It depends on whether you breastfeed your baby or how much vitamin D-fortified formula or cow's milk your baby is drinking. Show Consider these guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics for vitamin D for babies:
When giving your baby liquid vitamin D, make sure not to give more than the recommended amount. Read the instructions that come with the supplement and use only the dropper that's provided. While breast milk is the best source of nutrients for babies, it likely won't provide enough vitamin D. Babies need vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus. Too little vitamin D can cause rickets, a softening and weakening of bones. Since sun exposure — an important source of vitamin D — isn't recommended for babies, supplements are the best way to prevent vitamin D deficiency. As your baby gets older and you add solid foods to your baby's diet, you can help meet the daily vitamin D requirement by providing foods that contain vitamin D — such as salmon, egg yolks and fortified foods. If you have questions about your baby's need for vitamin D supplements, talk to your baby's health care provider. Sign-up to get Mayo Clinic’s trusted health content sent to your email. Receive a bonus guide on ways to manage your child’s health just for subscribing. Email
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. comzeal/iStock/Thinkstock Until you start introducing solid foods around six months of age, breast milk is a complete source of nutrition for most infants. However, some babies may need supplemental nutrients. Ask your doctor for advice. Iron for Healthy Tissues and OrgansWhy is iron important? Iron helps make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body to all your baby's cells. Plus, iron is needed for your baby's brain development and growth. Premature infants who breastfeed may need iron supplements. Born early, these babies had less time to build adequate iron reserves before birth. Thus, your preemie may need an iron supplement. Around four months of age, full-term babies who are exclusively breastfed may also require an iron supplement due to their iron stores getting low. However, talk with your health care provider before adding an iron supplement. Between four to six months old, infants start to show signs of being developmentally ready for solid foods. Iron-rich sources are recommended as a baby’s first food, so this will also influence whether a supplement will be needed. If you are feeding your baby formula, also ask your doctor about iron needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that if formula is used, it be iron-fortified for the first year of life. Fluoride for Strong TeethBefore you can even see them, your baby's teeth are already forming under the gumline. Fluoride, a mineral found naturally in water, helps develop strong teeth. And, it also helps to prevent cavities later. Although many sources of tap water are fluoridated, breast milk contains little fluoride. The amount of fluoride in formula will depend on the water that is used to prepare it. For the first six months, healthy babies will not need additional water if they are consuming enough breastmilk or formula. When babies are 6 months or older, the AAP recommends a fluoride supplement be discussed with your child's pediatrician or dentist to determine if it is needed Vitamin D for Growing BonesVitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. Because, when exposed to sunlight, our skin can make vitamin D. However, you must protect your baby's tender skin from sunlight with sunscreen or clothing. Because infants can’t rely on the sun for their vitamin D, they may also need a vitamin D supplement. This vitamin helps your baby use calcium from breast milk (and infant formula) to help bones grow and develop. Babies who do not get enough vitamin D may develop rickets. Rickets, which is weak bones, may cause the legs of young children to bow. The AAP recommends all breastfed babies receive at least 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D daily, starting within the first few days of life. Talk with your pediatrician about supplemental vitamin D drops for your baby. All infant formula in the United States is fortified with vitamin D to help babies meet their needs. If your baby is only partially formula fed or if you're worried about your baby's appetite, ask your doctor if a vitamin D supplement is needed. Which nutrient supplement is given to babies immediately after they are born?The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns, whether breastfed or formula fed, receive a one-time intramuscular shot of vitamin K within 6 hours after birth.
What does the AAP recommend for breastfeeding?The AAP recommends: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. There is no need to introduce infant formula or other sources of nutrition for most infants. Beyond 6 months, breastfeeding should be maintained along with nutritious complementary foods.
Is vitamin K given to all newborns?Yes, health experts recommend that all newborns get a dose of vitamin K at birth. Babies aren't born with enough of this important vitamin, which is needed for blood to clot normally.
Which supplement is best for new born?The recommendations for vitamin K, vitamin D, iron, and fluoride are for healthy full-term infants. Some babies have conditions that require other vitamin supplements. Your breastfed baby might need additional supplements if: They were born prematurely.
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