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While breast milk or infant formula both provide essential nutrition during the first year of life, it may not provide enough of everything your baby needs— like vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements for infants can help your baby get enough of this fat-soluble vitamin to keep their stores up, bones healthy, and immune system strong.*
In a 2020 research study, only 1 in 4 infants met the vitamin D intake recommendations of 400 IU (or 10 mcg) per day.1 Breast milk does not have enough vitamin D to support your baby’s bone growth, and while infant formulas must include Vitamin D, some infants might not be consuming enough to meet the AAP recommendation of 400 IU daily. Whether you exclusively breastfeed, feed your baby a combination of breast milk and formula, or use only formula, your doctor may recommend supplementing with daily vitamin D drops.
As with anything you give your baby, you want to be sure vitamin D for babies are safe, effective and satisfies any preferences you have as a parent. We researched some of the top infant vitamin D drops available so you can make an informed decision that works for you and your baby.
Milk Drunk’s top picks for infant vitamin D drops
- Bobbie Organic Vitamin D Drops for Babies
- Carlson Labs Baby’s Super Daily® D3
- Childlife Essentials Vitamin D Drops
- Baby DDrops
- Enfamil Vitamin D Drops
- Mary Ruth’s Infant & Toddler Vitamin D3 Organic Liquid Drops
- Mommy’s Bliss Baby Vitamin D Organic Drops
- Nature’s Nutra Sunshine Vitamin D3
- Nordic’s Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 Liquid
- Wellements Vitamin D Drops
- Zarbee’s Baby Vitamin D
What are vitamin D baby drops?
To make sure your baby gets enough vitamin D, you can use liquid vitamin D drops formulated specifically for infants. These drops include vitamin D3, an easily absorbable and active form of vitamin D, and a carrier oil that can be mixed with your baby’s formula, breastmilk, or dropped directly into your baby’s mouth. Some brands may include additives, preservatives, flavors, or colors as well.
Shop Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
Bobbie Organic Infant Formula is a USDA Organic, EU-style infant formula that meets all FDA requirements. It is a complete nutrition milk-based powder modeled after breast milk and is easy on tummies. It is non-GMO and doesn't have corn syrup, palm oil, or maltodextrin. Learn more about Bobbie.
Do babies need vitamin D drops?
Vitamin D drops can help meet the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation that all infants receive 400 IU of vitamin D daily, starting within the first week of life.2 Meeting these recommendations can help your baby absorb minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are critical for strong bones and teeth and support the development of a strong immune system.3,4
Infants under 6 months rely on breastmilk or infant formula to meet all of their nutrition needs, and most US infants are not meeting the AAP recommended amount of Vitamin D.5 Even after your baby begins to explore new foods, around 6 months, they’ll most likely still need a supplement, since only 10% of babies 6-12 months are getting 400 IU or more of vitamin D each day.5 While sunlight can help naturally increase vitamin D stores in the body, taking your baby into direct sunlight isn’t recommended, so vitamin D drops can help your baby safely get the nutrients they need.6
Best Vitamin D Drops for Babies
Bobbie Organic Vitamin D Drops for Babies
Pros:
USDA Organic
Non-GMO (Ingredients not genetically modified)
Vegan
No artificial flavors, colors
In-line dropper, no external dropper
Does not include Polysorbate 80 or citric acid
Simplicity— three ingredients only— everything your baby needs, nothing that they don’t
Only product on the market with a 3-drop dose (each serving 400 IU of vitamin D)
Clean Label Certified and granted the Pesticide Free Award
Cons:
Currently only available online
Carlson Labs Baby’s Super Daily® D3
Pros:
Non-GMO
Vegetarian-friendly
Each drop has 400 IU of vitamin D
Only two ingredients: Vitamin D3 and MCT oil
Unflavored
Cons:
Not organic
Childlife Essentials Vitamin D Drops
Pros:
Organic/Non-GMO
A 6 drop dose has 400 IU vitamin D, which helps limit overdosing
Cons:
Includes flavoring
