Vitamins for baby 6-12 months

In most cases, breast milk or formula provides just about everything a baby needs for the first 6 months.

Best multivitamin for baby

The exception is vitamin D, which is recommended as a supplement for breastfed babies starting soon after birth (and some formula-fed babies), and vitamin K, which babies get as a shot at birth.

Why would my baby need vitamins?

After 6 months, as your baby's nutritional needs increase and their diet changes from just breast milk or formula to including solid foods, your doctor may recommend additional vitamin supplements.

For example, babies need more vitamin A, D, E, and K from 7 to 12 months than they did from birth to 6 months.

Babies also need more iron once they reach about 6 months old. (Newborns have sufficient iron stored for about the first 6 months of life.)

Babies who eat a variety of foods over time likely won't need extra vitamins, but there are exceptions.

For example, supplements may be necessary if your baby:

• Was born prematurely, at a low birth weight, or small for gestat
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