As we’re spending more time in our homes, a daily dose of Vitamin D has never been more important to help you and your family stay well. Use Government guidelines and safe supplements to ensure your little baby stays healthy all year round.
It can be tricky to ensure your little one gets all the vitamins and minerals his growing body needs. But do babies really need Vitamin D supplements? This is what the latest health guidelines suggest.
Government guidelines for babies
New advice from Public Health England, published in 2016, suggests that babies from birth to 12 months old should be given a daily Vitamin D supplement. The correct dose for a breastfed baby aged 0-12 months is between 8.5-10 mcg.
The advice changes if you are feeding your baby formula, because formula is fortified with Vitamin D already. If your baby has more than 500ml formula every day, there is no need for extra Vitamin D supplementation.
Why do babies need Vitamin D supplements?
90% of the Vitamin D in our bodies is produced in response to exposure to sunlight. Most babies are kept inside, or covered up, and sheltered from direct sunlight. It is unlikely that your new baby gets enough sunshine on his or her skin to stimulate Vitamin D production. The other 10% comes from a varied diet including oily fish, and small babies won’t be getting their hands on that!
Worried about giving your baby supplements?
Vitamin D supplements for babies and children are natural and safe. They have been formulated with little bodies in mind and are perfectly healthy. To put your mind at rest, read the label carefully so you are confident that you understand the dosage. Stick to the recommended dose, and keep a careful note of when you give your baby the supplement. Don’t give your baby two supplements which contain Vitamin D (cod liver oil and vitamin drops, for example).
