What is newborn vitamins?

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.

• 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:____________________________________________________.

Doctors sometimes prescribe vitamin or iron drops for newborns. Talk with your doctor about whether you should give these to your baby. Ask your doctor about the types of vitamins, how to give them, and how much your baby should take. Giving too much can harm your baby.