The right time to give your kids vitamins. Well it differs, of course.
Actually, when it comes to infants and young kids, there is no specific time to give them vitamins. Vitamins can be absorbed just as effectively whether taken in the morning or in the evening. Besides, babies sleep at daytime or nighttime, and they utilize their nutrients whether asleep or awake. If your baby has food sensitivities, check with your pediatrician to make sure your meeting your baby’s daily needs. 
A full-term infant who is breast-fed (or even formula fed for that matter) normally does not need any additional vitamins, save for Vitamin D, iron or fluoride. Breast milk contains all the needed nutrients the infant (up to six months old) needs. Formula milk is also loaded with vitamins and minerals, but still nothing beats the natural breast milk that helps strengthen a child’s immune system to fight against diseases.
Experts disagree on whether a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement is a good idea for all children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), for example, advises giving your child a supplement only if your pediatrician recommends one. Because so many common foods are fortified, most children don’t need supplements, the AAP argues. On the other hand, the AAP acknowledges that a multivitamin/mineral supplement won’t hurt as long as it doesn’t exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for any vitamin or mineral. Other experts say that a daily supplement is a good way to fill in any gaps in your child’s nutrition.
Most experts do agree that:
- As long as you don’t overdose your child on supplements (exceed the RDA for any one vitamin or mineral), a daily won’t hurt.
- Some children — like vegetarians, or those with sensitivities to certain foods, for example — might need a daily vitamin/mineral supplement to meet their RDAs.
- Supplements are not a substitute for good food, and they should never be used to justify a poor diet. If your child isn’t eating well, give him a supplement, but also take steps to improve his eating habits.
The bottom line is that if you’re concerned that your preschooler isn’t getting a balanced diet by meeting all the requirements in the Food Guide Pyramid, a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement can’t hurt. Just don’t give your child more than one a day or neglect to focus on good nutrition at the same time.
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