If you’re concerned about your baby’s immune health and are wondering what you can do to help prepare them for the upcoming sniffle season while giving their little bodies a good foundation for the rest of their lives, you may be looking for organic infant supplements. While a well-rounded diet can provide a strong basis for children’s health, kids don’t always eat what they’re given and can sometimes require additional supplementation. In order to make sure your kids get the nutrients they need, and to give you peace of mind, you may want to consider adding in supplements that are crucial for infant health that they may not be getting from food alone. Here are a few top vitamins and supplements to ask your pediatrician about at your next check-up.
Vitamin D
One important vitamin that many pediatricians recommend from day one, especially for breastfed babies, is vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin. However, because babies can’t be in direct sunlight before 6 months of age, they probably aren’t getting adequate vitamin D. Infants under 12 months typically require 400 International Units of vitamin D per day, which can be difficult to source through breastmilk or formula alone. However, vitamin D is crucial in helping the body absorb calcium to build strong bones, and can even help prevent rickets. Make sure your kids are getting enough now to help ensure healthy growth and bone development long-term.
Iron
Did you know? Exclusively breastfed babies typically only get enough iron from their mother’s milk in their first four months of life.
Iron is one nutrient you may not have given too much thought to, but it’s actually essential in moving oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. If your child isn’t getting enough iron in their diet, they may be at risk for iron deficiency. In cases of iron deficiency, their blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells, which can end up affecting their development and growth later on. Those at higher risk of iron deficiency include:
- Babies born prematurely
- Exclusively breastfed babies who don’t drink iron-fortified formula
- Overweight or obese children
To prevent iron deficiency, you may want to ask your pediatrician whether a supplement would be appropriate. This can also be an effective addition as children get older.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin to pay attention to if your children are vegan and don’t eat animal bi-products often or at all. Vitamin B12 helps the functioning of the central nervous system and also plays a crucial role in helping form red blood cells and turn food into energy. If your kids are low or deficient in B12, they may be lethargic or lack energy. Babies 7 to 12 months need about .5 mcg of vitamin B12 daily, so adding a supplement could help you ensure they are getting all the B12 they need.
Vitamin K
Finally, while you may never have heard of vitamin K, it’s essential in bone health. The vitamin is crucial in making proteins that help maintain healthy bones and promote normal blood clotting during wound healing. Taking vitamin K now can help ensure strong bones for the future.
Probiotics
Gut health is extremely important when it comes to a happy and healthy baby. Consider including probiotics into your child’s diet as they are extremely influential to both the digestive and immune system.
The most important part of helping your baby stay nice and healthy is making sure they have a strong, well-rounded diet. However, when your baby or child needs a little extra boost in the nutrient department, ask your pediatrician whether a supplement would be right for your child to boost their immune health and ensure they grow up big and strong.