I Forgot To Give My Baby Vitamin D Drops
As a new parent, it's easy to get overwhelmed with everything you need to do to keep your baby healthy. One of those things is giving them vitamin D drops, which are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for all breastfed babies. But what happens if you forget to give them their drops? Here's what you need to know.
Why Do Babies Need Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is essential for the growth and development of your baby's bones and teeth. It helps their body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for strong bones. Babies who don't get enough vitamin D are at risk for developing rickets, a condition that causes soft and weak bones.
While formula-fed babies usually get enough vitamin D from their formula, breastfed babies don't. That's because breast milk doesn't contain enough of the vitamin. That's why it's important for breastfed babies to get a daily supplement of vitamin D drops.
What Happens If You Forget to Give Your Baby Vitamin D Drops?
If you forget to give your baby their vitamin D drops, don't panic. One missed day won't harm your baby. However, it's important to get back on track and give them their drops as soon as possible.
If you consistently forget to give your baby their drops, they may be at risk for developing rickets. This is why it's important to establish a routine and make giving your baby their drops a part of your daily routine.
How to Remember to Give Your Baby Vitamin D Drops
It can be hard to remember to give your baby their drops, especially if you're sleep-deprived and busy. Here are some tips to help you remember:
- Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to give your baby their drops at the same time every day.
- Keep the drops in a visible and accessible place, like on your kitchen counter or next to your baby's changing table.
- Make giving your baby their drops a part of your daily routine, such as right after a feeding or before bedtime.
- Ask your partner or a family member to help remind you to give your baby their drops.
What Kind of Vitamin D Drops Should You Give Your Baby?
There are different brands of vitamin D drops on the market, but they all contain the same amount of vitamin D. Look for drops that contain 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D per dose.
It's also important to follow the instructions on the package carefully. Some drops need to be given once a day, while others need to be given more frequently.
The Bottom Line
Forgetting to give your baby their vitamin D drops once in a while won't harm them, but it's important to get back on track and make giving them their drops a part of your daily routine. If you consistently forget to give your baby their drops, talk to your pediatrician for advice on how to establish a routine and ensure your baby is getting the nutrients they need to grow and develop.