Watered down
Not vegan or vegetarian
Baby DDrops
Pros:
Organic/Non-GMO
Vegetarian
Only two ingredients: Vitamin D3 and MCT oil
Flavorless
Cons:
Only 60 servings in one bottle, less than many competitors
Enfamil Vitamin D Drops
Pros:
Includes 400 IU vitamin D in a 1mL dropper to limit overdosing
Cons:
Not organic
Watered down
Flavored
Includes additives like polysorbate 80 and sodium citrate
Not vegan or vegetarian
Mary Ruth’s Infant & Toddler Vitamin D3 Organic Liquid Drops
Pros:
Organic/Non-GMO
Vegan
Only two ingredients: Vitamin D3 and olive oil
Includes 400 IU vitamin D in a 5 drop serving
Unflavored
Cons:
Most expensive per serving
Mommy’s Bliss Baby Vitamin D Organic Drops
Pros:
Organic
NSF-Certified for purity and potency
Only two ingredients: Vitamin D3 and MCT oil
Cons:
Not vegetarian friendly
Nature’s Nutra Sunshine Vitamin D3
Pros:
Organic/Non-GMO
Kosher
Only two ingredients: Vitamin D3 and olive oil
Includes 400 IU vitamin D in a 1mL dropper to limit overdosing
Cons:
Not vegetarian
Nordic’s Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 Liquid
Pros:
Non-GMO
Vegetarian
Only two ingredients: Vitamin D3 and olive oil
Unflavored
One serving is 0.25 mL, or approximately 5 drops, which limits risk of overdosing
Cons:
Not Organic
Wellements Vitamin D Drops
Pros:
Organic/Non-GMO
Includes three ingredients: Vitamin D3, MCT oil, and olive oil
Unflavored
Cons:
Not vegetarian
Zarbee’s Baby Vitamin D
Pros:
Only two ingredients: Vitamin D3 and MCT oil
One serving is 0.25 mL from a syringe, which limits risk of overdosing
Unflavored
Cons:
Not organic
Not vegetarian
How to give vitamin D drops to babies
Most infant vitamin D drops can be added to your baby’s formula or breast milk if given by bottle or sippy cup. You can also use a dropper and place the drops directly into your baby’s mouth or inside of their cheek. While many drops allow either of these methods, be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions and speak to your pediatrician before giving your baby any supplement.
Do formula-fed babies need vitamin D drops?
While it’s recommended for all breastfed babies and babies who receive a combination of breastmilk and infant formula to take supplemental vitamin D, some babies who receive formula exclusively need them as well.2
You may need to give your baby vitamin D drops if they drink less than 32 ounces of most vitamin D-fortified formula each day. If your baby uses a formula, like Bobbie Organic Infant Formula, that includes 75 IU of vitamin D3 per 100kcal, you’ll need supplemental vitamin D only if your baby is drinking less than 27 ounces daily.
Vitamin D drops baby benefits
Infant vitamin D drops are an easy and convenient way to help your baby meet their vitamin D needs. According to the AAP, adequate vitamin D is necessary for:7
- Bone mineralization and development*
- A well-functioning and developed immune system*
Baby vitamin D drops
While breast milk and infant formula contain most of the nutrients your baby needs for proper growth and development, your baby may not be consuming enough based on their daily intake. Supplementing with vitamin D drops can help your baby meet the AAP recommended amount of 400 IU, or 10 mcg, of vitamin D each day.
Shop Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
Bobbie Organic Infant Formula is a USDA Organic, EU-style infant formula that meets all FDA requirements. It is a complete nutrition milk-based powder modeled after breast milk and is easy on tummies. It is non-GMO and doesn't have corn syrup, palm oil, or maltodextrin. Learn more about Bobbie.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References:
- Vitamin D: a critical and essential micronutrient for human health | Frontiers in Physiology
- Optimizing bone health in children and adolescents | Pediatrics.
- An update on childhood bone health: mineral accrual, assessment and treatment | Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity
- Vitamin D regulation of the immune system and its implications for COVID-19: A mini review | SAGE Open Medicine
- Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee | U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Summer Sun, Heat & Air Quality: Tips to Keep Kids Safe | American Academy of Pediatrics
- Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents | Pediatrics
