Introducing a nourishing spinach and barley puree, specifically crafted to aid in weaning your baby while promoting a restful night’s sleep. This sleep-inducing recipe offers a blend of wholesome ingredients to support your baby’s transition to solid foods, ensuring both nutrition and tranquility.
Does Vitamin D Help Babies Sleep?
TABLE OF CONTENT:
VITAMIN D FOR BABIES
If you are a parent, chances are that at some point an older relative has told you that fresh air will help your baby sleep better and, as with a lot of advice from older generations, we are always sceptical as to how much is myth or truth. In this blog, we will look into the facts to find out!
What does Vitamin D do for Babies and where can we find it?
Vitamin D is incredibly important for your baby’s growth and development. Think of it like the building blocks for their little bones. Check the NHS website for more on vitamin D for babies. This special vitamin helps their body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for strong bones and teeth.
- So, where does your baby get vitamin D? Well, there are two main sources: sunshine and food. When your baby spends a little time outside, their skin can make vitamin D when it’s touched by sunlight. But remember, too much sun isn’t good for their delicate skin, so it’s important to be careful.
- Luckily, there are also vitamin D rich foods like fortified formula and breast milk, as well as some fortified foods like infant cereals. If your baby is formula-fed, they might be getting enough from their formula, but breastfed babies may need a supplement, especially if they’re not getting much sunlight.
Making sure your baby gets enough vitamin D is key to their overall health and development. So, whether it’s a stroll in the sunshine or a nutritious meal, giving your baby plenty of vitamin D is a great way to give them the best start in life.
Vitamin D Foods:
- oily fish–such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
- red meat
- liver
- egg yolks
- fortified foods–such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals
Is it Necessary to Give Vitamin D to Babies?
Yes, it’s particularly crucial to ensure babies receive adequate vitamin D. This vitamin supports their bone development and overall health. Because breast milk may not always provide enough, pediatricians often recommend a supplement, especially for breastfed babies.
- Do breastfed babies need vitamin D? Breast milk, while excellent for many aspects of your baby’s health, may not always provide enough vitamin D. Therefore, pediatricians often recommend a supplement to ensure your little one gets the necessary amount.
- Should I give vitamin D to formula fed baby? Yes, it’s important to give vitamin D supplements to formula-fed babies. While infant formula contains some vitamin D, it might not always provide enough for your baby’s needs. Supplementing ensures that your little one gets the right amount of this essential vitamin.
- What if I forgot to give my baby vitamin D drops? It’s understandable to forget occasionally. If you do, simply give them their drops as soon as you remember. Consistency matters, but an occasional missed dose isn’t typically cause for concern.
- What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in infants? This can manifest in various ways, including slow growth, delayed development, irritability, excessive sweating, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, it may lead to conditions like soft bones (rickets) or other bone deformities.
- Is it too late to give my baby vitamin D? it’s never too late to start giving your baby vitamin D supplements if they haven’t been receiving them regularly. While it’s ideal to provide supplementation from infancy, starting later can still offer benefits for your baby’s health and development.
Does Vitamin D Deficiency Affect Sleep?
- Yes, vitamin D deficiency can indeed affect sleep, including in babies. Adequate levels of vitamin D play a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. This cycle helps govern when we feel sleepy and when we feel awake.
- In babies, a deficiency in vitamin D may disrupt their sleep patterns, leading to difficulties in falling asleep and staying asleep. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, which can further interfere with sleep quality.
- The study ‘Vitamin D Supplementation and Sleep: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies’, highlights the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in improving sleep outcomes. This study provide valuable insights into the effects of vitamin D supplementation on sleep quality and duration,
How much vitamin D does a baby need?
In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends:
- Babies from birth to 1 year of age who are being breastfed should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D to ensure they get enough. This is whether or not you’re taking a supplement yourself.
- Babies fed infant formula should not be given a vitamin D supplement if they’re having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, because infant formula is already fortified with this vitamin and other nutrients.
- Children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
These recommendations are important to ensure that young children receive adequate vitamin D, which is essential for their bone health and overall development. If you have any questions or concerns about giving your child supplements, consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Does Vitamin D Help Babies Sleep?
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in July 2020 investigating the relationship between sleep and vitamin D for babies proved two outcomes through their sleep study. Those children with a vitamin D deficiency slept for not only less time but they also tended to have a later bedtime, two things that all parents want to avoid with their little ones.
Without getting too technical with the scientific aspects, the vitamin D binds receptors in areas of the brain which are involved in sleep regulation. It also plays a pivotal role in the process of creating melatonin which is a sleep hormone.
So What Can you do to Promote Better Sleep?
1. Ensure Your Baby Is Having A Vitamin D Supplement If You Breastfeeding Or If They Are Over One Year Old.
Your baby should take vitamin D Supplements if they are breastfeeding or are over one year old and drinking cow’s milk. These oral supplements are easy to add to your daily routine, they can be flavoured, and if you struggle to pay for these extra supplements your Health Visitor or doctor should be able to source some for you.
2. Get Outside As Much As You Can!
In addition to the Vitamin D dose provided by supplements, spending time outdoors is crucial for your baby’s overall health and well-being. Even on cloudy days, taking a stroll with the pram can benefit both you and your little one. In many countries, it’s common practice to let babies nap outside in their prams, which has been shown to have numerous benefits for sleep and health. While it’s not advisable to leave your baby unattended outdoors, you can still enjoy some fresh air while your baby naps if you have access to outdoor space. This natural approach to sleep is particularly beneficial during colder months when indoor air can become stuffy due to central heating.
Remember, if you need further assistance with your baby’s sleep, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or a sleep consultant for personalised guidance and support.
Ready to transform your little one into a fantastic sleeper?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure of where to begin, I understand—I’ve been there too. Let me guide you through everything you need to confidently manage sleep, ensuring your entire family thrives!
Iva Faulkner
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Maternity Nurse
As a mother of two, a maternity nurse, and a pediatric sleep consultant, I founded Sleepy Angels Consultancy, with a mission to offer parents a trusted source of guidance. Drawing on my experience as both a maternity nurse and a mother, I aim to empower parents with the knowledge and support they need to help their little ones sleep soundly. My passion lies in equipping families with the tools and confidence to thrive together, ensuring that everyone gets the rest they deserve.
Related Articles
Nighty-Night Spinach and Barley Puree
read more
Sleepytime Barley Sweet Potato Puree – Go Veggie or Add Turkey)
Introduce your baby to the soothing taste of Sleepytime Barley Sweet Potato Puree—a perfect choice for successful weaning. Packed with wholesome goodness and crafted to promote a restful night’s sleep. Available in both Veggie and Turkey options.
Mango and Coconut Smoothie Dream
Enjoy a restful night’s sleep by sipping on our Mango Coconut Smoothie with your little one before bedtime. A delicious treat for better sleep!
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PRIVACY POLICY
SHOP
SERVICES
FEATURES
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PRIVACY POLICY
SHOP
SERVICES
FEATURES