Summer time is officially here! We are spending more time outdoors enjoying the warm weather and the summer sun. Because we are exposed to more sunlight during this time of year, do you think you and your baby are getting enough of the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D? One might think that is the case, but here is why you should consider vitamin D supplementation.
Vitamin D is one of the vitamins that can actually be manufactured by your body when you are exposed to the right amount of sunlight. But sunscreen and protective clothing significantly reduce your skin's ability to make this essential vitamin. To get the proper amount of sun exposure to generate enough vitamin D, you would need full body sun exposure at the peak sunshine hours in the late morning and afternoon when the sun’s rays are the most intense. For babies, who have extra sensitive skin, sun exposure is not recommended for the first six months of life. That can make it difficult for baby to get vitamin D through sun exposure alone.
Moms who are breastfeeding may assume their baby is getting the necessary vitamin D but here’s a tough reality – breastmilk is low in vitamin D. That is why in 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending that all infants receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU beginning the first few days after birth. Pediatricians recommend that baby continues taking a vitamin D supplement until they are drinking at least a quart (32 ounces) of vitamin D-fortified milk per day.
Why Is Vitamin D Important?
By giving your baby a vitamin D supplement during this time of rapid growth, you can help ensure your baby is getting this vital vitamin for bone health and development. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which in turn then supports bone and teeth health. Vitamin D deficiency may harm bone strength and even cause rickets, a disease that can soften and distort bones. New research suggests that vitamin D may also provide a protective effect against multiple diseases and conditions such as cancer, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
There are many options when looking for a vitamin D supplement for infants. Most supplements come in a liquid form and can be given to baby orally, mixed with food or water, or even placed on the nipple so baby can take while breastfeeding. Many moms prefer an all-natural vitamin D supplement, like wellbaby D, which does not contain artificial colors or preservatives. To ensure your baby is getting the proper amount of vitamin D, the AAP recommends supplementation until baby is eating solids and drinking the recommended amount of vitamin D-fortified formula or whole cow’s milk.
So again, do you think your baby is getting enough vitamin D?
Lisa Rowe is co-founder of UpSpring, a company that makes innovative health and wellness products for mom and baby. She’s also a mom of three.
