to avoid contact with teeth or rinse after dosing to minimize temporary staining.

Trade-offs to consider. This is not a multivitamin, so it will not cover vitamin D, B complex, or other common gaps. For that, Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron covers more bases in infancy and toddlerhood. Compared with chewables like Flintstones, drops are simpler for toddlers but require careful measuring and child-proof storage. Versus Carlson Kid’s Chewable Iron 15 mg, liquid dosing can be more precise if your child needs less than a full tablet’s worth of iron.

Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron review

Who it is for. Infants and toddlers who need an easy, pediatrician-familiar multivitamin with iron. It is often recommended for breastfed babies past the newborn phase and for toddlers with lower iron intake from food.

What is inside and how it helps. Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron includes essential vitamins to support growth and development, including vitamin D for bones and teeth, B vitamins for energy metabolism, vitamin C for immune support and absorption, and iron at infant-appropriate levels when used as directed. The combination can cover common gaps while supporting healthy red blood cells.

Flavor and feel. The liquid has a noticeable vitamin and iron taste. Many parents mix the measured dose into a small amount of formula, breast milk in a bottle, or a spoonful of pureed fruit. The dropper makes dosing straightforward, and daily use builds routine.

Trade-offs to consider. Some children dislike the taste, and a few may experience mild tummy upset. If your pediatrician wants to adjust iron without changing other vitamins, an iron-only option like NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops Liquid Iron gives you more control. For older kids who want to feel more “grown up,” a chewable like Flintstones or a melt-in-mouth tablet like Renzo’s Picky Eater Multivitamin with Iron can be easier to transition to.

Renzo’s Picky Eater Multivitamin with Iron review

Who it is for. Kids who refuse liquids and gummies but will happily let a tablet dissolve on the tongue. It is a smart pick for ingredient-conscious families who prefer sugar-free and dye-free formulas while still getting iron in a multivitamin.

What is inside and how it helps. Renzo’s melty tabs are designed to dissolve quickly, delivering a kids multivitamin that includes iron along with essentials like B vitamins, vitamin D, and vitamin C. The iron form is selected to be gentle, and the sugar-free formula is tooth friendly for long-term daily use.

Flavor and feel. The tablets have light, kid-friendly flavors and a smooth melt that many children prefer over chalky chewables. Because there is no chewing, they work well for kids with sensory challenges around texture. The compact bottle is easy to toss in a bag for school or travel.

Trade-offs to consider. Some children notice a slight sweetener aftertaste. If your child is very sensitive to sugar alcohols, start with a half tablet and build up as tolerated. Compared with Flintstones Chewable Multivitamin with Iron, Renzo’s wins on cleaner ingredients and ease for chew-averse kids, but Flintstones may be easier to find in local stores and has a more familiar taste. If your child needs only iron rather than a full multi, Carlson Kid’s Chewable Iron 15 mg or NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops Liquid Iron keeps things simpler.

Carlson Kid’s Chewable Iron 15 mg review

Who it is for. Parents who want a targeted, iron-only chewable for kids who already get other vitamins from food or a separate multi. It is also helpful when a clinician specifies a clear daily iron amount and you want an easy, portable option.

What is inside and how it helps. Each chewable provides 15 mg of iron in a kid-friendly tablet. This can be useful for older children or adolescents with increased needs. Since it is iron only, your pediatrician can suggest strategies like taking it every other day or splitting the tablet to match your child’s tolerance and lab goals.

Flavor and feel. The tablet has a light fruit flavor and a classic chewable texture. Many kids find it easy to take with a sip of water or juice. Pairing it with vitamin C foods like orange slices can support absorption.

Trade-offs to consider. Without other vitamins, you will need to make sure your child’s diet covers vitamin D, B complex, and calcium. For younger kids who prefer liquids, NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops Liquid Iron may be gentler and easier to dose precisely. If you decide a multi is better for your child’s overall nutrition, Flintstones or Renzo’s are more complete.

How to choose

Use this quick map to land on the right bottle the first time.

• Match form to age and preference. Infants and young toddlers usually do best with liquids. Consider Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron if you want a full multi, or NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops Liquid Iron if you only need iron. School-age kids often prefer chewables like Flintstones Chewable Multivitamin with Iron or Carlson Kid’s Chewable Iron 15 mg. For chew-averse kids, Renzo’s Picky Eater Multivitamin with Iron melts away without fuss.
• Decide between multivitamin and iron-only. Choose a multivitamin with iron if your child’s diet is inconsistent or if you want coverage for vitamin D and B vitamins. Pick iron-only when your pediatrician is adjusting the iron dose specifically or your child already uses a separate multi.
• Consider tolerance and gut comfort. If constipation or nausea has been a problem, start with a gentler form and consider liquid options. Offer with a small snack if needed, avoid giving with calcium-rich foods, and pair with vitamin C for absorption.
• Check ingredients for your preferences. Scan labels for allergens, dyes, and sweeteners. Families seeking dye-free or sugar-free usually prefer Renzo’s or a clean liquid. If your child is vegetarian, confirm the source of vitamin D and any flavor coatings.
• Think ahead about dosing flexibility. Liquids and meltable tablets make it easy to titrate up or down. Chewables are convenient but less flexible. If your pediatrician recommends a non-daily schedule or a specific mg amount, choose a format that makes that simple.
• Compare cost per dose, not per bottle. A cheaper bottle is not a bargain if serving sizes are larger. Calculate total doses and how many weeks a bottle will last for your child’s age.

