The first year of a baby's life is one of rapid growth and development. Therefore, nutrition is especially important for a newborn. For the most part, both breastfeeding provides a baby with all the nutrition she needs, as well as providing your infant with immunities to disease and raising her antibody levels. Breastfed babies with healthy mothers generally do not need vitamin supplementation in the first six months of nursing, with the possible exception of vitamin D. Most formulas try to duplicate breast milk and supply most of the vitamins newborn babies need. Some babies who are born prematurely, or mothers who are deficient in certain areas may choose to give their babies supplements. With newborns this should always be done under a doctor's supervision.
Vitamin D
Babies who are breastfed may need supplemental vitamin D. Vitamin D is made naturally when the skin is exposed to sunlight. However, in recent years the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended keeping babies out of the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer later in life. Most prepared formulas are fortified with vitamin D. According to HealthyChildren.org, if your baby is getting at least 32 oz. of formula a day, a supplement is not needed. Also, it is a good idea to switch to whole milk around your child's first birthday, as long as she has shown the ability to digest it well. Cow's milk has been fortified with vitamin D.
Vitamin K
Pediatrician Colleen Wallace, M.D., of ChildrensMD.org, says it is very important that infants receive a vitamin K shot. According to Dr. Wallace, vitamin K plays a critical role in the process of blood clotting. Newborns may have vitamin K deficiencies because they have immature livers. The liver is required for vitamin activation and absorption. Vitamin K is also not transferred well across the placenta and is not present in high amounts in breast milk. Infant formula has added vitamin K, but formula fed babies have very low levels of vitamin K for several days, as well. If your baby does not receive the shot, chances are he will be just fine. However, Dr. Wallace reports that about 2 percent of newborns who do not receive the shot may develop vitamin K deficient bleeding (VKDB), an incredibly disabling and sometimes fatal disease.
Other Vitamins
Vitamins A, B, and C are important for babies as well; however, it is more rare for babies to be deficient in these vitamins. Because some B vitamins are mostly available through meat, poultry and fish, HealthyChildren.org suggests that vegetarian mothers who breastfeed take a B-complex vitamin. Breastfeeding mothers have the responsibility of making healthy choices in their diets to ensure their babies get the proper vitamins and nutrients.
Iron
If you are breastfeeding, your baby should receive the sufficient amount of iron needed to prevent anemia. HealthyChildren.org suggests starting your breastfed infant on baby foods that contain supplemental iron such as cereal, meats and green vegetables when she has reached four to six months. If you are not breastfeeding, select an iron-fortified formula with 4 mg to 12 mg of iron. Premature babies have fewer iron reserves and could benefit from an iron supplement. Consult your physician.
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