Vitamin D for newborn?

[thelma57]

Hi all, I have an almost 6 week old and have been exclusively breastfeeding. I’ve just read on the NHS website that I should be supplementing with vitamin d drops? I haven’t heard anything about this from midwives or my health visitor, have I missed something? Worried now!

I will of course check with HV on Monday!

Depends how you’re feeding your baby. Below is from NHS website.

The government recommends all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day.

Babies who are having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day should not be given vitamin supplements. This is because formula is fortified with vitamins A, C and D and other nutrients.

Babies who are being breastfed should be given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth, whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.

Sorry, didn’t see you said EBF. You need vit D drops.

Don't worry, just start now. I like the Healthy Start ones from Superdrug.

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/natures-aid-vitamin-d3-drops-for-children-60013407?skuid=013407&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&&gbraid=0AAAAAD96OoKuxeRCS71Vi2rtkKjDt1_KK&gclid=CjwKCAjw29ymBhAKEiwAHJbJ8lTYTYMzw3Gi0kOGCde0FvzZgBdIsoPwsnGGsBlipOXJwWyTtOQG4hoCLK0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I’m using these ones. This brand also do a multivitamin that can be given from 3 months.

I was rubbish about remembering these. I think DC1 had them for a week, not sure DC2 ever did. They are recommended and I would totally encourage anyone to follow the advice but no need to stress about having missed it so far.

It’s recommended now but I’ll admit I never did it.

I had 2 winter newborns though so it was easier for me to get them into sunlight without worrying that they’d get burnt etc.

I wouldn't worry that you've not been doing it, just start now. The NHS also recommends that everyone takes vitamin d in winter, and all children under 5 take it all year.

Can always start giving if you want but I wouldn't worry that you haven't so far.

Let's be real here, it's reccomended, but like many of us, I brought the bottle of drops, probably gave them to my baby a handful of times and kept forgetting and its gathered dust at the back of the cubord, I have a healthy thriving 13 month old that's still breastfeeding now (he is on 3 meals a day also)

I didn't realise this from day 1 either. I use

www.boots.com/baby-ddrops®-vitamin-d-10ug-17ml-10224858p

You drop 1 drop from straight from the bottle onto your nipple right before baby breastfeeds.

You might be able to get the Healthy Start ones for free via NHS

www.healthystart.nhs.uk/getting-vitamins/#:~:text=If%20you're%20pregnant%20or,women's%20tablets%20and%20children's%20drops.

I agree with this. DD is now 2 and does have a multivitamin every day, but tbh only because she reminds me and asks for her 'mitamins' 😆

Thanks all, how frustrating that no one mentioned it to me! Will get the boots ones and try to remember to pop them on each time!

I'm surprised your HV didn't mention it, mine gave me a bunch of free drops which I was very surprised about - we don't qualify for any means-tested support, so I assume she gives them to everyone.

Don't worry, we weren't told either, neither was a friend - it's quite strange. Like others have said no harm done in starting from now. Think we were about 2 weeks in before I knew about them x

Did you also know that you should be taking Vitamin D too? Especially if BF.

@WeWereInParis we don’t qualify for anything either and we were given a bunch of free drops by our HV too. Are you in Scotland by any chance? I have a lot of friends locally that we’re given drops but friends down south who knew nothing about them 🤷🏻‍♀️

If you’re EBF they should have them but I think formula has the vit D they need so you shouldn’t give any additional. Don’t worry, just start now you can pick the drops up anywhere. I was appalling at remembering these so don’t beat yourself up!

@LittleMrsPretty I’ve continued to take my pregnancy vitamins so getting a decent dose myself.

Quite annoyed we’ve got to 6 weeks and I had no idea - only found the info cos I was googling vitamin d ahead of winter with the bad weather we’ve had! Anyway, shall sort from now, i’m sure no harm done!