Final answer:
Vitamin K is given to babies to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) by helping their blood clot properly and preventing excessive bleeding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vitamin K is administered to babies shortly after birth to prevent a rare but serious bleeding disorder called vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). This disorder can occur due to low levels of vitamin K in a mother's breast milk and the baby's immature liver, which makes it difficult for them to produce enough clotting factors. By giving vitamin K to babies, it helps their blood clot properly and prevents excessive bleeding.