I asked my doctor about this too and they recommended that I give this supplement to my daughter after 2 months. I've heard that apparently they use up all our stores after 2 months. My doctor did say that as long as she was in the sun for 30 min. a day that she would get enough from the sun, so it is less common to use the supplement in the south b/c it is still pretty sunny and warm year round. I have my daughter on Tri-Vi-Sol, which is made by Enfamil. You can get it at Babies r us. Hope this helps:)
Before discharge from the hospital in November my pediatrician told me that my baby girl should spend 10-15 minutes in the sunshine a few times a week to get her vitamin D. At the 2 month check-up they had me put her on Polyvisol vitamins which is also a source of vitamin D (I only give them every other day in the bath since they stain and inevitably some of it gets spit back out!). My doc group seems more concerned with her iron intake. They have me continuing the iron supp that I was taking at the end of my pregnancy + giving the Polyvisol with Iron. I'm also trying to keep up my intake of red meat.
My pediatrician told me as long as he gets about 15 minutes of sun daily on his skin that that would be sufficient for his vitamin D. So just take him outside for a few minutes and get some sun and you can avoid the supplements!
I breast fed both of my kids for 18 months each and never gave them supplements of any kind. They are wonderfully healthy and rarely sick.
Hi Jaime,
My pediatrician suggested we start the Tri-Vi-Sol drops at 2 months. My daughter (now 4 months) has been taking a dropper of it each day since then. We haven't had any problems with it. Considering Vitamin D is so important for adults, I imagine it's a good thing for babies too. Apparently, breastfed babies don't get enough vitamin D from breast milk. The formulas have it added.
Hope that helps.
Courtney
The vit supplement usually starts at 6 months if the child is strickly breastfed. They will prescribe a vitamin and fluoride supplement usually at the 6 month physical.
Julie
As long as you are getting plenty of sun and taking High Vitamin Cod Liver Oil and Butter Oil you should be fine. If you aren't out in the Sun Daily and you aren't taking the above you should get your baby out in the Sun for a few mins a day or give them Cod Liver Oil and Butter Oil.
See the info below for a more comprehensive explaination
http://westonaprice.org/children/infant-vitamin-d-safety.html
Vitimins that are not food based are NOT good for you. If you are taking your nutrients in the form of food they will be very bio-available for you and your baby.
Don't always relie on your doctor as the ultimate resource, remember they are human, do your own research and do what is best for your baby. I have found most Doctors know NOTHING about eating right, if they did, they would be the biggest advocates for truly Organic, Local, Fresh food, esp when it came to New Mothers, Baby's and Children.
Hello,
I am a new grandma to a beautiful baby girl (4 months old). My daughter is also breast feeding and has given my granddaughter Vitamin D liquid supplements right from the start (Dr's advice).
Hope this helps !
Oh, I got this from both my kids pediatricians (one's a mainstream doc, the other is very holistic - this is one of the few things they agree on.)
There is a slight possibility of rickets, especially if the kid gets little exposure to sunlight and is black.
Unless you're very concerned about a vitamin supplement being somehow detrimental, then it's a cheap and easy way to avoid a health problem. I've also read about mother's milk having a higher "bioavailablity" of vitamin D (and iron as well.)
When you hit 6 months, you'll probably have the same questions about iron supplements for breastfed babies. And iron deficiencies are a lot more common than vitamin D. Definitely go for the iron supplements if you're still breastfeeding.
Dear Jamie S,
I am a mother of 3 beautiful children and a working single mom with a 10 yr old, 2 1/2 yr old, and a 9 month old. When I went back to work after the baby, I was so worried that I would not be able to do it{all of it} not just breastfeeding but I managed and my baby has four healthy bright white teeth and is a tough little cookie to deal with the 2 1/2 old brother so no fragile bones. I also breastfed the older two and never supplimented vit.D, sometimes I supplimented formulia but not the vitamin. I hope that is some helpful information. Newly divorce mother of 3 wonderful children,Ga girl MARIE
Hi Jaime, I breastfed my second child for a little over 2 years. I never gave him any supplements, and he is very healthy. As long as your child gets some sun, even if he plays near the window, he should be fine. Nothing beats breastmilk.
This is a very controversial topic!! I get this question asked to me in all of the classes that I teach. I think that as long as mom is not vitamin D deficient then baby will be fine. Just a little sunlight is all baby needs for that good vitamin D. Both of my children were exclusively bf for over 1 year and I never once supplemented with Vita. D. Most Dr's are pushing the supplements, just continue to research for yourself and always go with your instincts. Best of luck with your wonderful decision to give baby the best start!!!
Thank you everyone for your responses. I talked to his dr yesterday and he said that if I feel like I want to take the supplements myself I can but the little guy doesn’t need any. So I’m just going to keep doing what I’m currently doing…taking the prenatal vitamins and getting outside as much as possible.