Learning About Liquid Vitamins for Newborns

Overview

Doctors sometimes prescribe vitamin or iron drops for newborns. These drops help babies get the nutrition they need.

It's fairly common for a baby to need:

• Extra iron. Babies born early haven't had enough time to build up an iron supply before birth. So they usually get extra iron for the first few months after birth.
• Extra vitamin D. Breast milk does not have a lot of vitamin D. Many doctors prescribe vitamin D drops for babies who are breastfed. And formula-fed babies who might not be eating enough may also get vitamin D drops.

If you have questions, talk with your doctor about what is right for your baby.

What to know about giving liquid vitamins

• Be sure to use the dropper that comes with the drops. Measure the exact dose your doctor has told you to use.
• One way of giving drops may work better for your baby than another.
  • You can mix the drops with a very small amount of breast milk or formula. Feed it to your baby all at once from a bottle.
  • Or you can squirt the drops into the side of your baby's cheek. You can then feed your baby.
• If you miss a dose, just give your baby the next dose at the usual time.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you use any other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines. Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements, including formula, you give your baby. Taking some medicines together can cause problems.
• Call your doctor if you think your baby is having a problem with the drops.

Missing a vitamin or iron dose will not hurt your baby. But giving too much can be harmful. Be sure you know how much your doctor wants you to give your baby.

• Name of vitamin or iron:__________________________________________________.
• Dose and how often:____________________________________________________.