As you sip your morning coffee, blurry eyed from a near sleepless night, something tweaks your memory about vitamin D.  You know it was in one of those countless books or articles you read when you were pregnant; likely somewhere between making notes on your favourite baby name and scratching your almost bursting belly.

Vitamin D is a powerhouse vitamin. It is needed to prevent bone growth deficiencies, and works to build strong bones.  Research continues to emerge regularly on its other positive effects.  Naturally, all humans make vitamin D through exposure to the sun’s rays, but living in the “True North” can make this tricky.  Also… bringing baby to the beach without adequate coverage won’t win you “parent of the year award” either.  So getting enough of this vitamin is challenging, especially for babies.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Babies who are breastfed need a DAILY, 400 IU supplement of vitamin D.
•  Continue to provide this daily supplement until they are 2 years of age, and can get enough vitamin D from other food sources such as cow’s milk, oily fish, and tofu. Our dietitian friends at UnlockFood.ca can help you in this area. Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 to speak with a dietitian free of charge!

Vitamin D Supplement Tips:

• Consider buying the “single drop” version of vitamin D, it may be easier to give. (Speak to your pharmacist.)
• Give it the same time each day to help you remember.
• Try placing a drop on your breast before you feed.
• Ensure you are meeting your own adult vitamin D requirements.

There it is, now don’t forget the vitamin D as your a building up your little Hulk and Hulkettes, just don’t call me if they start to turn green!

For more information about breastfeeding and vitamin D check out our webpages at HaltonParents.

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For parenting information or to speak with a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.