Key takeaways: The AAP recommends 400 IU of vitamin D daily for breastfed and partially breastfed babies, starting in the first few days of life. Formula-fed babies who drink less than about 32 ounces (1 liter) of formula a day also need a supplement. Use the dropper that comes with the product. Some breastfeeding parents take high-dose vitamin D instead, under medical guidance.
Vitamin D helps build strong bones and prevents rickets. Breast milk is wonderful but usually low in vitamin D.
Who Needs Vitamin D Drops?
According to the AAP:
- Breastfed and partially breastfed babies: 400 IU a day, starting in the first few days, until they get enough from formula or fortified foods.
- Formula-fed babies taking less than about 1 liter (about 32 ounces) of formula a day.
- Preterm babies may need different doses; follow your doctor’s advice.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book walks you through feeding month by month, from the first days home to the first birthday, with the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor.
Why Babies Need It
Sunlight helps the body make vitamin D, but babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun, and sunscreen blocks vitamin D production.
How to Give Drops
- Use the dropper or measuring tool that comes with the product. Products vary in concentration.
- Some products are 1 drop (400 IU in a single drop): place it on the nipple before feeding or on a clean finger.
- Others require 1 mL: squirt slowly into the cheek.
- Don’t double doses.
The FDA has warned that using the wrong dropper can cause overdoses.
Maternal Supplementation
A randomized trial by Hollis and colleagues found that breastfeeding mothers taking 6,400 IU of vitamin D daily provided enough vitamin D through breast milk. This is an option to discuss with your doctor, since it’s higher than standard doses. The AAP’s standard recommendation remains direct infant supplementation.
Too Much Vitamin D
Excess vitamin D can be harmful. Follow dosing instructions and don’t combine products without asking.
The Bottom Line
Give breastfed babies 400 IU of vitamin D daily, starting in the first few days. Use the right dropper and ask your doctor about options.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Anemia in Babies
- Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen for Babies: Safety Basics
- How to Give Medicine to a Baby
- Switching to Whole Milk at 12 Months
Sources
- Wagner CL, Greer FR; Section on Breastfeeding; Committee on Nutrition. Prevention of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2008;122(5):1142-1152.
- Hollis BW, Wagner CL, Howard CR, et al. Maternal versus infant vitamin D supplementation during lactation: a randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics. 2015;136(4):625-634.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Liquid vitamin D supplements for infants: use the right dropper. https://www.fda.gov
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
