Your Babe and Vitamin D
Being a parent means worrying about all of the bumps, scrapes and bruises but also carries the responsibility of meeting the nutritional needs of your little ones. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supplementing with a daily 400 IU dose of vitamin D for breastfed babies starting from birth. Formula-fed infants typically get enough vitamin D via their formula. If you are concerned about your baby’s levels, it is best to check with your pediatrician.
Getting enough vitamin D is important because it helps with calcium absorption to keep bones strong and teeth healthy. There are many options to choose from in the grocery aisles and it may seem hard choosing the right fit for you and your babe. Each brand has a different formula it uses to carry its supplement; some require only a single drop while others require 1ml or more, and some have unnecessary dyes, colors and flavors.
Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Vitamin D Supplement is a great option free of unnecessary chemicals, no dyes, artificial flavors or sweeteners with a recommended dosage of 0.25ml; it can be added to a bottle of expressed breastmilk or placed directly in baby’s mouth via syringe. Another great option is Baby D Drops; just one drop is all it takes to get a full daily dose and it also contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. This is an especially great option for babies who don’t take medication well.
The next question parents ask is: When can I stop supplementing with vitamin D? The answer depends on multiple factors and it is always best to follow your pediatrician’s advice. As your baby begins to start eating foods, you can also look to food sources to help supplement their intake—egg yolks, salmon and fortified cereals. Generally, once baby is drinking 32 ounces of vitamin-D fortified milk and you have weaned you can stop giving baby vitamin D supplements. Many parents will still choose to supplement their children’s daily diet with a multi-vitamin and these typically contain smaller doses of vitamin-D.
Learn the basics of eating to support your fertility, whether you are planning for pregnancy or simply want to maintain a healthy cycle. Hy-Vee dietitians can also help you with eating for all stages of pregnancy, including postpartum, as well as the best foods to build a healthy babe. Plus, get shopping tips and product recommendations to help add more nutrition to your cart. Connect with a dietitian here to learn about our free nutrition tours focused on specific topics to fit your lifestyle.
*The blog articles, recipes and recommendations found on this site are not intended as medical advice and should not replace consulting with your medical provider. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
Source:
- Hoecker, J. Feb. 08, 2022. Does my baby need a vitamin D supplement? Mayo Clinic Healthy Lifestyle Infant and Toddler Health. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/vitamin-d-for-babies/faq-20058161