Vitamins for Babies

Ensuring your baby gets all the right nutrients is a top priority for every parent. While a balanced diet of milk and solid foods provides most of what they need, there are a few key vitamins that are recommended as supplements to support their healthy development, especially in the early years.

The Sunshine Vitamin: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is incredibly important for helping our bodies absorb calcium, which is essential for building strong bones and teeth. While we can get Vitamin D from sunlight, it's not recommended to expose a baby's delicate skin to direct sun. And although breast milk is the perfect food, it doesn't always contain enough Vitamin D.

For this reason, it is recommended that all babies from birth to one year of age are given a daily supplement of Vitamin D, particularly those who are breastfed. If your baby is having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, they won't need a supplement because formula is already fortified with it.

Other Important Vitamins: A and C

Alongside Vitamin D, Vitamins A and C are also important for a baby's health.

• Vitamin A is vital for a healthy immune system, good vision, and healthy skin.
• Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron and is important for general health and immunity.

It is recommended that all children from 6 months to 5 years old are given vitamin drops containing vitamins A, C, and D, unless they are drinking 500ml or more of infant formula a day.

A Simple Summary of Vitamin Supplements

Your health visitor can give you advice on what supplements are best for your child and how to get them. Some families may be eligible for free vitamin drops through schemes like Healthy Start.