How long does it take for a newborn to take cod liver oil? What are the precautions for taking cod liver oil for a newborn?

We all know that cod liver oil is a common health product. It is rich in nutrients. Eating it in moderation can supplement the nutrients needed by babies. Many babies will eat cod liver oil soon after they are born. So how long after birth can babies eat cod liver oil? Let's take a closer look!

How old can a newborn baby take cod liver oil?

Newborns can be given cod liver oil two weeks after birth, and it can generally be supplemented until around two years old.

Children's experts point out that the recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 400 IU of vitamin D for full-term infants 2 weeks (14 days) after birth, and 800 IU of vitamin D for premature infants, low birth weight infants, and twins 1 week (7 days) after birth. After 3 months, it is changed to a preventive dose (400 IU per day), and it should be supplemented until the baby is 2 years old. It is worth noting that if it is sunny in the summer, you can take your baby outdoors in the morning or evening, so as to stop or reduce the amount of vitamin D.

When is the best time to take cod liver oil?

1. Doctors generally recommend that you start taking cod liver oil supplements half a month after your baby is born, and should follow the principle of taking less at first and then more.

2. For babies with special circumstances, such as premature birth, gastrointestinal diseases, etc., cod liver oil supplementation should be started from the second week after birth, following the principle of more at first and less later.

3. After the baby is 2 years old, he will engage in more outdoor activities and can bask in the sun frequently, so he no longer needs to take cod liver oil.

4. For babies who are in particularly good health, stopping taking cod liver oil after 1 and a half years old will not affect their physical development.

5. The supplementation of cod liver oil is also related to whether there is sufficient sunlight, so you should supplement more in winter and less in summer.

How to supplement cod liver oil for newborns

1. Generally speaking, full-term babies can start taking cod liver oil supplements 2 weeks after birth, with a daily supplement of 400 units of drops. When taking cod liver oil supplements, pay attention to the baby's condition to see if constipation, diarrhea, etc., and stop taking it if you feel uncomfortable. If there is no discomfort, you can continue to take it until the baby is 2 years old. In addition, while taking cod liver oil supplements, you should also take your baby out to get more sun.

2. Premature babies, low birth weight babies, and twin babies need to supplement with cod liver oil 7 days after birth. Initially, 800 units of drops should be supplemented, and then reduced to 400 units of drops after one month.

Because the physical constitution of these babies is not as good as that of full-term babies after birth, they need to supplement with cod liver oil even more.

3. After the baby is 2 years old, you can supplement according to the situation.

Because after the baby is 2 years old, complementary foods have been added for a while, and the baby can get a lot of nutrition from food. If the baby often goes out and basks in the sun, then the baby generally does not need any supplements.

If your baby has little outdoor activities, is picky about food, and his teeth have not yet grown, you can give him cod liver oil supplements until he is 3 years old.