I’m a mom to a wonderful and active baby boy. My motherly instinct kicked in almost immediately after the doctor handed him to me after childbirth. When my little angel turned one, that’s when I started introducing supplements to him. But toddlers are crafty little creatures that are kind of hard to fool. So when it was time to introduce supplements to him, I had to get down to his level and figure out how to do it sneakily.
But before I reveal my little secret, I wanted to share why I even started him on supplements.
Why are supplements for kids so important?
1. There is a diet shift when they become toddlers
ANY parent will be able to relate to this – they were once angels who would eat anything you give them. Then suddenly, they learn the word NO and that their hands can throw food on the floor. And thus begins your headache of trying to raise a toddler and give them the right nutrition they need (while cleaning up the mess!).
Whether it’s just fussy eating or playfulness or just not being able to give them a well-balanced diet, there is no harm in admitting that we need some help.
While I tried my best to feed my child everything that he needs daily, I do admit that growing children will need additional help in addressing their development.
And where we can get this help through supplements for kids. Some children tend to be very picky with their meals and a simple way to ensure certain nutrient needs are met through the intake of supplements.
2. The lack of exercise/going out
The pandemic has affected everyone, particularly children. Because of the fear for their safety, we try not to bring the kids out often to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
Going outdoors can help to support a child’s development. When your child is outside, he would have more space and freedom for movements such as running, jumping and kicking. These physical activities are good for their health, fitness and physical development.
Spending time outdoors would help children increase their immunity level1. Moreover, with small amount of sunlight exposure, that can help to boost vitamin D levels in your child2.
As some of us are now mostly in Phase 3 and Phase 4 of Movement Control, parents nowadays can bring their children out to the great outdoors for fresh air.
However, parents are still worried about their children’s safety and health, especially since they have not been vaccinated. The lack of being outdoor and the lack of exercise for children can cause their immune systems to be weaker.
This is where supplements come in handy! It helps to boost immunity and that is why giving our children additional nutrients through supplements come in handy during these hard times.
How supplements for kids can help
Supplements are often packed with nutrients that kids need for their development. We don’t need to figure out how much of a certain kind of food we need to “force-feed” our kids for them to meet their nutritional needs.
Supplements help to do that.
So, what is my trick to feed my child supplements?
I trick my son into taking his supplement by making a HUGE deal out of it. I make it so that it’s precious “treats” that he gets only once a day. I tell him that he’s getting a treat and he KNOWS that it is time for him to get his multivitamins for the day. (I also make sure he says please and thank you!)
And if he asks for more, I tell him that he only gets more the next day. When the next day rolls around, he looks forward to taking it.
Do I feel guilty for tricking him? Not really. He needs it for his development and it is one of the easiest methods to get him to take his supplements with no resistance.
Gerber supplement range
Now, the thing about the trick is that you better make sure the supplements are enticing, to begin with! Children love bright colours and cute shapes, and Gerber’s supplements have all of those. My kid can’t help but eat one once he saw the supplements.
Gerber’s supplement range includes these yummy supplements that your kids will love:
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Gerber GrowMighty Complete Multivitamins
These multivitamins are specially designed for young children 2 years and older to support healthy growth and development.
The most common nutrient deficiencies among school children are calcium, fibre, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E. It has been reported that the 2 most common deficiencies seen in generally healthy children are Iron and Vitamin D deficiencies3.
Gerber GrowMighty Complete Multivitamins contain a scientific blend of 15 essential nutrients including Vitamin C, D3, E, B-vitamins and Choline that benefit your child’s growth and development.
The best part about it is that it is free of gluten, artificial flavours and synthetic colours, no peanut, dairy or gelatin ingredients!
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Gerber Lil’ Brainies Multivitamins & Omega Tri-Blend & DHA
Gerber Lil Brainies Multivitamins are specially designed for young children 2 years and older to support their brain development and memory*.
Backed by the Feeding Infants & Toddlers (FITS) research^ on diet and the nutritional needs of children, Gerber Lil Brainies multivitamins have essential nutrients to help children get what they need.
It contains DHA, Omega 3-6-9 and Choline for brain development and memory* and vitamins D, E and Choline.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease
^Based on Feeding Infants & Toddlers Study (FITS), 2016. FITS is one of the most notable research efforts by Gerber which is an ongoing initiative for the past 17 years to understand young children’s diet and related behaviours.
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Gerber Good Start Grow Toddler Probiotic 1+
Gerber® Good Start® Grow Toddler Probiotic contains L. reuteri (DSM 17938) that naturally colonizes the digestive tract and promotes good bacteria. Daily use of L. reuteri can support digestive health and the immune system. It also helps with tummy issues that commonly occur during the toddler years.
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Gerber Good Start Grow Kids Probiotic 3+
This probiotic contains L. reuteri (DSM 17938) that naturally colonizes the digestive tract and promotes good bacteria. With daily use of L. reuteri, it can support digestive health and the immune system. It also helps with occasional digestive discomfort or upset stomach#, support overall digestive function# and support the immune system#.
#These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease
Additional things parents can do
On top of feeding your kids supplements, you can also look out for product variety when buying food for your kids. This can help your child meet their nutritional needs.
So if you have a fussy eater on your hands, don’t forget to introduce them to some supplements for kids as well as try expanding their palates.
Find out more about the Gerber supplement range here or purchase them from the Gerber US
Official store, Lazada or Shopee.
Reference:
- (2015, August 25). Ming Kuo. How Might Contact With Nature Promote Human Health? Promising Mechanisms And A Possible Central Pathway. Retrieved from www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01093/full
- (n.d.) Nair R., Maseeh A., Vitamin D: The “sunshine” vitamin. Retrieved from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356951/
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(n.d.) Suskind, D. Nutritional deficiencies during normal growth. Retrieved from pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19931062/
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