The 7 Best Vitamin D Drops for Infants in 2023
As a new parent, of course, you’re always looking out for the health and well-being of your newborn babies. One essential nutrient that your little one needs is vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin!
This vitamin plays a crucial role in their development. It helps in building strong bones as well as supporting their immune system. While breast milk is an excellent source of nutrients, it may not provide enough vitamin D.
This is why supplementing with vitamin D drops is recommended.
But which vitamin D drops are the best? The choices available may seem overwhelming, but don’t fret! This article is to guide you through the process. From what things to consider when choosing vitamin D drops to our top picks!
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Quick Guide: Top 3 Best Vitamin D Drops for Infants
Don’t have time to read the whole article? No worries – I get that you’re a busy mom who doesn’t have the luxury of reading a whole article! I’ve included the top 3 best vitamin D drops right here so you can “add to cart” and go about your day!
Wellements Certified Organic Vitamin D Drops
Wellements Certified Organic Vitamin D Drops are our pick for the best Vitamin D drops for infants!
Just 1 drop provides the recommended daily dose of 400IU of vitamin D for breastfed babies. It’s also easy to use without having to deal with syringes or droppers.
Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3
Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 is a great choice for your baby’s vitamin D supplement. This option provides 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D3 per drop. This brand is also the official baby’s Vitamin D of the American Pregnancy Association!
Baby Ddrops
Baby Ddrops are another popular choice for vitamin D supplements. This product features 400 IU of vitamin D3 per drop and is made from cholecalciferol, which is naturally found in fish, salmon, and eggs. It is also a vegetarian product and suitable for “lacto-ovo” vegetarian use.
Importance of Vitamin D for Infants
So let’s understand the role of vitamin D in your baby’s overall health. Vitamin D has a big impact on bone health, immune function, and brain development.
Bone Health
Vitamin D plays a significant role in your baby’s bone development. It promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. These two essential minerals are responsible for building strong bones and teeth. This is particularly important during infancy, as your baby’s bones are rapidly growing.
Ensuring your child has enough vitamin D levels helps prevent potential bone problems in the future, such as rickets.
Immune Function
Another crucial aspect of vitamin D is its ability to support your infant’s immune system. This nutrient helps protect your baby from various infections and illnesses.
Brain Development
Vitamin D is also essential for your baby’s brain development. Research suggests that adequate vitamin D levels during infancy contribute to better cognitive and behavioral outcomes later in life.
By providing your baby with the right amount of vitamin D, you’re fostering a healthy and optimal foundation for neural and psychological development.
To sum up, providing your infant with sufficient vitamin D is vital for their bone health, immune function, and brain development. Make sure to consult with your pediatrician about the appropriate dosage and supplement options to ensure your child gets the recommended amount of this essential nutrient.
Recommended Vitamin D Intake for Infants
American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants receive 400 IU of vitamin D daily until the age of one to promote healthy growth and bone development. After your baby’s first birthday, their vitamin D requirement increases to 600 IU daily.
Breastfed and Formula-Fed Infants
For breastfed babies, the AAP advises giving vitamin D supplements since breast milk typically doesn’t provide enough of the nutrient. In the case of formula-fed infants, they generally receive enough vitamin D from infant formula as it’s fortified with the required amount. However, if your baby is consuming less than 32 ounces of vitamin D-fortified formula per day, you may still need to give them additional vitamin D supplementation.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Vitamin D Drops
When choosing the best liquid vitamin D supplementation for your infant, there are several factors to consider. These factors include:
- quality and purity of ingredients
- recommended dosage
- ease of administration,
- taste and flavor
- cost
Quality and purity of ingredients
It’s important to ensure that the vitamin D drops you select are made from high-quality and pure ingredients. Look for products that have been tested and certified for safety and efficacy.
Be cautious of any additives, artificial colors, or preservatives. These may cause adverse reactions in your baby.
Recommended dosage
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vitamin D drops for all breastfed infants, as well as formula-fed infants who drink less than 32 ounces of formula daily.
Make sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the drops’ manufacturer. Consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider to ensure your baby is receiving an adequate amount of vitamin D.
