Although I am certainly not an expert, I am in the other camp, and I am a big fan of supplements. I don't even eat perfectly yet, but I also agree that it is really hard to get everything you need from food consistently even if you do eat absolutely perfect.
I took my dear friend Lindsey, to New Leaf Market the other day. New Leaf Market is a great little co-op natural food store in my hometown. They can be a wee bit snotty, but overall it is amazing resource. I can even buy raw milk in the store!
Anyway, we went shopping together, because she was a little overwhelmed with the supplement choices and she wasn't sure what her 2 year old son needed, but she new he was lacking in some nutrients and wanted help.
So we went up and down the isles together and I showed her the brands I like and use for Penelope.
Here is what we got:
- Cod Liver Oil
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Multivitamin
- Probiotics
Here are the brands I like best for each supplement:
- Cod Live Oil: Green Pastures. They do not make chewables anymore, so I get the liquid and put it into Penelope's smoothies. If she doesn't have any smoothie on a given day, I give her a chewable version I get from Earth Fare. Nothing compares to Green Pastures, but if you can't afford it or can't get your child to take it in liquid form, a chewable version is fine. Or even better, slather it on their butt during one diaper change a day. The oil and nutrients get absorbed right through the skin!
- Vitamin D: Solaray makes a sugar free, flavored chewable tablet.
- Vitamin C: I like Hyland's best
- Multivitamin: I use Shaklee's Kids. Penelope loves them and they have no sugar or food coloring or yucky fillers. And I like supporting a mom who is running a network marketing business.
- Probiotics: Nature's Way makes a loose powder form which is great for slipping into smoothies or bottles of milk. Even a newborn should get probiotics. You can sprinkle some on your nipple before the baby latches on, or sprinkle some on their tongue.
I also use my intuition as a guide once I do my research. If I feel in my gut that she needs two things of vitamin C one day if a cold is coming on, or two things of Vitamin D if she is teething. I go with my gut. If I forget to give her everything one day, I take it as a sign from my higher self that she didn't need it.
What supplements do you give your child?
