Vitamins and Fluoride
Breastmilk provides the best nutrients for your baby. However, it is likely that your precious jewel will need some additional vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus and also support his/her immune system. If you breastfeed or partially breastfeed your baby, you should give your baby 400 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D by mouth per day. You should also give this supplement if your baby receives less than 32 oz of Vitamin D-fortified formula in a day.
Flouride provides your child with excellent protection from cavities. Upon the eruption of his/her first tooth, you should subsequently brush the teeth with "half a pea-size" smear of flouridated toothpaste. You may increase that amount to a "pea-sized" smear at 3 years of age. At the 6 month well child visit, ask your provider if they recommend that a flouride varnish be applied to your child's teeth after they erupt.
If or when you start your young child on supplemental formula, you may use city tap water to mix with the formula for this is already supplemented with flouride. If you use well water for your drinking water, please check with your county health department** to have your well water tested and then consult with your pediatrician or family physician to assure that your child is getting the right amount of flouride.
**or check out the My Water's Flouride website.
