Do you need to give your baby extra vitamins? It depends on what your baby is eating, drinking, and the advice from your baby’s health care provider.

Avoid offering vitamins unless instructed by your baby’s health care provider. Too much of certain vitamins and minerals, in the form of pills or drops, can be toxic or even deadly for babies and children. It is best to ask your baby or child’s health care provider about vitamins if you have questions or concerns.

For most babies, consider these ideas: 

• Vitamin D or iron supplements are usually the only supplements needed. 
• Babies usually get most of the nutrition they need from breastmilk and infant formula until 12 months old.
• When it is time to start solid foods, your baby will get some nutrition from those foods too.
• Nutritious foods like baby meats, fruits, and vegetables contain extra vitamins.
  

When should I talk to my baby’s health care provider about vitamin supplements? 

For infant formula-fed babies from birth to 12 months, talk to your baby’s health care provider if you have concerns your baby is not drinking enough infant formula.

For breastfed babies from birth to 12 months old, more vitamin D and iron may be needed. Ask your baby's health care provider about supplements. If a supplement is prescribed, ask about how to give it to your baby. If you are combining formula and breastmilk, ask about supplements. Also, talk with your baby's health care provider when your baby begins eating solid foods.