Updates to copy, information, sourcing, formatting, headlines, plus new medical review.

What is vitamin K and what does it do?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin the body uses to clot the blood and stop bleeding.

newborns and vitamin k injections, newborn baby with bandaid on leg after shot

Unlike other fat-soluble vitamins, very little vitamin K is carried in the blood.

Most is quickly metabolized by the body and excreted.

Getting a vitamin K shot in the hours after birth is the best way to prevent VKDB in babies.

newborns and vitamin k injections, newborn baby with bandaid on leg after shot

When should vitamin K be given to newborns?

All newborns receive a vitamin K shot within the first six hours of birth.

Dont wait to see if your baby needs a vitamin K injection.

newborns and vitamin k injections, newborn baby with bandaid on leg after shot

How much vitamin K is given to newborns?

About 0.5 to 1 milligram of vitamin K is administered in one of your babys thighs.

Do vitamin K shots have any side effects?

newborns and vitamin k injections, newborn baby with bandaid on leg after shot

Know that the vitamin K shot and all of its ingredients are safe.

A vitamin K shot is the most effective way to prevent VKDB.

Rest assured that the vitamin K shot is safe.

newborns and vitamin k injections, newborn baby with bandaid on leg after shot

KEY TAKEAWAYSYour newborn will undergo a number of screeningsin the hours after hes born.

And this quick shot is the surest way to protect your little one from a serious but preventable condition.

Your newborn will undergo a number of screeningsin the hours after hes born.

Back to Top

During this time, all babies are at higher risk of VKDB.

Often, there are no noticeable symptoms.

And this quick shot is the surest way to protect your little one from a serious but preventable condition.

quote symbol

Trending On What to Expect

Trending On What to Expect

The COVID-19 Vaccine for Infants, Toddlers and Young Children

The COVID-19 Vaccine for Infants, Toddlers and Young Children

The COVID-19 Vaccine for Infants, Toddlers and Young Children

How to Create a Night Shift System When You Have a Newborn

How to Create a Night Shift System When You Have a Newborn

When Do Babies Start Laughing?

When Do Babies Start Laughing?

Baby-Led Weaning

Baby-Led Weaning

What Happens in the ‘4th Trimester’ (and Is It a Real Thing)?

What Happens in the ‘4th Trimester’ (and Is It a Real Thing)?

newborns and vitamin k injections, newborn baby with bandaid on leg after shot

newborns and vitamin k injections, newborn baby with bandaid on leg after shot

newborns and vitamin k injections, newborn baby with bandaid on leg after shot

The COVID-19 Vaccine for Infants, Toddlers and Young Children

The COVID-19 Vaccine for Infants, Toddlers and Young Children

How to Create a Night Shift System When You Have a Newborn

How to Create a Night Shift System When You Have a Newborn

When Do Babies Start Laughing?

When Do Babies Start Laughing?

Baby-Led Weaning

Baby-Led Weaning

What Happens in the ‘4th Trimester’ (and Is It a Real Thing)?

What Happens in the ‘4th Trimester’ (and Is It a Real Thing)?