Baby Vital Vitamin C

Does Your Baby Need To Take Vitamins?

Factors come into play when figuring out if baby needs vitamins. Breastfeeding or formula-feeding play a big part.

Your mom, new mom friends, the lactation consultant, and the latest health-news site you read online have maybe given you a different take on babies taking vitamins, leaving you conflicted. How do you make sense of all the differing advice on whether or not your baby needs a vitamin? Well, the answer is based on whether you're breastfeeding or not. However, milk provides everything babies need for the first four to six months, whether they're breastfed or formula-fed. The exception is vitamin D, which is usually recommended as a supplement for nursing babies and those who take less than 32 ounces (500 ml) of formula daily. However, after the baby turns 4 to 6 months, their diet gradually changes from an all-liquid diet, and they start to consume more solid food. Here your doctor may advise that the baby takes additional vitamin supplements. Read on to learn more about whether your baby needs vitamins and which ones to take.

What Newborns Need

Mineral supplements and vitamins are generally not needed for the average healthy, full-term breastfed infant during the first year. According to Kelly Mom, research has revealed that most vitamins, iron, fluoride, juice, formula, water, and solid foods are not beneficial to healthy nursing babies during the first six months, and some may even be harmful. There are specific cases where a vitamin supplement may be required for a nursing baby during the first year. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies get a vitamin K injection soon after delivery to lower the risk of hemorrhagic disease and routine vitamin D supplementation because of lower sunlight exposure and a rise in rickets. Also, some very premature babies that weigh less than 1.5 kgs/3.3 pounds) may require extra vitamins and minerals, which can be added to their mom's milk before being fed to the baby.

Should Breastfed Babies Take Vitamins?

Nursing moms assume that breastmilk is the "ideal" food complete with every vitamin your baby could need. And while it's the recommended food for newborns, What To Expect states that it doesn't have enough vitamin D and iron, which are two critical nutrients. While it's needed for healthy blood cells and brain development, newborns also need the mineral to prevent iron deficiency (prevalent with many little kids) and iron deficiency anemia.

Vitamin D- It's vital for building strong bones, among other things. Breast milk lacks this nutrient, so doctors advise that all nursing babies take 400 IU a day of vitamin D in supplement form during the first few days postpartum. Also, even though babies of any age can absorb vitamin D by exposing them to the sun, tanning isn't advised for newborns. So, it's safer to take a daily supplement.
Vitamin B-12- If you're nursing and are a vegan (you don't take any meat or dairy products), you may not be receiving enough iron, calcium, zinc, or B12). You may have to discuss additional supplementation with your doctor.
Iron- Nursing and partially nursing newborns need to take 1 mg/kg oral iron supplements daily for 4 months until you introduce iron-rich solids such as meat, cereals, and green veggies. However, infants need 11 mg of iron daily. So, your pediatrician may even advise that your baby keeps taking the supplement until she gets the required iron from food. He may also recommend an over-the-counter liquid vitamin D supplement for your infant (most contain vitamins A and C too, which is okay for your baby to have — enough vitamin C intake enhances iron absorption).

Other Cases When Breastfeeding Babies Need Supplementation

Supplements may be necessary if your child was born prematurely, had a low birth weight, was small for his gestational age, or if there are chronic health problems that may affect his ability to feed. According to Baby Center, your own health may affect this decision too. For instance, moms who've had gastric bypass surgery or who take specific medications daily may absorb lesser nutrients, lowering the nutrient content of their breast milk. Also, if you're nursing and think your diet lacks some essential vitamins and minerals, please speak to your doctor about it. However, most moms have barely perfect diets, and it's understandable. Still, your breast milk will have the nutrients your baby needs. That said, your nutrient levels may suffer if your diet isn't that good, so consider taking a multivitamin while nursing.

Do Formula-Fed Babies Need Vitamins?

Via Pixabay @ Public Domain

Babies on formula don't need vitamins because formula is already fortified with iron, vitamin D, and many other nutrients. So long as he's taking over 500 ml of formula daily, he's receiving all the nutrients he requires at this point in his life. Babies who are combo-feeding may be advised to take vitamin D and an iron supplement. However, if your baby is mostly taking a bottle, she may be receiving all the nutrients she needs, depending on how much formula she's taking in. Talk to your pediatrician to be sure.

Sources: Baby Center , Kelly Mom , What To Expect

Mom Shares Genius Tip For Getting Toddlers To Take Their Vitamins

Kayleigh Allery went viral on TikTok after she shared a clip of how she gets her toddler to eat his multivitamins - and parents swear her trick works.

Baby Vital Vitamin C