Does my infant need a vitamin D drip?

When creating your toddler’s shopping list, vitamin D drops deserve to be at the top of your list.

Vitamin D is extremely important for your baby’s bone health and development, among other benefits. However, many infants, especially those who are breastfed (chest-feeding), do not get enough vitamin D unless they take some kind of supplement.

But meeting your baby’s vitamin D needs is easy enough, explains pediatrician Dr. Kylie Lierman. Here’s what you need to know:

Why is vitamin D important for babies?

Bones give the body structure. And given the wear and tear it puts on our bodies, its structure needs to be strong. Bone mass built during childhood will serve you throughout your life.

So what happens if your child isn’t getting enough vitamin D? Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets. Rickets is a disease that causes bones to become soft, warped, bent, and broken.

“Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and use it to form and strengthen bones and teeth,” says Dr. Lealman. “With a lack of vitamin D, children are more susceptible to bone fractures and growth problems.”

But bone health isn’t the only benefit vitamin D has for tiny bodies. Infants also need vitamin D to promote brain development and immune system. “Vitamin D is required for so many functions,” says Dr. Lealman.

Do all babies need IV vitamin D?

All babies should take vitamin D during the first few days and weeks of life. Subsequent needs depend on how (or how long) your baby is feeding.

Breastfed infants need additional vitamin D. Why? Despite breast milk’s many health benefits, research shows it is deficient in vitamin D, explains Dr. Lehman.

“Babies get minimal, if any, vitamin D from breast milk,” she says.

Powdered milk, on the other hand, is fortified with vitamin D. If your baby is drinking enough, they can get all the vitamin D they need from formula. The goal is 32 ounces of formula per day.

“However, newborns typically do not receive enough formula to receive the recommended daily amount of vitamin D,” Dr. Lierman continues. “Vitamin D supplements will be needed until they are getting enough formula.”

It often takes several months for a baby to be able to drink 32 ounces of formula per day, but the timing varies for each child. (Learn more about feeding your newborn during the first year of life.)

How common is vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is considered a global health problem, with approximately 1 billion people suffering from vitamin D deficiency. This is a number that affects people of all ages and races.

When it comes to children, the available data on vitamin D deficiency is surprising. Studies show that in the United States, 50% of children ages 1 to 5 and 70% of children ages 6 to 11 are vitamin D deficient.

Infants and young children may not be able to communicate their feelings, so deficiencies are often difficult to detect. Fatigue and muscle pain are common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

Your health care provider may test your baby’s vitamin D levels if your child has the following symptoms:

• Frequent illnesses and infections.
• Poor growth.
• Frequent fractures.

Baby’s daily vitamin D intake

The answer to this may seem confusing and complicated, but don’t worry. Manufacturers make it easy to give your baby the right amount of vitamin D.

Let’s start with a concrete explanation. According to various organizations and organizations (including the American Academy of Pediatrics), children need 400 IU of vitamin D every day for the first year of life.

But given that most people aren’t familiar with IU as a unit of measurement, that number probably means little to you. (IU stands for “international unit” and is used in pharmacy. It doesn’t translate well to measuring spoons in your kitchen drawer.)

Here’s the good news. Infant vitamin D supplements typically contain this amount per serving. Just fill it up to the recommended line and give it to your baby!

However, keep in mind that the instructions for achieving that goal vary from brand to brand.

“Some supplements contain 400 IU in one drop, and others contain 400 IU in one dropper,” says Dr. Liermann. “So please follow the dosage carefully.”

How to give vitamin D drops to your baby

There are options for how to give vitamin D drops to your baby.

The most obvious method is to administer it directly into your child’s mouth using the included dropper. Aim for the inside of your baby’s cheek, not the back of the throat. Choose a time when your baby is calm and relaxed, such as during a bath.

You can also:

• Mix vitamin D drops and expressed breast milk in a bottle. (It can also be added to infant formula if the amount is low.)
• Apply drops directly to the nipple before breastfeeding. This is most effective when the dosage is more concentrated and only requires 1-2 drops.

Always use the dropper that comes with your vitamin drops and follow the instructions on the package.

When can my baby stop taking vitamin D drops?

Dr. Lierman says breastfed babies usually need vitamin D infusions until they start drinking fortified whole milk daily. It is usually after one year of age. (It is recommended that the infant not drink cow’s milk or non-dairy milk substitutes until her first birthday.)

As mentioned earlier, infants who drink at least 32 ounces of fortified milk each day do not need vitamin D supplementation.

As your child grows older and starts eating solid foods, adding foods like yogurt, cereal, and eggs to their plate will ensure they’re getting enough vitamin D. Don’t forget to include a glass of fortified milk.

Can babies get vitamin D from sunlight?

It’s true that our bodies produce vitamin D when we are exposed to the sun. However, exposing young children to sunlight is not the best way to get them vitamin D.

“Babies should avoid sunlight as much as possible because UV rays from the sun are harmful to skin at any age,” says Dr. Lealman. “It’s better to take supplements than risk skin damage from the sun.”

final thoughts

Vitamin D drops provide an easy solution to meeting your baby’s vitamin D needs. Please think of it as an essential item for your child’s health.

“There’s no need to wait to see if your baby shows symptoms of vitamin D deficiency,” advises Dr. Lierman. “Supplement with vitamin D regularly to prevent deficiency. If you have any concerns about your baby’s health, talk to your pediatrician.”