All babies need vitamins to grow and stay healthy. Parents are often surprised when we recommend a daily vitamin drop for their breastfed infant. While babies get plenty of vitamin A, B, and C through breast milk, they don\u2019t usually get enough vitamin D. Some babies might also need iron or other vitamins. Formula-fed babies get these nutrients from formula. Before choosing a supplement drop for your baby, talk with your pediatrician. Here\u2019s some general information about vitamin D and iron to consider.<\/p>\n
Vitamin D<\/strong><\/p>\n The most important supplement to consider giving your baby is vitamin D. It\u2019s crucial for health in many ways. It\u2019s found primarily in fish and fortified milk products, and our bodies also make it when we\u2019re exposed to sunlight. Many Americans are deficient in vitamin D, due to factors like spending less time outdoors, wearing sunscreen, and dietary choices. We recommend that breastfed infants<\/a> get 400 units of a vitamin D supplement each day. Formula-fed babies<\/a> get it directly from their formula. Babies that are fed with both breast milk and some formula need a supplement unless they get at least 32 ounces of formula a day.<\/p>\n After age 1, you can start giving your baby full-fat vitamin D-fortified cow\u2019s milk. You can stop giving them vitamin supplements when they\u2019re drinking 4 cups (1 quart) of this milk per day.<\/p>\n Iron<\/strong><\/p>\n Having a diet low in iron can cause anemia (a low red blood cell count). Iron-deficient kids can have problems with their growth, learning, and behavior. Babies also need iron but have enough of it for the first few months of life. After that, they need to be given from iron-fortified solid foods<\/a> (such as infant cereals) to build up iron reserves. Doing this is especially important for breastfed or partially breastfed babies. If you feed your baby formula, it\u2019s very important to use an iron-fortified formula through their first year of life.<\/p>\n A few additional points:<\/p>\n Resources for Parents<\/strong>\n
\nMy Doctor Online<\/strong>
\nBreastfeeding resources<\/a><\/p>\n