Multivitamins and iron

Babies usually build up stores of vitamins and iron during the last part of pregnancy. Vitamins are essential for growth and development and iron is important in the production of healthy blood cells.  If babies are born early (before 35 weeks gestation) or are very small (below 1800 grams) they do not have these stores. Although they can get vitamins and iron in the milk they drink, there is not enough to help them grow and be well. It is therefore important that they are given extra vitamins and iron.

Vitamins are given to babies once they are having milk feeds. Vitamins A, C and D are given together in a multivitamin drop. The dose stays the same as long as baby is getting the vitamins. (See the label for dose) The brand varies according to what is available and some brands also contain B vitamins.

Iron is started when baby is 6 weeks old. The dose you give depends on your baby’s weight. As your baby grows, the dose will increase. A dose of 0.2ml is given for each kilogram your baby weighs.

If your baby needs Iron but is discharged home before 6 weeks of age you will be given a letter for your GP with a date on which to start it. It is recommended that Iron be given until your baby is 9 months old (taken from the date at which he was due to have been born). Before stopping Iron your baby should be on a varied weaning diet. You can discuss this with your doctor or Health Visitor who will decide what is most appropriate for your baby

You should continue giving vitamins and iron until your child is eating a wide range of foods and is growing well. This usually happens at about 1 year of age. If your child is a poor eater, or does not have different foods, which include meat, fish, milk, eggs or cheese you should carry on giving the vitamins until she/he is 5 years of age. Discuss with your GP, health visitor or community pharmacist if you are not sure how long to continue.

Nursing staff will ensure that you are confident with giving these medicines to your baby and you will be given information on safe storage. You will be given a limited supply of medicines your baby needs when he leaves hospital and future supplies will be available from your GP.

How do I give my baby her/his medicines?

Use a dropper or syringe provided with the medicine.

When using the dropper, place the tip of the dropper on baby’s tongue and gently squeeze the rubber end so that all the medicine goes onto the tongue. If using a syringe, place the end of the syringe in the baby’s mouth between the cheek and gum. Slowly press the plunger of the syringe so that the medicine goes into the side of baby’s mouth. Be careful not to squirt it down the back of the throat as your baby may choke.

When do I give my baby his/her medicines?

It is best to give these medicines before baby has some milk or food. If it is not possible to do this or you forget, do not worry.

What if I miss a dose?

If a dose is missed, just give the normal dose at the usual time the next day. Do not double the next dose.

What if I give too much?

If too much is given, get in touch with your GP as soon as possible.

What are the side effects?

There are no harmful side effects to these medicines as long as the correct dose is given. Iron can make a baby’s stool very dark but this is normal. All medicines are sugar free.

How do I store my baby’s medicines?

All of these medicines should be kept in a cupboard that is cool and dry. They must be stored in a place that other children cannot get into.

How do I get further supplies?

You can get further supplies of these medicines free on prescription from your GP. Please allow at least a week to get further supplies.

What do I do with unwanted medicines?

If you have medicines that are no longer needed, take them to your local pharmacy. Do not give your baby’s medicines to any other person.

Special Medicines

Sometimes certain medicines have to be made up specially for your baby. The neonatal unit’s pharmacist will give you and your local community pharmacist information about these medicines.