Raising a child is one of the most exciting and challenging experiences in our lives, full of joy and stress.
One of the most fundamental parts of raising a child is ensuring they’re well-fed and nourished throughout their lives.
It’s normal to worry if your kid is getting the nutrients they need, especially in the first few months of their lives, but is it worth buying into liquid vitamins for babies?
In most cases, babies get all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need from their diet, whether baby food, breastmilk or formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics advise that healthy children who eat a balanced diet don’t need to take vitamin supplements, but many parents choose to give their children dietary supplements to make sure they get enough vitamins and minerals.
If your child is a picky eater or on a restricted diet (i.e. vegetarian or vegan diets), giving them dietary supplements may seem like the best way to meet their dietary needs but might not be necessary at all. Even if you have a good reason to consider liquid vitamins for babies, you should always get an expert opinion before making any hasty decisions to medicate your (probably healthy) kid.
How babies can get their vitamins and nutrients
Babies should be getting all the energy and nutrients they need from food, and breastmilk is one of the best foods for them since it contains all the vitamins and minerals they need. If you’re unable (or choose not) to breastfeed your child, infant formulas are a great alternative since they are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for your child’s development.
After six months, babies are usually ready to eat solid foods, and many baby foods are rich in fruit and vegetables that provide valuable energy and nutrition for your growing child. Make sure to give your child plenty of fruit, vegetables and dairy, and they should get all the vitamins and nutrients they need from their diet without the need for liquid vitamins for babies.