Iron basics and safety for parents

Why iron matters. Iron supports hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen, which fuels attention, stamina, and growth. It also supports brain development during key early years.

Types of iron you will see. Common forms include ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate, which are well absorbed but can be rough on sensitive stomachs. Iron bisglycinate and polysaccharide iron complexes are often gentler. Carbonyl iron releases slowly and is another tolerable option in kids products.

Make absorption work for you. Give iron with water or a small snack, and away from calcium-rich foods like milk and yogurt. Vitamin C from a few sips of orange juice or a bite of strawberries can help. If your child gets nauseated, try splitting the dose morning and evening or offering it after a small meal.

Know the signs and the timeline. Possible signs of low iron include frequent fatigue, pale skin, poor appetite, restless sleep, and frequent infections. If low iron is confirmed, many kids feel better within 1 to 2 weeks of consistent supplementation, but stores in the body take longer to rebuild. Follow your pediatrician’s testing and guidance from start to finish.

Store safely. Iron is a leading cause of accidental poisoning in children. Always use a childproof cap, store bottles high and out of sight, and never present any supplement as candy. Call poison control immediately if you suspect an accidental overdose.

Final thoughts

If you want a dependable multivitamin with iron that kids will recognize and take, start with Flintstones Chewable Multivitamin with Iron. For infants and toddlers, Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron covers common gaps in one daily dose. If your pediatrician prefers iron alone or your child needs a gentler option, NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops Liquid Iron is a smart, flexible pick. For ingredient-conscious families or chew-averse kids, Renzo’s Picky Eater Multivitamin with Iron melts quickly and keeps added sugars to a minimum. When you only need iron and want the simplicity of a tablet, Carlson Kid’s Chewable Iron 15 mg is reliable and easy to pair with a separate multi if needed.

See also

If hair care is also on your household checklist, our guides can help you build a simple routine. Learn how the right detangling tool protects delicate coils in the best brushes for 4C hair detangling and stretching roundup, and keep curls hydrated and defined with the picks in best conditioner for curly hair.

Postpartum or seasonal shedding can sneak up on any parent, and scalp-friendly products make a difference. Explore options in best shampoos for hair loss and shedding support, see nourishing choices in best olive oils for hair, and if your skin is easily irritated, you might appreciate the picks in best primer for sensitive skin.

FAQ

How much iron do kids need, and when should I choose a supplement?

Iron needs vary by age. Many toddlers need about 7 to 10 mg per day, school-age kids often need 8 to 10 mg, and teens may need more, especially menstruating girls. Choose a supplement when your pediatrician identifies low intake or deficiency, or if your child will not reliably eat iron-rich foods like meat, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals. Your clinician can confirm the right daily amount and duration.

Is a multivitamin with iron better than iron-only for energy and growth?

It depends on your child. If eating is inconsistent, a multivitamin with iron covers more bases that support energy metabolism and growth, such as B vitamins and vitamin D. If iron is the only gap or your pediatrician wants to adjust the exact iron dose, an iron-only product is simpler and can be easier on the stomach. Both approaches can be effective when used as directed.

What side effects should I watch for, and how can I reduce them?

Common side effects include mild nausea, constipation, and darker stools. To reduce discomfort, give the dose with a small snack, avoid pairing with milk or calcium at the same time, and consider splitting the daily amount into two smaller servings. Offer water, fiber-rich foods, and activity to help with regularity. If symptoms persist, ask your pediatrician about changing form or dose.

When is the best time of day to give iron to a child?

Many families have success giving iron in the morning with breakfast or right after school with a light snack. The key is consistency and avoiding calcium at the same time. Pairing with vitamin C, such as a few sips of orange juice or fruit, can support absorption. Choose a time you can stick with every day.

How long before I see a change in my child’s energy or labs?

Some children feel more energetic within 1 to 2 weeks if low iron was part of the problem, but rebuilding iron stores takes longer. Your pediatrician will typically recheck labs after several weeks to months, then decide whether to continue, reduce, or stop supplementation. Keep using the product as directed even after energy improves, unless advised otherwise.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.