When is the Best Time to Start Giving Fish Oil Supplements to Babies?

Generally, after a child is born, fish liver oil is needed for calcium supplementation, and the timing of fish liver oil supplementation is an issue that parents need to pay attention to. So, when is it appropriate to start giving fish liver oil to babies? Generally speaking, fish liver oil supplementation should be based on the child's condition. If fish liver oil supplementation is not necessary, it is not recommended to give large amounts of fish liver oil to the child, as this may lead to unnecessary problems. Therefore, in addition to paying attention to the considerations for fish liver oil supplementation, it is also important to master the dosage and contraindications.

1. Timing of Fish Liver Oil Supplementation

Generally, from 3-4 weeks after birth, babies can start taking concentrated fish liver oil. Start with one drop per day and gradually increase, but do not exceed 5 drops. For premature babies, twins, and newborns with digestive disorders, fish liver oil should be added starting from the 2nd week after birth, with a maximum of 5-7 drops per day, which can be reduced to 3-5 drops per day after one month. At the same time, an appropriate amount of calcium supplements can be taken, not exceeding 0.5 grams per day.

2. Attention to Dosage of Fish Liver Oil

During the process of taking fish liver oil, it is necessary to observe the child's stool. If there are signs of indigestion, the dosage of fish liver oil should be reduced appropriately and gradually increased after the child adapts and the stool becomes normal. Additionally, as the baby grows older and more complementary foods are added, some foods contain abundant vitamins A and D, so the dosage of fish liver oil should be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, some fortified baby foods also contain vitamins A and D. Mothers should carefully read the instructions when choosing these foods to avoid excessive intake.

3. Timing to Stop Fish Liver Oil Supplementation

Under normal circumstances, children no longer need to take fish liver oil after two years of age. The main reason for giving fish liver oil to children is for calcium supplementation, which supports their growth and development. Additionally, it helps prevent rickets due to calcium deficiency. Children under two years of age have very rapid growth and development, and they require a large amount of various nutrients. This period is crucial for bone development. If calcium intake is insufficient, it can have a negative impact on bone development, leading to severe conditions such as rickets.