There has been a significant increase in the understanding of baby nutrition in Nepal. Parents are now more informed about health and the importance of getting the right vitamins from the very early stage of childhood. Proper vitamins are essential for babies' healthy growth, a boosted immunity system, and healthy bone development. While a balanced diet is a factor for limited food, which creates nutrient gaps, vitamins and supplements are commonly recommended for babies. With proper guidance from professionals, parents select safe and age-appropriate vitamins and supplements for babies.
Breast milk is often known as liquid gold due to the balance between antibodies, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to support growth and protect from illness. So breast milk is essential for babies in the early months. Infant formula ensures the baby receives vitamins that are not met by breastfeeding or are not enough vitamins. In some cases, babies require additional supplements to make up for growth that isn't being met by the mother's milk. Babies are often advised to take vitamin D for babies with limited sunlight exposure and babies living in colder or urban areas. WHO and the Nepal Pediatric Society have recommended that supplements should not be replaced with milk but used for filling nutritional gaps like low iron, weight and other medical conditions.
Ensure babies receive the right vitamins and nutrients for overall growth and development. Here are some of the most important nutrients for babies:
· Vitamin D: much needed for the development of bone formation and boosting the immune system. Babies with limited sun exposure rely on vitamin D drops to prevent rickets and support skeletal development.
· Iron: essential for forming healthy red blood cells and brain development. Babies with low iron can lead to delays in development and may cause anemia, making iron supplements important for babies.
· Vitamin A: It protects babies from different infections and maintains good vision as a baby. Support eye health and strengthen the immune system.
· Calcium: essential vitamins for bone development and better dental health. With the required calcium intake, rapid growth and development.
· Omega-3: It is a brain food that supports learning, memory, and clear vision from birth. It is key to developing the brain along with eye growth.
Asking a pediatrician is the safest when it comes to your child's health. Every baby has different nutritional needs, and a doctor can help you determine which vitamin or supplement is best for your baby and what quantity the baby needs.
Always check for DDA-approved baby supplements, which ensure safety and quality testing. Avoid products without DDA approval, as they may contain harmful chemicals or ingredients and incorrect dosages.
Select supplements that are specially formulated for babies, have no artificial color, and have no added sugar. The best baby vitamins are those that are recommended by health care, which are safe and age-appropriate.
Choosing safe supplements that protect babies' health and support growth is key for every parent. Parents have several buying options in Nepal; it's important to buy vitamins or supplements from a trusted source. Platforms like Daraz and SastoDeal and KidsPasal provide trusted, safe and quality vitamin products for babies. Before buying products, parents should check expiry dates and DDA approval.
Giving babies the right vitamins and supplements helps to close nutritional gaps, promote healthy growth, and strengthen immunity. Parents should take guidance from healthcare, doctors or any expert to select safe, DAA-approved products. Weather products are bought from trusted stores, pharmacy and online stores; the motive is to start a healthy and bright future.