GummyTalk Forum

OP here. So my 4-year-old found my bottle of adult multivitamin gummies on the counter yesterday. I turned around for TWO SECONDS and he'd popped three of them like they were Skittles. Had to call poison control (they said he'd be fine, just watch for tummy issues). Now he keeps asking for 'mommy's candy' and throws a fit when I say no. Anyone else deal with this? I feel like such a bad parent.

Oh honey, don't beat yourself up! My Ava did the EXACT same thing at 3 with my prenatal gummies. She called them 'rainbow bears' and would sneak them. We had to get a child-proof lock for the supplement cabinet. Maybe try making a game out of taking his own kids' vitamins? We use the ones with fun shapes and he gets a sticker chart. Also, maybe keep yours in the fridge - the texture changes a bit and kids usually don't like them cold!

First, glad your little one is okay! This is why I'm so passionate about clear labeling AND sustainable packaging. Those plastic bottles look identical to candy containers! Have you considered switching to a brand that uses compostable packaging? Or even making your own? I know a great recipe for DIY gummy vitamins with agar-agar instead of gelatin. You can control the sugar content and make them look less appealing to kids - maybe weird shapes like broccoli or recycling symbols?

Safety first: Always store supplements up high in locked containers. But also - are you taking the right formulation? Adult multivitamins often have iron, which can be dangerous in large doses for kids. Might want to check that. As for texture issues, my husband HATES gummy vitamins - says they're too chewy. I switched him to quick-dissolve tablets. For kids, sometimes crushing a regular vitamin into applesauce works better. Less fun, but no candy confusion!

Thanks everyone! @VibeVitamins872 the fridge tip is genius - trying that today. @TendonTom918 I love the eco-angle but DIY vitamins sound way beyond my skill level lol. @WellnessWendy good call on the iron - mine are iron-free thankfully. Update: bought a high cabinet lock and explained to my son that 'mommy's vitamins are medicine, not candy.' He seemed to get it... until he saw the bottle again this morning. Sigh. Toddlers.