Ease of administration
Administering vitamin D drops to your baby should be as easy and stress-free as possible. Look for products with droppers or dispensers that are easy to use and allow for accurate dosing.
This will help you consistently provide the correct dose of vitamin D to your baby without hassle. You also want to make sure you can add the liquid form of vitamin D to baby’s bottle, other food, or directly into the baby’s mouth.
Taste and flavor
While the taste and flavor of vitamin D drops may not be your top priority, they can play a role in your baby’s willingness to take the supplement.
Some infants may be more accepting of certain flavors, making it easier for you to incorporate the drops into their daily routine. Consider trying different flavor options if your baby is particularly sensitive to taste.
Cost
Finally, cost is a consideration when choosing the best vitamin D drops for your infant. Prices can vary depending on the brand and size of the supplement. Be sure to shop around for the best price available!
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting the best vitamin D drops for your infant. Always consult with your pediatrician before starting any new supplement regimen.
Best Vitamin D Drops for Infants
After taking all the different factors into account, here are our top picks for the best Vitamin D drops for infants.
1. Wellements Certified Organic Vitamin D Drops
Wellements Certified Organic Vitamin D Drops are our pick for the best Vitamin D drops for infants! Just 1 drop provides the recommended daily dose of 400IU of vitamin D for breastfed babies. It’s also easy to use without having to deal with syringes or droppers.
To use, you tip the glass bottle upside down 2-3 times before removing the cap. Then, remove the cap, hold the bottle upside down, and wait for one drop. Immediately turn the bottle upright after one drop is dispensed.
The manufacturer recommends placing one drop of Wellements Organic Vitamin D drops onto the nipple or pacifier, or mix with milk, juice, or food. They do not recommend putting the drop directly into baby’s mouth.
Wellements Certified Organic Vitamin D Drops only contain 2 ingredients: vitamin D3 and organic extra virgin olive oil. Thus, these drops are free of gluten, the top 8 allergens, artificial flavors, artificial colors, and parabens.
Pros
Cons
2. Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3
Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 is a great choice for your baby’s vitamin D supplement. This option provides 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D3 per drop. This brand is also the official baby’s Vitamin D of the American Pregnancy Association!
The only other ingredient in Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 is organic extra virgin olive oil, which is a carrier oil. Thus, it contains no coloring or flavoring.
One thing to note is that each bottle contains 365 drops – which SHOULD last an entire year. However, the manufacturer has stated that the bottle should be used within 90 days, even if there are drops left. If a user is using the bottle after 90 days, the olive oil has likely coagulated on the bottom, making the drops less effective.
Pros
Cons
3. Baby Ddrops
Baby Ddrops are another popular choice for vitamin D supplements. This product features 400 IU of vitamin D3 per drop and is made from cholecalciferol, which is naturally found in fish, salmon, and eggs. It is also a vegetarian product and suitable for “lacto-ovo” vegetarian use.
Baby Ddrops use fractionated coconut oil as a carrier. This helps baby absorb the vitamin D and also makes the drops flavorless and odorless.
Pros
Cons
4. Mary Ruth’s Infant & Toddler Vitamin D3 Organic Liquid Drops
Mary Ruth’s Infant & Toddler Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops are a great option if you don’t prefer brands that need only one drop. These drops provide the daily recommended amount of Vitamin IU in 3-5 drops.
These vegan-friendly drops provide the same kind of vitamin D that the body naturally produces. Unlike most D3 supplements sourced from lanolin, which is derived from lamb’s wool, these drops are made from non-GMO, vegan lichen.
Mary Ruth’s Vitamin D3 Drops contain 10 mcg (400 IU) of vitamin D3 per serving (3 drops) or 16.7 mcg (668 IU) per serving (5 drops). The only other ingredient is organic olive oil.
Designed specifically for infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years, the easy-to-take liquid drops can be administered directly into your child’s mouth or added to their food or drink. Infants aged 6 months to 1 year can take up to 3 drops daily, while toddlers aged 1 to 3 years can take up to 5 drops daily.
MaryRuth’s Vitamin D Drops cater to various lifestyles, as they are non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, nut-free, soy-free, corn-free, and sugar-free.
