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Is your baby getting enough vitamin D? Recent studies show that he or she might not be. And that would be a bummer because Vitamin D helps keep bones strong, and it may reduce your child's risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has made a new recommendation that children (we're talking all ages ... from newborns to teens) should get 400 units of vitamin D every day. If you're giving your little one baby formula, you probably don't have to worry since it contains vitamin D. But breast milk is sometimes vitamin D deficient, so if you breastfeed exclusively or do a combination of breast milk and formula, the AAP recommends that you supplement your baby with a daily dose of D.
If you're concerned, the AAP's website has a pretty comprehensive list of questions and answers about vitamin D and your baby.
Do you plan on giving your baby vitamin D?
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Comments (9)
Nope, breastmilk is good enough for my 3 healthy grown babies!!
Are there any foods that I can supplement that will act as a good source of vitamin D - instead of buying the vitamin?
How about a little sunshine? That will give them vitamin D.
Look everyone, if youre worried about your child getting vitamin D... whether breast, formula, or table fed... TAKE THEM OUTSIDE!!! :D That's all it takes! When the sunshine hit your skin, it produced Vitamin D! 15 minutes a day 3-4 times per week is sufficient!
I had no idea... Thanks!
Okay, so that's what I do - but please don't tell my pediatrician! Just so everyone has all the facts: The AAP says you should put sunscreen on your babies whenever you bring them outside. Sunscreen prevents the body from making vitamin D. So it's really up to the parent. Either they use sunscreen and the baby gets no vitamin D or they go without it, get the vitamin D, but also all the associated potential damage that UV rays and free radicals can cause.
My pediatrician says to only put sunscreen on if you'll be outside for more than 15 minutes, or if the UV index is over 7. OR if it will be an all day outside affair.
I get plenty in my prenatal vitamis (for pregnant and nursing mothers) so Im not worried about it :)