Does Your Kid Really Need A Multivitamin?

TOP OF MIND

You can't have dessert until you eat all your riboflavin!
According to the CDC, nearly a quarter of U.S. kids take vitamin supplements, but do they really need them? The answer, like most everything in life, is complicated.

Some experts insist most parents are wasting their money. If your child eats a fairly "normal" diet, then it's likely they're getting all the vitamins they need.

But if they're an extremely picky eater, well, they might need a boost in certain areas.

The important bits
Pediatrician Laura O’Connor says giving your kids a multivitamin is like having an insurance policy. "You don't need it, but it's a good idea," she explains.

Basically, if you can afford them, and your kid enjoys eating them, they're not going to do any harm.

And some kids do need them. Pediatric nutritionist Jill Castle warns that excluding entire food groups could hinder brain development, especially in toddlers around 2 or 3 years old, when nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 are crucial for brain growth.

So what are some of the most important vitamins for kids? Vitamin D tops the list for most doctors. It's a nutrient that's difficult to get from food alone. Sunlight helps activate it on our skin, but who sees the sun anymore?

Other supplements to consider? Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, and fiber. This multivitamin, specifically designed for toddlers, is one of the best-reviewed.

And while we're on the subject of deficiencies, doctors want you to remember that iodine is still very important.

What's it all mean?
Most of us are low on at least one essential nutrient, so if it's within your budget, multivitamin your whole household! (But also try to eat a more balanced diet so you don't need them).

DID YOU HEAR

⏲️ I only have 7 minutes to exercise!
Working out is a challenge for most people, but it's even more challenging for parents because we simply don't have the time. If we hit up the gym for an hour five days a week, there wouldn't be a home to come back to! Thankfully, you don't need an hour. This exercise physiologist insists you only need seven minutes. The science-backed workout, which requires only a wall and a chair, could change your life. The workout involves doing a total of 12 exercises for 30 seconds each, with 5-second breaks between them. Get the details here.

🧑‍⚕️ Doctors reveal the things they wouldn't let their kids do
A pediatrician named Shilpa Dass asked a room full of her peers what they'd never let their kids do, and some of their answers might surprise you. One doctor answered, "I would never let my kid eat grapes without cutting them," while another said they'd never let their kid go on a sleepover. You can hear all the answers here.

🚨 What should be in your emergency bag?
The devastating fires in Southern California have highlighted the urgent need for a "go bag" and evacuation plan, as many residents had only minutes to escape. But what should be in your go bag? Well, this article has all the answers. But a quick breakdown is to follow the 6 P's: people & pets, papers and important documents, prescriptions, photos/personal items, personal computer/hard drives and plastics (credit cards, debit cards, etc).

🪺 Bye bye baby showers, hello nesting parties!
According to Pinterest, the search term ‘nesting party’ has seen a 205% increase on their platform. The new trend is also going viral on TikTok as well, and experts say it could become more popular than the traditional baby shower. But what the heck is a nesting party? It's a practical alternative to traditional baby showers, focusing on tasks like baby-proofing, setting up the diaper bag, organizing nursing stations, and preparing freezer meals instead of the classic opening gifts and playing games.

👴 You talkin' to me?
No, we're talking about you, Robert De Niro! In a new interview, the 81-year-old actor (and new father) admitted he doesn't change diapers.

DOSE OF GOOD

BITES WITH KIYAH

In a recent survey, you - our amazing readers! - overwhelmingly asked for more "tips and tricks that actually work for you." So this week I wanted to share a few kitchen items that are truly indispensable in my house.

The cookbooks that I turn to at least weekly.
They have simple, yet delicious, recipes that can easily pair with a simple protein.

And this one, Weeknight Baking, which helps us ensure that desserts are available even if it’s a Tuesday.

The best Cast Iron Skillet.
I was gifted beautiful All Clad cookware years ago, but it's my $20 Lodge Cast Iron Skillet that is the work horse (and favorite) in my house. A well seasoned skillet can cook everything from scrambled eggs to pan fried burgers and steaks to sautéed veggies to quesadillas and killer grilled cheese sandwiches.

When it comes to cleaning my cast iron, this $8 chainmail scrubber is a must. You can get them pre-wrapped around short or long plastic handles, but I love the loose round version.

The perfect all-purpose scrubber.
Finally, I absolutely adore these spaghetti scrubs (made from peach pits!) for cleaning everything from dishes to our stainless pots and pans. They don’t end up with the nasty odor or slimy feel that regular sponges can gather, and they require less soap. Highly, highly recommend them!

HERE’S A QUESTION

Last week, we asked where you thought the most popular vacation spot would be in 50 years, and "space" was the most popular answer, followed closely by "virtual reality world."

RECALLS

Lots of frozen taquitos from Aldi
Been shopping at Aldi lately? You might want to check your freezer. The company recalled over 20,000 pounds of their popular Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquitos because customers found metal pieces inside them.

The recall lists 20-ounce packages of the frozen taquitos that were produced between July 3, 2024, and Sept. 25, 2024, and sold at all Aldi stores nationwide. No other flavor of the Casa Mamita taquitos have been impacted.

Also being recalled? Chicken broth from Walmart. More info here.