Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Infant Care

Vitamin D for Children

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Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a significant role in helping children grow and stay healthy. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is needed to build strong bones and teeth. Without enough vitamin D, children can develop weak or soft bones, including a condition called rickets. Vitamin D also supports muscle function and overall health from infancy through the teen years.

Quick answer: Babies under 12 months need 400 IU of vitamin D daily and older children and teens need 600 IU. Since breast milk and diet alone often fall short, supplements are sometimes needed. More is not always better, so follow your pediatrician’s guidance.

Why do children need vitamin D?

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium to build strong bones and teeth, and it supports muscle function and overall health. Without enough, children can develop weak or soft bones, including rickets. It remains important throughout childhood and adolescence.

How much vitamin D do children need?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies younger than 12 months need 400 IU of vitamin D daily, while toddlers, older children, and teens need 600 IU each day. Breast milk alone usually does not provide enough vitamin D, so it is recommended to give breastfed babies a supplement shortly after birth. Babies who drink at least 32 ounces of vitamin D-fortified formula each day do not need extra, but those drinking less may still need supplementation.

How can children get enough vitamin D?

Children get vitamin D from a combination of food, supplements, and sunlight. Food sources include fatty fish, egg yolks, shiitake mushrooms, milk, and some cereals and juices. Sunlight also helps the body make vitamin D, but the amount depends on skin tone, sunscreen use, clothing, weather, season, and time outdoors. Because excessive sun exposure can damage skin, babies younger than six months should be kept out of direct sunlight, and older children should continue practicing sun safety.

Why does vitamin D matter for teens?

Teens experience rapid growth and bone development during puberty, but many do not get enough vitamin D. Spending more time indoors, using sunscreen regularly, or drinking less fortified milk can lower levels. Teens who are deficient may feel fatigue, muscle weakness, or bone discomfort. Encourage a well-balanced diet and a daily supplement if recommended by the pediatrician.

Can a child get too much vitamin D?

While vitamin D is needed, more is not always better. Taking excessive amounts of supplements can lead to problems such as kidney stones or other complications. Always follow dosing instructions and talk with your pediatrician before starting supplements beyond the recommended amounts. Remember that many foods and multivitamins already contain vitamin D, so consider the total amount your child receives each day.

Frequently asked questions

How much vitamin D do children need?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies younger than 12 months need 400 IU of vitamin D daily, while toddlers, older children, and teens need 600 IU each day.

Do breastfed babies need a vitamin D supplement?

Breast milk alone usually does not provide enough vitamin D, so it is recommended to give breastfed babies a vitamin D supplement shortly after birth. Partially breastfed babies may also need supplementation.

How can children get enough vitamin D?

Children get vitamin D from a combination of food, supplements, and sunlight. Food sources include fatty fish, egg yolks, shiitake mushrooms, milk, and some fortified cereals and juices. Because few foods naturally contain it, supplements are sometimes needed.

Can a child get too much vitamin D?

Yes. More is not always better. Taking excessive amounts can lead to problems such as kidney stones, so always follow dosing instructions and talk with your pediatrician before starting supplements beyond the recommended amounts.

If you have questions about whether your child is getting enough vitamin D or whether supplementation may be appropriate, please call our office. Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways.

Flying with Children: What Parents Should Know

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Traveling by plane with children can feel overwhelming, especially the first time. Between packing, navigating the airport, and keeping your child comfortable, there is a lot to think about. The good news is that with a little preparation and the right expectations, flying with kids can be smooth and even enjoyable.

Quick answer: Flying with children goes more smoothly when you understand safety recommendations, plan ahead, and set realistic expectations. Use an FAA-approved car seat when possible, ease ear pressure with swallowing, pack extra clothes and comfort items, and choose a window seat.

When is it safe for a baby to fly?

Air travel is generally allowed once a newborn is at least a week old, but it is recommended to wait until your baby is closer to two or three months old if possible. This helps reduce exposure to infections in crowded places like airports and airplanes. For older babies and children, flying is typically safe, but it is still important to consider your child’s overall health and comfort before traveling.

How can I keep my child safe during the flight?

Although children under age two are often allowed to sit on a parent’s lap, the safest option is for your child to have their own seat secured in an FAA-approved car seat or safety restraint. Turbulence is the leading cause of injuries to children on airplanes, and holding a child in your arms may not provide enough protection during sudden movements. A properly installed car seat that fits your child’s size and weight offers the best protection and can help them feel more secure.

How do I plan ahead for flying with kids?

Dress your child in layers since airplane temperatures vary, and pack extra clothes in case of spills or leaks. If traveling with a baby, you can bring breast milk, formula, or water for mixing formula through airport security in reasonable quantities, but be prepared to let security know. Bring familiar comfort items, snacks, and quiet activities. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, letting kids consume age-appropriate, high-quality media in moderation is not harmful, but balance screen time with screen-free activities too.

