Baby vitamins and starting solids the Spanish way

Key rules

• Vitamin D: Give 400 IU a day from the first days of life if you breastfeed, or if your formula-fed baby takes less than about a litre of fortified formula daily.
• Starting solids: Start complementary feeding at about 6 months, and never before 4 months.
• Allergenic foods: Egg, fish, peanut and gluten do not need to be delayed once you start solids.
• Honey: Avoid honey until 12 months.
• Whole nuts: Do not give whole nuts before 5 years.

Vitamin D: give it from the first days

Spanish pediatric guidance is to give your baby a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day, starting in the first days of life. This applies to all breastfed babies. It also applies to formula-fed babies who take less than about a litre of fortified formula a day, because they get less vitamin D from the formula.

Most babies keep taking it through the first year. In some higher-risk cases, pediatricians continue it to age 2. Your pediatrician sets the exact dose and how long to continue.

Other supplements

Vitamin K is given to newborns at birth in hospital, so you do not need to arrange it. Iron supplements are given only in specific cases, such as prematurity. Preterm babies may get different doses of vitamin D, set by the neonatologist. Follow their plan, not the general one above.

When to start solids

Breastfeed exclusively for about 6 months, and start complementary feeding (the first foods besides milk) at about 6 months. Never start before 4 months. Start earlier than 6 months only if your pediatrician advises it.

Purées or baby-led weaning

Both are accepted in Spain. You can offer traditional purées, baby-led weaning (your baby feeds itself soft finger foods), or a mix of the two. Whichever you choose, cut and cook food in safe shapes to reduce choking risk. Do not give vegetables or meat as large whole pieces.

Allergenic foods

You do not need to delay egg, fish, peanut or gluten. They can be introduced when complementary feeding starts.

What to avoid in the first year

• Honey: avoid until 12 months.
• Salt and sugar: do not add them to food.
• Cow's milk: do not give it as a main drink.

Whole nuts are not given before 5 years because of choking risk.

Your pediatrician may adapt this plan to your baby. Ask at your routine check-ups. The timeline, warnings and FAQ below cover the key points at a glance.

Timeline and deadlines

• Breastfeed exclusively: from birth to about 6 months

• Start complementary feeding, including allergenic foods such as egg, fish, peanut and gluten: at about 6 months

• Introduce honey: not until 12 months

• Introduce cow's milk as a main drink, and add salt or sugar to food: not during the first year

• Give whole nuts: not before 5 years

What to watch out for

• Missing the vitamin D supplement: A breastfed baby, or a formula-fed baby taking less than about a litre of fortified formula a day, needs 400 IU of vitamin D daily from the first days of life. Without it, the baby may not get enough. Ask your pediatrician for the dose at the first visit and keep giving it daily, usually through the first year.

• Preterm or at-risk babies: Preterm babies may need different vitamin D doses, and iron supplements are given in specific cases such as prematurity. Follow the dose the neonatologist or pediatrician sets and do not use the standard dose by default.

• Starting solids too early: Starting solids before 4 months is not recommended. Guidance is to start at about 6 months. Wait until about 6 months, and talk to your pediatrician first if you think your baby is ready sooner.

• Choking and unsafe foods: Large whole pieces of vegetables or meat and whole nuts can cause choking. Honey, salt, sugar and cow's milk as a main drink are not suitable in the first year. Cut or cook food into safe shapes, give no whole nuts before 5 years, and keep honey out until 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

Does my baby need vitamin D if I give formula?

Yes, a formula-fed baby needs 400 IU of vitamin D a day if they take less than about a litre of fortified formula daily. Above that amount, the formula usually covers it. Ask your pediatrician which case applies to your baby.

How long does my baby keep taking vitamin D?

Vitamin D is usually continued through the first year of life.

Do I have to delay egg, fish or peanut when starting solids?

No, you do not need to delay egg, fish, peanut or gluten once complementary feeding starts. They can be introduced from about 6 months along with other foods. Offer them in a safe texture for your baby.

Can I do baby-led weaning instead of purées?

Yes, Spanish guidance accepts baby-led weaning, purées or a mix of both, as long as food shapes are safe to avoid choking.