Vitamin D Supplements for Breastfeeding Babies
Breastfeeding alone can provide all the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months – with one notable exception being Vitamin D.
Health Canada recommends all breastfed or partially breastfed healthy, full term babies get a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU every day, from birth until 12 months of age. Babies fed formula alone do not need extra vitamin D.
Give your breastfed baby liquid vitamin D supplements. These are easily absorbed. Carefully read the label for directions on how to give your baby 400IU. Vitamin D supplements are available at your local pharmacy or health food store.
After 12 months, give your baby foods that contain vitamin D, such as cow’s milk, each day. 500 mL (or two cups) of whole milk meets your baby’s vitamin D needs. Other sources include fish, egg yolks, soft margarine, bread made with vitamin D-enhanced yeast, and yogurt or cheese made from fortified milk.
Learn more
Call Dietitian Services at HealthLink BC (8-1-1) for more information about vitamin D food sources and supplements.
-
Similacs Alimentum, a hypoallergenic baby formula, may cause side effects in certain babies. The most common formula-related side effects, which are diarrhea and dehydration, are caused by the formulas proteins. Babies who are lactose intolerant may
-
Your baby needs only breast milk or infant formula for his first few months, but by 4 to 6 months, he can start eating solid foods. As he advances to different levels of development, he can begin eating different kinds of foods. Before he can have an
-
Most babies are eating solids and expanding their food selection by 10 months of age. Your baby likely has a few teeth and is able to chew and swallow food more easily. A 10-month-old still needs breast milk or formula in addition to solids. A balanc
