Having a baby is a woman's dream, well at least many women's dream. From conception until they mature into a young adult, a mother is responsible for her child's growth and development. They are accountable for their children's behavior as well as health. They have to ensure that they are taking great care of their children and that they are properly brought up. When it comes to health in children what is good and bad for your children? Is a mother's breast milk all a baby needs to develop or are vitamins a good choice for your child? I am going to answer all those questions for you.
Are Vitamins Necessary?
It can be said that Breast milk contains all the nutrients that your baby needs
until they are about six months old. The only exception is that breast milk does not contain vitamin D, which a baby will need to further develop. After six months of age, a baby will start to consume solid foods. As this happens a need for additional sources of nutrients may be needed in the form of vitamins and supplements. Children born at low birth weights and those who eat less than they should are prime candidates for supplement intake. Let it be said that all babies will not take to their mother breast milk. They may not latch on or develop a taste for formula over their mothers own production. If this happens a mother will need to be familiar with what supplements are necessary in their child's development, and see to it they are getting them from other sources, if they are not contained in the formula.
What Vitamins Should Your Baby Consume
Vitamin D
As we said before a mothers breast milk typically does not contain vitamin D so a doctor may request you give your child Vitamin D Supplements. The recommended dose is 400 IU a day, starting within the first few days of your newborns life. The supplement will help to develop the child's bone structure in their little bodies.
DHA
A DHA supplement may be recommended as well, not for the infant, but a breastfeeding mother. DHA makes for healthy development of the brain and eye.
Vitamin B12 and Iron
Another supplement would be Vitamin B-12. The supplement supports healthy nervous system development in children. It can be found in most dairy and poultry products like fish, eggs, and milk. Iron is also much needed to aid in your child's development and promote good health. Iron is contained in breast milk, however when the baby moves on to solid food the need for Iron increases. Your baby can eat foods that are rich in iron, but if they do not, then a supplement may be required to aid in their development.
Most of the vitamins we have discussed with you may be given to a child through eating certain foods. Only if your child does not eat such foods, as a part of their diet, does one need to consume vitamins. If a vitamin is needed make sure you consult with your doctor first.