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- All newborns should get a vitamin K shot immediately after delivery to protect them from developing vitamin K deficiency bleeding.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly recommended this since 1961 to prevent life-threatening bleeding in babies.
- Babies without enough vitamin K can develop bleeding into their intestines or brain before their parents know anything is wrong. This can lead to brain damage or death.
- Babies who do not receive vitamin K at birth are 81 times more likely to develop bleeding, which can occur up to 6 months after birth.
- Vitamin K injections are safe and give babies the vitamin K they need until they can start getting it from solid food and making it themselves.
- Vitamin K by mouth doesn't work well to prevent deficiency. A vitamin K shot is the safest and best option for all newborns.
- Breastfeeding does not provide enough vitamin K to prevent deficiency.
For more information, see the AAP Policy Statement on Vitamin K and the Newborn Infant.