How can I ease ear pain during takeoff and landing?

Takeoff and landing can be uncomfortable due to changes in air pressure and can even cause ear pain. Breastfeeding or offering a bottle or pacifier helps ease pressure by encouraging swallowing. For older children, drinking water or chewing can have a similar effect.

What is the best airplane seat for families?

Window seats are often recommended for families with young children, as they keep little ones farther from aisle traffic, food carts, and potential spills from hot drinks. If you are using a car seat, a window seat is typically the safest and most practical option. Remember that travel does not have to be perfect. Staying calm and patient helps children feel less overwhelmed, since they often pick up on their parents’ emotions.

Frequently asked questions

When is it safe for a baby to fly?

Air travel is generally allowed once a newborn is at least a week old, but it is best to wait until your baby is closer to two or three months old if possible, to reduce exposure to infections in crowded places.

What is the safest way for a child to fly?

The safest option is for your child to have their own seat secured in an FAA-approved car seat or safety restraint. Turbulence is the leading cause of injuries to children on airplanes, and holding a child in your arms may not provide enough protection.

How can I ease my child’s ear pain during takeoff and landing?

Breastfeeding or offering a bottle or pacifier encourages swallowing, which helps ease pressure. For older children, drinking water or chewing can have a similar effect.

What is the best airplane seat for families?

Window seats are often recommended for young children, keeping them farther from aisle traffic, food carts, and potential spills. If you are using a car seat, a window seat is typically the safest and most practical option.

If you have questions about traveling with your child, including safety concerns or health considerations, please call our office. Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways.

Common Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Overcome Them

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Breastfeeding is one of the most natural ways to feed and bond with your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. After that, you can start supplementing with solids while breastfeeding for the remainder of your child’s first year, or longer as desired by you and your baby. Breast milk delivers all the nutrients and hydration your baby needs, strengthens their immune system, supports development, and deepens the parent-baby connection. However, even though breastfeeding is natural, there can still be some challenges. Fortunately, many of the common challenges have solutions, especially when addressed early.

Getting the Latch Right for Breastfeeding
An improper latch is one of the most common causes of discomfort while nursing. A good latch ensures your baby gets enough milk and prevents nipple pain. Signs of a proper latch include feeling pressure without sharp pain, your baby’s mouth covering a wide area of the areola (not just the nipple), and their chin pressing into your breast with their nose close by. If latching feels uncomfortable or painful, gently break the suction with your finger and try again. Using a C-hold (four fingers under your breast and thumb on top) can make the nipple more accessible. Touch your baby’s lower lip with your nipple and then bring their chin toward your breast to encourage a full latch. 

Sore Nipples, Discomfort, and Mastitis
Mild tenderness is common in the early days, but ongoing or severe pain is not. Soreness may be due to latch issues, chapped skin, tongue-tie, or infection. Expressing a few drops of milk after feeding and letting it air dry can soothe irritation. If pain persists or if you notice swelling, redness, or flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Sometimes, pain could be due to mastitis, an infection often caused by poor breast drainage. Mastitis requires prompt treatment, which may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, rest, and frequent nursing. Cold compresses can also ease discomfort.

Dealing with Engorgement
Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full, making them hard, swollen, and painful. It’s more common in the early days after milk comes in or if feedings are delayed. Left untreated, engorgement can lead to clogged ducts or mastitis. To relieve it, nurse more often and start on the fuller side. Gently massage toward the nipple during feeds, use warm compresses beforehand to stimulate milk flow, and apply cold packs afterward to reduce swelling.

Managing Clogged Milk Ducts
Clogged ducts happen when milk flow is blocked, often creating a tender lump. This can result from skipping feedings, poor drainage, tight clothing, or not varying feeding positions. To clear a clog, continue nursing or pumping on the affected side, use warm compresses, massage the area gently, and change positions to help drain all parts of the breast. A warm shower before feeding can also help. If you develop a fever or the pain worsens, see your healthcare provider. Untreated clogs can lead to infections.

Low Milk Supply and Baby’s Intake
Many parents worry about whether their baby is getting enough milk. Signs your baby is getting enough intake include six or more wet diapers per day after the first week, frequent swallowing during feeds, contentment afterward, and steady weight gain. If you suspect your supply is low, it’s best to speak with your pediatrician. We can check your baby’s weight and suggest ways to boost supply, such as more frequent nursing, ensuring a proper latch, and avoiding unnecessary supplementation unless medically advised. While breastfeeding can have its hurdles, most families can work through them successfully with the right guidance and support. If you run into challenges, please contact our office. We provide breastfeeding support and lactation services to help you and your baby every step of the way.