Understanding the role of vitamins for your little one

As a parent, it’s important to give your baby the right vitamins through breast milk, formula, or solid foods. Breast milk and formula usually meet most of what babies need but adding vitamin-rich foods at the right time helps them get a balanced diet. Sometimes, your doctor might even suggest supplements to help your baby grow well.

To help you master your little one’s nutrition, it’s a good idea to get clued up on exactly which vitamins do what…

• Vitamins are essential for a baby’s healthy growth and development, supporting bodily functions and overall well-being.
• Infants have specific nutritional needs that differ from adults due to their rapid growth and development.
• Providing babies with the right vitamins through breast milk, formula, or age-appropriate solid foods is crucial for promoting optimal health and preventing deficiencies.
• Introducing vitamin-rich solid foods at the appropriate age can help ensure a well-rounded diet for infants.
• Paediatricians may recommend infant supplements to fill nutritional gaps and support a baby’s growth when necessary.

Vitamins, minerals and fats help keep your baby’s immune system strong, support bone growth and aid brain development. A balanced diet with breast milk or formula and solid foods is best as this ensures your baby gets all the vitamins and minerals they need.

Your little one’s doctor can also advise on vitamins or supplements based on your baby’s diet and health.

Let’s explore how certain vitamins can support your baby’s health.

Vitamin D: building strong bones and teeth

• Vitamin D is crucial for absorbing calcium. This is needed for strong bones and teeth. Without enough vitamin D, babies can get rickets, which weakens their bones. Breastfed babies might need extra vitamin D so your baby’s doctor may often suggest vitamin D drops for your little one’s health.

Iron: supporting cognitive development and energy levels

• Iron is essential for your baby’s brain growth, energy, and healthy blood cells. Iron deficiency can cause anaemia, leading to tiredness and slow development so it’s best to introduce iron-rich foods like pureed meats and fortified cereals at 6 months. Premature babies might need iron supplements.

Vitamin C: boosting immune function and aiding iron absorption

• Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps with iron absorption. It’s also important for healthy skin and blood vessels. Breast milk and formula have enough vitamin C for babies but as your little one starts to eat solids, give them vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and sweet potatoes.

As a parent, making sure your baby gets the right nutrients is key. Knowing the best foods for these nutrients helps you choose well for your baby’s diet.

For the first 6 months, breast milk or formula is your baby’s main source of vitamins. As your baby starts eating solids, around 6 months, add foods rich in vitamins. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach are great for vitamins and minerals. Mashed avocado is also good, packed with healthy fats and vitamin E.

Choose foods naturally full of vitamins and minerals. Here are some good options:

• Pureed fruits: Mango, papaya, and berries
• Mashed vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and butternut squash
• Leafy greens: Spinach and kale, blended into smoothies or pureed
• Whole grains: Fortified baby cereals and oatmeal
• Lean proteins: Pureed meats, such as chicken or turkey

As a parent, knowing the signs of vitamin deficiencies in your baby is crucial. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, deficiencies can still happen. Being aware of these signs helps you act quickly.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue in babies. Look out for these signs which could indicate your little one has a vitamin D deficiency…

• Soft or weakened bones
• Delayed growth and development
• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Bowed legs or widened wrists and ankles

Iron deficiency anaemia is another common problem. Iron is key for brain development, energy, and health. If your baby isn’t getting enough iron, they might show these symptoms…

• Pale skin
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Irritability
• Delayed cognitive and motor development
• Rapid breathing
• Unusual food cravings (pica)

If you think your baby might have a vitamin deficiency, see your baby’s doctor right away. They can check your child’s needs and suggest the right supplements.

As a parent, you naturally want the best for your baby. You want them to grow strong and healthy, but to do this, you need to make sure they get all the vitamins and nutrients they need. 

As your baby gets older, they need more food as they grow and become more active! Start with cereals and pureed veggies and fruits. Then, add more foods from different groups.

Some foods to consider include single-grain cereals, pureed vegetables and fruits, pureed meats, mashed avocado and cooked leafy greens and fortified baby foods.

Regular visits to your baby’s doctor are crucial as they can check your baby’s growth, milestones and vitamin levels.

You can also ask anything you’d like to know about breastfeeding and vitamins, formula feeding, how to start solid foods and what vitamins your little one might need.