Newbie parents have constant pressure to provide the best for their babies. There comes a phase in your baby’s life where he/she starts having solid food, which is exciting but scary. Your baby requires nutrition that breast milk or formula cannot fulfill anymore. You must take care that your infants are getting proper nutrition from their diet to grow and develop.
For instance, breast milk is considered the best food for your bundles of joy but sometimes lacks Vitamin D and iron in the quantities that are needed.
Here are some vitamins you should provide your babies to keep them healthy and immune to fatal diseases.
- Vitamin D is for healthy bones
Immediately after birth, many infants lack Vitamin D and the deficiency is recovered by giving them supplements to boost the growth and development of their immune system.
To prevent the risk of chronic diseases and build healthy bones, Vitamin D plays an important role. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Vitamin D supplements along with other necessary Vitamins should be given, within the first few days of the baby’s birth, who drink less than 32 ounces of formula per day and are breast and formula-fed.” You can also consider mixing a few drops of Vitamin D when your baby starts consuming solid food.
- Iron is mandatory for your baby.
Your baby is already born with the whole stock of iron that can benefit him/her for about 4 to 6 months. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Infants who are exclusively or mostly breastfed should be injected with an iron supplement starting at the age of four months.” Take advice from your baby’s pediatrician regarding the continuation or starting an iron supplement since your baby is already consuming iron-containing solid foods. Formula-fed babies rarely need an iron supplement because it is already iron-fortified.
Premature children or low birth children might suffer from iron deficiency. In this case, after your baby has reached the age of 6 to 12 months, you can provide your baby iron supplements, after consulting with your pediatrician. You might need to gather some insights for your child’s wholistic health and development. Food that is rich in iron, such as cereal, meat, and beans can meet your baby’s iron needs if fed twice a day. You can also serve your baby Vitamin C rich food such as rice puree, finger food with tomato sauce, and fruit or fruit puree. This can help in absorbing the iron from food produced by plants.
- Vitamin B12 boosts the immune system and prevents diseases
Infants need Vitamin B12 for brain development. It helps in boosting the production of healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B12 prevents anemia and supports the healthy neurological function of your baby. Vitamin B12 can be extracted from animal food products such as fish, meat, eggs, and dairy. Supplements of Vitamin D might be necessary for your baby to fight against diseases and build the immune system.
Before giving supplements to your precious babies, consult your doctors and pediatricians. Prioritize organic vitamins over supplements, but fill the nutrition gaps with Vitamin supplements if necessary, in appropriate quantities.
