Shortly after birth, most infants will need an additional source of vitamin D. To avoid developing a vitamin D deficiency, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfed and partially breastfed infants be supplemented with 400 IU per day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life.
“Infants should get vitamin D drops starting in the first few days of life,” Dr. Liermann says. “It's especially important in breastfed babies because they get minimal, if any, vitamin D from breast milk.” Infant formula contains vitamin D, but it's not enough for younger babies.
Continue giving your baby vitamin D until you wean your baby and he or she drinks 32 ounces (about 1 liter) a day of vitamin D-fortified formula or, after age 12 months, whole cow's milk.
Your child's doctor might ask you to supplement your breastfed baby's diet with vitamin D drops. These drops can help protect your child against rickets and sure up their bone health. In addition to the drops, you can ensure your child is getting enough vitamin D by getting enough vitamin D yourself.
Children need vitamin D for bone growth and development. So do babies developing in the womb. Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium. Serious vitamin D deficiency in children can cause rickets, delayed motor development, muscle weakness, aches and pains, and fractures.
Healthline Parenthood's list of the best vitamin D supplements for babies
- Nordic Naturals Baby's Vitamin D3. SHOP NOW AT Amazon.
- Carlson's Baby's Super Daily D3. SHOP NOW AT Amazon.
- Zarbee's Naturals Baby Vitamin D. SHOP NOW AT Amazon.
- Mommy's Bliss Baby Vitamin D Organic Drops.
- UpSpring Baby Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops.
give the right dose.Some brands of liquid vitamin D give the dose in “mL” (for example, 400 IU = 1 mL), while others give the dose in drops (for example, 400 IU = 1 drop).
For partially breastfed infants or formula-fed infants who do not drink 1 liter of formula each day, the doctor may prescribe a much smaller dose. Too much vitamin D can cause nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, joint pain, confusion, and fatigue.
Take vitamin D by mouth as directed. Vitamin D is best absorbed when taken after a meal but may be taken with or without food. Alfacalcidol is usually taken with food.
Babies can't safely get the vitamin D they need from the sun. Their skin is very sensitive and should not be exposed to direct sunlight, particularly between 10am and 4pm from September to April.
Most of us are able make vitamin D in the summer sunlight but living and working indoors and using sun creams makes this less likely. Babies are also kept in the shade to protect them from sunburn.
Conclusion: Newborn vitamin D levels were significantly lower in jaundiced cases compared with those in the nonjaundiced healthy groups, which may reveal an association between indirect hyperbilirubinemia and serum vitamin D levels.
Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get at least the RDA of 600 IU. However, 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D from a supplement is generally safe, should help people achieve an adequate blood level of vitamin D, and may have additional health benefits.
Too much vitamin D can cause a number of side effects including nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, muscle and joint aches, constipation and frequent urination.
Does my breastfed baby need vitamin D drops? Yes. Although breast milk generally provides excellent nutrition for your baby, it doesn't contain the amount of vitamin D needed for healthy bones and growth.
