Vitamins for Baby?

Whether she's on formula or on breast milk, your baby will get most of the vitamins and minerals she needs from her diet-assuming that you're following your pediatrician's formula advice or, if breastfeeding, eating appropriately yourself and taking a vitamin supplement each day. However, there are three nutrients-vitamin D, iron, and fluoride-that may not be present in sufficient quantities in breast milk. For that reason, if you are nursing, your doctor may recommend that you give your baby a daily supplement containing these nutrients. If you do give your baby over-the-counter vitamins, be sure not to exceed the recommend daily amount, since overdoses of some vitamins could be toxic to your child.

Since most formulas are fortified with vitamin D and iron as well as certain amino acids, there is usually no need for a separate supplement when you're bottle feeding. But to ensure your baby is getting enough fluoride, prepare ready-to-mix formulas with fluoridated water tap water; call your local health department to find out if fluoride is added to your municipal water system. If not, ask your pediatrician about fluoride drops.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.