Vitamin K After Birth: Protect Your Baby from a Preventable Bleeding Disorder

What is vitamin K? 

Vitamin K is a vitamin that helps blood clot. Clotting stops bleeding. Babies need vitamin K to stay safe from bleeding inside their body, especially in the brain. Babies don’t make enough vitamin K until they are about 6 months old. 

What is the vitamin K shot? 

The vitamin K shot is an injection (shot) given to babies right after birth using a needle. It helps protect them from a rare but dangerous bleeding problem in the first 6 months. This shot is a vitamin, not a vaccine. 

Why do babies need the vitamin K injection? 

Babies are born with very little vitamin K. Even healthy moms can’t give enough vitamin K to their baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Without the shot, babies are much more likely to have serious bleeding. The shot has been used safely for over 60 years. 

Is the vitamin K shot safe? 

Yes! The vitamin K shot is safe. At Children’s Minnesota, the shot is made from plants and has no harmful chemicals like mercury or aluminum. Your baby might feel a quick pinch or get a red spot, but it goes away fast. You can comfort your baby by holding or feeding them during the shot. 

Can my baby take vitamin K by mouth? 

Some countries use vitamin K drops, but they don’t work as well. Here’s why the shot is better: 

• The shot works faster and protects better. 
• The shot is only needed one time. Vitamin K can be given by liquid drops but takes many times for many weeks. 
• The shot is absorbed better by the baby’s body. 
• The shot is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drops are not. 

How can I help my baby feel better during the shot?  Hold your baby, feed them, or give them a pacifier during the shot to help with pain. 

Myths and Facts: 

• Myth: Babies don’t need vitamin K. Fact: Babies are born with low vitamin K. The shot saves lives. 
• Myth:  A gentle birth means less risk for serious bleeding from not enough vitamin K. Fact:  Bleeding from low vitamin K can happen to any baby, no matter how they were born. 
• Myth: The shot causes bad reactions. Fact: Serious side effects are very rare. The shot is safe and used all over the world. 
• Myth: Moms can add vitamin K to their diet and pass it to their baby. Fact: Even if moms add vitamin K to their diet through food or over the counter supplements, it will not reach the baby well. The shot is still needed. 

Questions? 

This information is not specific to your child but provides general recommendations. If you have questions, talk to your provider or care team. 

Reviewed 9/2025 

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