Babies do not get the required quantity of vitamins through their diet. As they grow up and start to take regular food, still there is a deficiency of vitamins for those how do not eat a varied diet. This makes it important that babies take Vitamin supplements to make up for the deficiency in their bodies.

Children who are between the ages of 6 months to 5 years are mostly given some vitamin supplements by their pediatrician. The vitamin supplements that are commonly given are vitamin D, A, C, and B 12.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is found in foods like eggs and oily fish. Some cereals and fat foods also contain vitamin D. The best vitamin D source is the summer sunlight on the skin.However, overexposing your children to sunlight is also dangerous.This means that for most babies, vitamin D supplements are recommended.

Breastfed babies in most cases will be given the vitamin D supplement. From birth to a year old, the babies have to take vitamin D. This is irrelevant if the mother herself is taking a vitamin D supplement,

Babies that are on formula and who take more than 500 ml of the formula may not need the vitamin D supplement. This is because the formula is fortified with many nutrients and vitamin D.

Some children between the ages of 1 to 4 years may be given a daily supplement of vitamin D. You should consult a pediatrician before starting the dosage.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for children, as well as babies and many of them, may not be getting enough of it. Vitamin A is required to strengthen the immune system. It also helps for better vision and keeps the skin healthy. The main sources of vitamin A include dairy products, carrots, fat spreads that are fortified, dark green vegetables, mangoes, swede, broccoli,and cabbage.

Infants and babies are recommended a supplement of vitamin A and vitamin C unless they are drinking more than 500 ml of formula milk.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps in the development of the baby’s immune system and general health. It is also required so that the body absorbs iron. The fruit sources from which one can get vitamin C are oranges, strawberries, kiwifruit, tomato, peppers, and broccoli.

Vitamin B 12

Vitamin B 12 is essential because it keeps the nerves of the body and the body cells healthy. It is also a crucial vitamin that helps in the making of DNA, which is the cells genetic material. If a child suffers from vitamin B 12 deficiency then this causes megalomaniac anemia that is a type of anemia, which makes one weak and tired.

Plant foods do not contain vitamin B 12. If you are a vegetarian mother who does not eat non- veg food and you breastfeed your baby then you need to supplement your diet with vitamin B 12. This will make sure that you as well and your baby is getting the adequate quantity of vitamin B 12.

Conclusion

Your baby’s pediatrician will advise you well on the vitamin drops that you should give to your baby. It is also important to know that having too much of vitamins are harmful and thus the doctor’s guidelines should be followed carefully.