I am delighted to have Kristy from Little Natural Cottage guest posting for us today on children’s supplements! Kristy has a heart for the Lord and natural living–and I feel confident you would enjoy her site! She is a mama to 4–almost 5–little ones! Please pay her a visit!
Guest Post by Kristy of Little Natural Cottage
As a mother, the health of my four precious children is paramount in my mind when making lifestyle choices.
In addition to striving to provide healthful meals, I’m always on the look-out for quality products to supplement my kids’ nutritional needs.
If you’ve ever shopped the vitamin aisle at a health store or browsed online, you’ve probably discovered that choosing vitamins and supplements can be a confusing experience!
Are tinctures or chewables best?
How do I know if a particular source of calcium is actually absorbable?
Are all vitamins created equal, and if not, which brands are superior?
I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits all plan for supplementation; every family is unique, and every child has slightly different needs.
Here are a few guidelines and favorite brands that are a blessing to our family (maybe they will bless your family, as well!):
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Daily Vitamins
For a daily, multiple vitamin, look for a whole foods based supplement. Synthetic vitamins are not absorbable and the body flushes most of the “vitamins” right out.
My favorite whole food children’s vitamins are Juice Plus+ children’s chewables and Garden of Life vitamin code for kids.
Calcium
Children need daily calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Calcium is also nourishing to the nervous system and can improve sleep and relieve muscle cramping and aches associated with “growing pains”.
Herbal calcium from Mountain Meadow Herbs is my top choice for this vital supplement. I also love making calcium water from free range, organic eggs. So simple and healthy!
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are essential for proper brain and cell development. Since our bodies can’t make them, it is necessary that we get these oils from our food and supplements.
Garden of Life offers several quality forms of omega fatty acids, including liquid cod liver oil and kids DHA chewables. Extra virgin, organic coconut oil is another excellent source of omega fatty acids. A general daily dosage for children is one tablespoon of coconut oil per day.
If you’re looking for a helpful resource on nurturing your children the natural way, I recommend Mommy Diagnostics, by Shonda Parker. It remains one of my favorite books on herbs and health for children.
What are your favorite supplements to give your children?
Laura at Mommy Miracles
What great tips! I know we always want to give our children the best nutrition we can, but it is often hard to sort through all the advice.
Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage
Thank you, Laura!
Lexie Naturals
Thanks for this post! We have a 4 year old and 20 month old and just started a daily vitamin and probiotic for them. This is very helpful!
Shannon
Just an FYI the link for Little Natural Cottage doesn’t work! (just a spelling error:)
Great post!
Jill's Home Remedies
Great tips and resources, Kristy!
Jill Jock
Supplements for children are important for better and healthy development. Thanks for this guide. I also came across this one http://takeyoursupplements.com and a while ago and it caught my attention because they offer free health coaching on proper supplementation. You might need it for your kids. Hope it helps.