Breast milk is fantastic for your baby, but it might not have enough vitamin D. Without enough vitamin D, babies can develop rickets and growth issues [1].
Why do children lack vitamin D?
Breast milk originally provided all necessary nutrients, including vitamin D, in times when people spent more time outdoors. Today, we spend most of our time indoors, often covered with clothes, and many live in areas with insufficient sunlight. This means babies need additional sources of vitamin D [2].
How to give vitamin D to a baby
Researchers debate whether vitamin D should be given directly to the baby or through increasing the mother's intake [4]. An infant under one year old needs at least 1200 IU of vitamin D per day [2]. Since breast milk or formula alone is usually not enough, babies should get vitamin D supplements—400 IU per day [3].
How to administer vitamin D
You can give liquid vitamin D by dropping it behind the baby's cheek when they're relaxed, applying it to your nipple before nursing, or adding it to a bottle of milk.
Do formula-fed babies need vitamin D supplements?
It depends on the formula. Most formulas are enriched with vitamin D, but you may need to calculate the total intake. Once a baby consumes 1 liter of formula per day, additional supplements are typically unnecessary. Babies on a mixed diet of formula and breast milk should still receive 400 IU per day [3].
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