As a new mom, you have a lot on your plate – from sleepless nights to endless diaper changes. But there’s one thing that might not be on your radar just yet: the importance of vitamin D for your little one. It’s not uncommon for this topic to slip through the cracks until after your baby is born, and you find yourself sitting in the pediatrician’s office, hearing about the benefits of vitamin D supplements.
But don’t worry, because today we’re going to dive into everything you need to know to find the best baby vitamin D drops – from what they are and why they matter, to how to choose the best option for your baby. So, let’s get ready to shine some light on this essential nutrient and keep your baby healthy and happy.
- Does your baby need vitamin D Drops?
- How Much Does Your Baby Need?
- Top 5 best baby vitamin D drops
Table of Contents
Image | Product | |||
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Our Top Pick | Our Top Pick | Nordic Naturals
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| View on Amazon |
Best Price | Best Price | Nature's Truth
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| View on Amazon |
Best Organic | Best Organic | Wellments
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| View on Amazon |
Mary Ruth Organics
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| View on Amazon | ||
Pink Stork
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| View on Amazon |
5 Best Baby Vitamin D Drops
These are, without a doubt, my favorite baby vitamin D drops. I like them each for different reasons.
- Nordic Naturals Baby Vitamin D Drops
- Nature’s Truth Vitamin D Drops for Infants
- Wellements Organic Vitamin D Drops
- Mary Ruth’s Infant and Toddler Vitamin D3 Organic Liquid Drops
- Pink Stork Baby Liquid Vitamin D Drops for Infants
Does Your Baby Need Vitamin D Drops?
Vitamin D is a critical nutrient that aids in building strong bones and preventing rickets in babies. When children do not have enough vitamin D, their bones may soften, leading to a condition called rickets. Additionally, vitamin D assists in absorbing calcium and phosphorus from foods, making it vital in maintaining healthy bone density as they develop.
Vitamin D is often thought of as the sunshine vitamin. Most adults and children get a large amount of vitamin D from sun exposure. However, the AAP recommends decreasing sun exposure with infants under 6 months of age, by keeping them out of direct sunlight. Children should continue to protect their skin with clothing and sunscreen as they age. So supplementation is often needed as children are unable to get the recommended vitamin D from sun exposure.
Supplementing with vitamin D is particularly crucial for breastfed infants as they are more likely to be deficient in this nutrient than formula-fed infants. Since formula is usually fortified with vitamin D, extra supplementation may not be necessary in such cases.
While it is possible to increase vitamin D levels in breastmilk by using large vitamin D supplements, it is not clear whether it is safe practice for mothers. Therefore, it is recommended that infants be supplemented with vitamin D as required.
How much Vitamin D Do Babies Need?
Vitamin supplementation can start shortly after birth. The AAP recommends babies younger than 12 months old need 400 IU of vitamin D each day. Toddlers, older children, and adolescents need 600 IU of vitamin D each day.
Formula is fortified with vitamin D, but depending on how much your baby is eating will determine if that is a sufficient form of supplementation. Check your formula to determine your specific needs, however, if your baby is not eating at least 32 ounces of infant formula per day a supplement may be needed.
How to Make Sure Your Child is Getting Enough Vitamin D
- Start supplementing 400 IU a day of vitamin D in the first few days of life
- Any infants or toddlers consuming less than 32 oz per day of a vitamin D fortified formula or milk should supplement with 400 IU of vitamin D per day.
- If you child has chronic diseases that increase risk of vitamin D deficiency speak with your pediatrician.
What are the Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency in Babies?
- Delayed growth
- Delayed motor skills
- Pain in the spine, pelvis and legs
- Muscle weakness
- Bow legs
- Knock knees
- Seizures (related to low calcium)
- Muscle cramps (related to low calcium)
How Do I Choose the Best Vitamin D Drops for Babies?
If you feel lost when it comes to finding the right vitamin D drops here are some key things to keep in mind when you are purchasing a supplement for your baby.
- Ingredients: When it comes to infants its important to find something that has few added ingredients. Especially artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives. Your infant doesn’t need any of those ingredients and they can actually be harmful.
- Cost: Affordability is always an important factor for each family or individual. If cost is a factor speak with your pediatrician. Some may be able to provide you with coupons or free samples. Also speak with your insurance provider to see if they can cover the cost of vitamin D supplements.
- Dosage: No matter which supplement you choose make sure that it contains 400 IU of vitamin D3 in one serving dose or 600 IU if your child is over 12 mo. old.
Top 5 Best Baby Vitamin D Drops
Best Choice: Nordic Naturals
This is my top choice for many reasons. It contains the recommended dosage, is free of unnecessary ingredients, and has been 3rd party tested. It is simple and just what your baby needs at an affordable price.
Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400IU, organic extra virgin olive oil
Cost: $13.56 (365 servings per container)
Best Price: Nature’s Truth
Free from allergens such as gluten, wheat, yeast, milk, lactose, soy. Free of artificial color, flavor, sweeteners, and preservatives. Contains medium chain triglycerides to support immune function by reducing fungus such as candida that can cause infection and help sooth and treat skin infections. It can also help break down bacteria and virus walls. Also there is enough in one bottle to last a whole year!
Ingredients; Vitamin D3 400IU, medium chain Triglycerides, sunflower seed oil
Cost: $7.49 (365 servings per container)
Best Organic: Wellements
Wellements is certified USDA organic, in a glass bottle, no artificial colorants, flavors, or preservatives. Free from allergens and paraben free. Containing also Medium chain triglyceride oils to promote baby’s immunity.
Ingredients: Vitamin D3 400IU, organic extra virgin olive oil, palm medium chain triglyceride oil
Cost: $11.99 (90 servings per container)
Mary Ruth’s Organics
This is another great USDA certified organic option with simple ingredients to meet your baby’s needs.
Ingredients: Vitamin D 400 IU, organic olive oil
Cost: $14.84 (90 servings per container)
Pink Stork
Pink story is third party tested for safety, and safe natural ingredients. Produced by a women’s owned and women’s run business by moms who know what you need. Who are not only aware of the right ingredients but also conscious of the price for parents.
Ingredients: Vitamin D 3 400IU, Organic sunflower oil
Cost: 9.99 (60 doses per container)
How Do I Give my Baby Vitamin D Drops?
You have options when it comes to giving your baby vitamin D drops. It depends on what works best for you and your baby.
- Shake the bottle by flipping up and down 3-5 times.
- Mix a drop into their formula or a bottle of breastmilk.
- For toddlers mix in a drop into their drink or food
- You can also place a drop on the nipple of a bottle or pacifier.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, your new little one is so precious to you. It’s easy to overlook the need for vitamin D supplements in your baby’s first few months with so many other things going on. It’s important to understand its significance in promoting healthy growth and development. By choosing the right baby vitamin D drops and administering them correctly, you can ensure your little one is getting the nutrients to develop and grow to reach optimal health. So, whether you’re a “first timer” or a “seasoned pro,” lets make giving those drops a part of your daily routine!
Jess is a registered nurse with over 6+ years of critical care experience for patients young and old and is the mother of two small children. After having her own children she felt inspired to provide mothers with real actionable guidance and education to make informed decisions throughout their pregnancy and postpartum experience.
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