Basically, the baby has been getting enough nutrition from breast milk. Breast milk itself has complete nutritional content for baby's growth and development, ranging from protein, fat, carbohydrates, and calcium. But when the baby enters the age of 6 months, the baby needs additional nutrition to support its growth and development. One of the nutrients it needs is vitamins.

Here are some vitamins and their functions that are important for baby development:

One of the vitamins that should not be absent during the baby's development and growth is vitamin A. An important function of vitamin A is to support the development of vision function and baby's skin health. Not only that, the function of vitamin A also plays an important role in boosting the immune system and accelerating the growth process of the baby's bones and tissues. Giving vitamin A to infants must also be adjusted to the age of the baby. This is intended to prevent the toxic effects of vitamin A. Generally, for infants under 1 year of age, the recommended dose of vitamin A per day is 400 mcg.

There are many types of B vitamins. However, one of the vitamins that plays an important role for baby's growth and development is vitamin B9 (folic acid). Folate is a B vitamin that plays a role in increasing the production of red blood cells and accelerating cell growth, maintaining healthy muscles and nerves, and strengthening the immune system, especially in infants. Usually, babies under 1 year old need around 65-80 mcg of folate per day.

The function of vitamin C is no less important to accompany the growth and development of the Little One. Vitamin C plays a role in the formation and repair of red blood cells, bones, and body tissues. In addition, vitamin C also functions to maintain healthy gums and boost the little one's immune system. Babies under 1 year old usually require a minimum intake of vitamin C of 40-50 mcg.

Another vitamin that has an important function for the baby's body is vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a role in helping the body absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones and teeth of the little one. Vitamin D deficiency in infants will result in bone disorders, such as rickets. Generally, babies under 1 year need 8.5-10 mcg of vitamin D per day.

This one vitamin is also important for baby's health. The function of vitamin E in infants is as an antioxidant that can support cell growth and development of nerve tissue and brain. This vitamin is recommended to be given as much as 4-5 mg per day.

Vitamin K plays an important role in the blood clotting process. Without vitamin K, even small wounds can continue to bleed, making it difficult to heal. To meet the needs of vitamin K, every baby born will usually be given an injection of vitamin K. The need for vitamin K for each baby is different. Usually babies under 1 year need vitamin K intake of about 2 – 2.5 mcg.

Generally, vitamins can be divided into two types, namely water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. When consuming water-soluble vitamins, the body will not store excess vitamins in the body, but will excrete it through urine. Water-soluble vitamins are vitamins B and C.

Meanwhile, vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body for a long time. Therefore, consuming too much of this type of vitamin will result in a buildup of vitamins in the body, which can harm the baby.

As explained above, babies start to need additional nutrition when they enter the age of 6 months. After that age, babies can begin to be introduced to semi-solid foods. At this time, the baby can also get vitamins from semi-solid foods that you give. When the baby can be given complementary foods to breast milk, doctors usually do not recommend giving vitamin supplements for babies.

However, vitamin supplements may be needed in babies who were born prematurely, were born with a low birth weight, or had a small size in the womb. In addition, babies who have chronic problems that affect their appetite are also advised to be given vitamin supplements. Just make sure you consult with your pediatrician before deciding to give your baby vitamin supplements.

Better understanding the function of vitamins and when babies need supplements, allows parents to better understand how to support their baby's growth and development.