Best Time To Give Vitamin D Drops To Infants
As a parent, it is important to ensure that your child gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals for their growth and development. One such vitamin is Vitamin D, which helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and is essential for healthy bone development. While breast milk and formula milk do contain some amount of Vitamin D, it may not be enough for your infant’s needs, especially during the winter season when there is limited exposure to sunlight. In such cases, Vitamin D drops become necessary. But what is the best time to give Vitamin D drops to infants?
When to start giving Vitamin D drops?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all babies, whether breastfed or formula-fed, should receive a Vitamin D supplement starting from the first few days of life. The AAP recommends giving 400 IU per day of Vitamin D to infants from birth until they are weaned off breast milk or formula and are consuming at least 32 ounces of Vitamin D fortified milk or formula per day. This is because most infants do not receive enough Vitamin D from their diet or exposure to sunlight.
When is the best time to give Vitamin D drops?
While there is no specific time of day that is best for giving Vitamin D drops, most parents find it convenient to give it at the same time as their child’s feeding time. This ensures that the drops are given consistently every day and are not forgotten. Additionally, giving the drops with a feeding can make it easier for your baby to swallow the drops as they are already used to swallowing during feeding time.
How to give Vitamin D drops?
Vitamin D drops come in liquid form and are usually given directly into the baby’s mouth using a dropper. It is important to follow the dosage instructions given by your pediatrician or the manufacturer of the drops. Do not give more than the recommended dose as this can be harmful to your baby. If your baby spits out the drops or refuses to take them, you can mix them with a small amount of breast milk or formula and then give it to your baby.
What are the benefits of giving Vitamin D drops to infants?
There are several benefits of giving Vitamin D drops to infants. Some of these include:
- Healthy bone development: Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bone development.
- Reduced risk of rickets: Rickets is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones. It is caused by a lack of Vitamin D and calcium. Giving Vitamin D drops to infants can reduce the risk of rickets.
- Reduced risk of infections: Vitamin D plays a role in the immune system and can help reduce the risk of infections.
- Improved dental health: Vitamin D can help in the formation of teeth enamel and can improve dental health.
Conclusion
Vitamin D drops are an essential supplement for infants, especially during the winter season when there is limited exposure to sunlight. The best time to give Vitamin D drops is at the same time as your child’s feeding time, and it is important to follow the dosage instructions given by your pediatrician or the manufacturer of the drops. Giving Vitamin D drops to your infant can provide several benefits, including healthy bone development, reduced risk of rickets, reduced risk of infections, and improved dental health.