Infant vitamin D drops: who needs them, how much and how to give them
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- One-drop infant vitamin D3, 400 IU per drop. Best for: Breastfed or partly breastfed babies whose pediatrician recommends a one-drop product. See options on Amazon
- Infant vitamin D drops with a measured dropper. Best for: Parents who prefer a marked dropper dose. See options on Amazon
Do infants need vitamin D drops?
NIH explains that breast milk alone does not provide an infant with enough vitamin D. CDC recommends that breastfed and partially breastfed infants receive 400 IU of vitamin D daily, beginning in the first few days of life.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) adds that formula-fed babies have the same requirement: unless a baby is drinking 32 ounces of infant formula a day, a vitamin D supplement is needed. Older children who drink less than 32 ounces a day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk should also get 400 IU.
| Baby's feeding | Vitamin D drops? |
|---|---|
| Breastfed only | Yes, 400 IU daily from the first few days |
| Partly breastfed | Yes, 400 IU daily |
| Formula, under 32 oz a day | Yes, 400 IU daily |
| Formula, 32 oz or more a day | Usually not; ask your pediatrician |
One-drop vs dropper products
The AAP describes two kinds of liquid vitamin D for babies. Some provide the full 400 IU in one drop. Others provide 400 IU in a measured ½ or 1 mL dose, given with the dropper that comes with the product.
- One-drop products: a small volume; read the label for exactly how it should be given.
- Measured-dropper products: a larger volume; use only the dropper packaged with that bottle, filled to the marked line.
The two are not interchangeable. A dropperful of a one-drop product could be many times the dose, so never swap droppers or switch brands without rereading the directions.
How to give vitamin D drops to an infant
- Follow the label for where and how to give the dose.
- Give it once a day, at the same time, so you do not double up.
- If you miss a day, do not give two doses the next day.
- Keep a simple log if more than one caregiver gives drops.
- Store it out of reach. The AAP notes vitamin D supplements should be kept out of a child's reach, as with any supplement.
Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist to show you how to measure if you are unsure.
Why too much is a real risk
NIH lists upper limits for infants of 1,000 IU a day from birth to 6 months and 1,500 IU a day from 7 to 12 months, from all sources. A baby on 400 IU of drops is well within that, but measuring errors or adult products can exceed it quickly.
Never use an adult vitamin D product for a baby. Adult drops and softgels can contain far more vitamin D per drop or capsule. NIH notes that very high vitamin D levels can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion and other problems. If you think your baby got too much, call your pediatrician or Poison Control.
How long babies need vitamin D drops
The AAP guidance is tied to feeding, not a fixed date. Drops continue while a baby is breastfed or drinking less than 32 ounces a day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk. As your child's diet changes, ask your pediatrician when to stop or switch.
The AAP also notes that children with a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those on certain medicines or with chronic diseases like cystic fibrosis, may need higher doses, decided by their pediatrician.
For a breastfeeding parent's own supplements, see our postnatal vitamin guide. CDC says a parent who wants to give vitamin D through high-dose supplements instead of drops should discuss the risks and benefits with a health care provider.
How to choose infant vitamin D drops
- Check that it is made for infants and provides 400 IU per stated dose.
- Pick the format you can give reliably: one drop or a measured dropper.
- Keep it simple. Combination products add other ingredients your pediatrician may not want.
- Look at the full ingredient list for flavors, sweeteners or oils.
- FDA does not approve supplements for safety and effectiveness before sale, so follow your pediatrician's choice.
What to look for when you buy
One-drop infant vitamin D3, 400 IU per drop
Best for: Breastfed or partly breastfed babies whose pediatrician recommends a one-drop product
The AAP describes products where one drop equals 400 IU. The small volume is easy to give.
Watch out: Never measure it with a dropperful; one drop is the dose. Do not mix up with other vitamin D products.
See options on AmazonInfant vitamin D drops with a measured dropper
Best for: Parents who prefer a marked dropper dose
The AAP notes some products give 400 IU in a ½ or 1 mL measured dose using the dropper supplied with the bottle.
Watch out: Use only the packaged dropper, filled to the line. Flavored liquids may contain other ingredients.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do infants need vitamin D drops?
- Breastfed and partially breastfed babies do, at 400 IU a day from the first few days of life. Formula-fed babies drinking less than 32 ounces a day also need them.
- How do you give vitamin D drops to an infant?
- Follow the product label exactly; one-drop products differ from measured-dropper liquids. Give one dose a day and never double a missed dose.
- How long do infants need vitamin D drops?
- While they are breastfed or drinking less than 32 ounces a day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk. Ask your pediatrician when your child's diet changes.
- What do vitamin D drops do for infants?
- They supply vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium for growing bones. Breast milk alone does not provide enough.
Sources
- Vitamin D for Babies, Children and Adolescents (healthychildren.org), American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org
- Vitamin D (Breastfeeding special circumstances) (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Vitamin D: Fact Sheet for Consumers (ods.od.nih.gov), NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements (fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration