As long as you are offering your toddler a healthy, well-balanced diet, the American Academy of Pediatrics says vitamin supplements probably aren't necessary. Your pediatrician may recommend a pediatric supplement containing vitamins A, B, C and D, but you should talk with your child's pediatrician before giving her a vitamin supplement. Choose a supplement that does not provide more than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of any vitamin. Keep vitamins out of the reach of children, especially supplements that contain iron.
Vitamin A
Children between the ages of 1 and 3 years need 400 retinol equivalents (RE) of vitamin A daily. Vitamin A helps your toddler develop healthy teeth, skin and eyes. Your toddler consumes vitamin A in carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes, mango and any leafy green vegetables. These foods are also rich in beta-carotene, which your body uses to make vitamin A.
Vitamin B Complex
Children between the ages of 1 and 3 years need .7 milligrams of thiamin (B1), .8 milligrams of riboflavin (B2), 9 milligrams of niacin (B3), 1 milligram of B6, 50 micrograms of folic acid and .7 micrograms of B12 every day. The B vitamins are essential for development of the nervous system. Your toddler consumes B vitamins in many foods including fortified cereals.
Vitamin C
Children between the ages of 1 and 3 years need 40 milligrams of vitamin C daily. Vitamin C boosts immunity and makes it easier to absorb iron. Vitamin C is found in strawberries, cantaloupe, orange juice and broccoli.
Vitamin D
Children between the ages of 1 and 3 years need 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. Your toddler needs vitamin D to develop strong, healthy bones. Milk is fortified with vitamin D, and your toddler can produce enough vitamin D with about 15 minutes of exposure to sunshine, three times each week.
Vitamin E
Children between the ages of 1 and 3 years need 6 milligrams of vitamin E daily. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and protects your toddler's cells. Some cereals are fortified with vitamin E, which is also found in sunflower seeds.
Vitamin K
Children between the ages of 1 and 3 years need 15 milligrams of vitamin K daily. Vitamin K is vital to proper blood clotting. Vitamin K is found in broccoli and leafy green vegetables, and a healthy digestive tract manufactures plenty of this vitamin. Newborns usually receive an injection of vitamin K shortly after delivery to protect them until their digestive tract can product sufficient quantities of vitamin K.