Pros
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5. Mommy’s Bliss Baby Vitamin D Organic Drops
Mommy’s Bliss Organic Baby Vitamin D drops are a convenient and reliable solution for ensuring your baby gets the recommended daily intake of vitamin D. These drops make it easy to provide the necessary dose with just one drop as it contains 400 IU.
Using the drops is simple, as you can administer one drop onto your nipple, or a pacifier, or mix it with formula, breast milk, or other foods.
These drops are also non-GMO, free of the top 8 allergens, and contain no artificial colors or flavors.
Pros
Cons
6. Zarbee’s Vitamin D Drops for Infants
Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Vitamin D Supplement is a great option for infants 0 months and up. This supplement provides the recommended amount of vitamin D daily.
And it’s easy to use! A syringe is included and claims to provide easy and accurate dosing. You can give the vitamin D directly into baby’s mouth or mix it with food or drink.
Zarbee’s is inspired by nature and has only two ingredients: vitamin D3 and medium-chain triglycerides. Thus, these drops are free from drugs, alcohol, artificial flavors or sweeteners, dyes, and gluten.
Unlike the other vitamin D options in this list, Zarbee’s requires a higher volume of liquid for the recommended dose. This can mean that your baby may spit out some. Also, the syringe is cumbersome to use as it needs to be cleaned after each use. And the drops are pretty oily!
Pros
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7. Enfamil Vitamin D Supplement Drops for Infants
Enfamil Vitamin D Supplement Drops for Infants contain the daily recommended value of vitamin D for breastfed infants 0 months and up. They do not contain artificial colors or flavors and are gluten-free.
These drops come with an easy-to-use dropper bottle that has a bulb squeezer on the top. To give these drops, you’ll shake the bottle well, fill the dropper to the 1 mL line and dispense directly into baby’s mouth or mix with other foods.
Pros
Cons
As you can see, there are many options for vitamin D drops for infants! If your baby cannot tolerate one, definitely try another brand!
Make sure to consult with your pediatrician before starting any new supplement, and remember to keep the daily recommended dose in mind, which is 400 IU of vitamin D for infants, whether they are exclusively breastfed or consume a combination of breast milk and fortified formula.
Vitamin D Sources and Sun Exposure
Natural Vitamin D Sources
Naturally occurring sources of vitamin D include:
- Fatty and oily fish (e.g., salmon, tuna)
- Beef liver
- Egg yolks
- Certain types of mushrooms (e.g., maitake, shiitake)
Once your baby starts eating solid foods, they can obtain vitamin D from these sources as well as fortified foods such as:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
Sun Exposure
Sunlight is an excellent natural source of vitamin D. Your baby’s skin can produce this essential nutrient when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
However, it’s important to strike the right balance between ensuring adequate sun exposure and protecting your baby’s sensitive skin. Sunburn can occur quickly, so be cautious about your baby’s time in the sun. It’s typically best to limit their direct sunlight exposure to less than 15 minutes per day.
Consider dressing your baby in protective clothing whenever they are exposed to the sun.
Sunscreen Use
Using sunscreen is essential to protect your baby’s delicate skin from harmful UV rays. But it’s important to note that this can also inhibit the skin’s production of vitamin D.
From using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater, even minimal amounts of sun exposure can be sufficient for adequate vitamin D synthesis for fair-skinned children.
However, if your baby has darker skin, they may require slightly longer sun exposure to produce the same levels of vitamin D.
Always consult your pediatrician for specific recommendations regarding sun exposure and vitamin D levels for your baby.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that your baby is receiving sufficient levels of vitamin D to support their overall health and development, while also protecting their skin from potential damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin D Drops in Infants
Choosing the Best Vitamin D Drops for Your Infant
Vitamin D is essential in supporting your baby’s bone health and promoting a healthy immune system.
In your search for the best vitamin D drops for your infant, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and quality. Also consider factors, such as ease of administration and cost.
Remember to follow the recommended dosage and instructions. Consult with your pediatrician before starting a vitamin D supplement for your baby as they can provide specific recommendations based on your child’s needs.
Rest assured that you’re making an important investment in your baby’s future by providing them with the nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong!
