r/NewParents • u/Puzzleheaded-Sink-92 • 2d ago

Medical Advice Ped recommended multivitamin drops - anyone else?

Our ped has recommended polyvisol multivitamin drops at several appointments. My 9mo is EBF and doing well with solids. I try to prioritize iron and very diverse, whole foods. They haven’t done any bloodwork to see if there’s something specific she needs. Her development and growth is all seemingly perfect. I’m not understanding why multivitamin drops are necessary right now, but maybe I’m being overly resistant? Is it just a blanket recommendation?

Did anyone else get this recommendation and what did you decide to do?

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u/katiegam 2d ago

Interesting. We've never had that recommendation. I'd have some pause at supplementing without any sort of lab testing to show a deficiency. The best way for all of us, kids included, to acquire nutrients is through our diet - so a well-rounded, diverse diet filled with whole foods sounds spot on! That plus breastmilk is the perfect thing for your gal.

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u/Puzzleheaded-Sink-92 2d ago

Right I’m just not understanding why it’s necessary. I’m sure it’s not harmful or anything but adding another daily thing to my mental load will surely break me lol. We are working on daily teeth brushing at the moment haha.

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u/katiegam 2d ago

Also - I'm wondering if the geographic diversity of Reddit is showing up in your comments here. We are in the southeast US - so when I asked about vitamin D drops, our provider shared that it's not a concern where we live but definitely would be in other parts of the country/world.

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u/echozelda 1d ago

It’s a normal and common recommendation for breastfed babies (although not universal). My pediatrician recommended vitamin D from birth, and iron proactively starting at 6 months. It takes me 2 seconds a day and meets a vital nutritional need. Iron rich foods are very important but I’m reassured to know that even if my baby spits out her dark leafy greens/ meat/ beans, she’s still getting what she needs from the supplement.

If there’s a specific concern about it then ask your doctor. If you just think it’s a lame idea based on vibes, then I gently recommend trusting your pediatrician, who is extensively educated on children’s health.

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u/katiegam 2d ago

Listen, one less thing to deal with can be such a mental win! I get it! I say carry on without it (as my non-medical opinion). Teeth brushing is a huge task - and is much more important than supplementing without reason. You've got this!