5 Min Read

Vitamin D for Baby

vitamin d for baby

When it comes to your baby's health and development, one of the most vital nutrients is vitamin D.

Finding the right vitamin D for baby products plays a critical role in helping your little one. It builds strong bones, develops a robust immune system, and avoids deficiencies that could lead to serious conditions like rickets.

As per our expertise, vitamin D supplements, particularly vitamin D drops for children, are an easy and effective way to ensure your infant gets the nutrients they need. This is especially beneficial in regions like Canada where sunlight exposure can be limited for much of the year.

In this article, we at Vitamart will explore why vitamin D is important for babies.

From knowing if your infant is at risk of deficiency to giving them the right dosage of kids vitamin D, we'll help you ensure that your child gets the nutrition they need right from the start.

Let's dive into everything you need to know!

What this article covers:

Why Is Vitamin D Important for Babies?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), vitamin D is vital for babies because it helps their bodies absorb calcium and phosphorus. These two minerals are critical for building strong bones and teeth.

Without enough vitamin D, infants are at risk for conditions like rickets, which can lead to soft, weak bones and developmental delays.

Our findings show that vitamin D also supports a healthy immune system, helping babies fight off infections and grow healthily.

newborn vitamin d

In Canada, where winters are long and sunlight exposure can be scarce, getting enough vitamin D from the sun alone can be challenging. That's why supplementation is often recommended, especially for children with this particular deficiency.

The Government of Canada advises that breastfed babies receive a daily amount of 400 IU or 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D supplements, as breast milk alone may not provide sufficient amounts.

Additionally, we suggest selecting products free from unnecessary additives and designed to meet these crucial needs for your little one's optimal well being.

Do All Babies Need Vitamin D Drops?

Many babies do require vitamin D kids drops, especially in Canada where sunlight is minimal during the colder winter months.

Additionally, breastfed babies need vitamin D due to a higher concern of vitamin D deficiency. This is due to the fact that breast milk alone doesn't provide enough of this essential nutrient for them.

Formula-fed babies typically receive sufficient vitamin D from fortified formulas. However, if a baby is consuming less than 500ml or 32 ounces of formula daily, a supplement may still be necessary to meet their needs.

We suggest feeding liquid vitamin D every day to breastfed infants. This can support healthy bone development and prevent deficiencies and other ailments from a young age.

Consulting your doctor will ensure your baby gets the best form of vitamin D for absorption along with the right amount of vitamin D based on their early nutritional needs.

kids vitamin d

How Do I Know If My Baby Is at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency?

Through our practical knowledge, we understand that certain groups of babies are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency, including:

  • breastfed infants who aren't supplemented with vitamin D
  • babies with darker skin tones, as melanin reduces the body's ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight
  • babies born prematurely, who may not have developed sufficient vitamin D stores in the womb
  • infants living in northern regions like Canada, where sunlight is minimal, especially in the winter months

If you're concerned about your baby's vitamin D levels, we advise consulting with a medical practitioner for a personalised recommendation.

How Much Vitamin D Should My Baby Receive?

Breastfed infants between the ages of 0-12 months should receive at least 400 IU of vitamin D per day, which is roughly 10 mcg.

After trying out this product, we found that newborn vitamin D options can typically achieve this. This is because they're easy to administer using a specialised dropper, ensuring your baby consistently gets the right dose.

How To Give Your Baby Vitamin D Drops

Administering a vitamin D supplement for children is simple and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Most drops come with a dropper that allows you to measure the correct dosage.

You can place the drops directly into your baby's mouth toward the cheek. Alternatively, you can mix them into your baby's food or bottle if they're already eating solids.

It's important to follow the instructions provided by your paediatrician or the manufacturer to ensure your baby is receiving the right amount of vitamin D.

vitamin d for infants

When Can Babies Stop Getting Vitamin D Drops?

Most babies should continue receiving vitamin D drops until they're drinking at least 32 ounces of fortified formula daily or consuming sufficient amounts of vitamin D through their diet.

For exclusively breastfed babies, supplementation may continue until they transition to solid foods that contain vitamin D. This also includes fortified milks or dairy products, which is strongly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It's vital to consult your doctor to determine the right time to stop supplements for your baby.

Vitamin D for Infants FAQs

Should Pregnant Women Take Vitamin D Supplements?

If you're pregnant and wondering, “Should I take vitamin D in the summer and other seasons of the year?”, the answer is yes.

Pregnant women should take vitamin D supplements year-round (roughly 10 mcg a day). This ensures they have adequate levels for themselves and their developing baby's bone and immune health.

While sunlight can help the body produce vitamin D, it may not be enough, especially in regions with limited sun exposure, like northern Canada.

Based on our observations, maintaining sufficient vitamin D reserves during pregnancy with reliable vitamin D for women supplements can support your baby's overall development while reducing the potential risk of complications during labour.

If I'm Breastfeeding And Eat Foods Rich In Vitamin D, Do I Still Need To Give My Baby A Supplement?

Even if you're eating foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, fortified milk, or egg yolks, it's unlikely that your baby will receive enough vitamin D through breast milk alone.

That's why we recommend continuing vitamin D supplements for your baby while breastfeeding.

newborn vitamin d

Conclusion

In this article, we revealed how vitamin D can help with your baby's development by ensuring strong bones, a healthy immune system, and the prevention of rickets.

At Vitamart, we're here to provide you with the best vitamin D baby options for your infant.

So, make the right choice for your baby's wellness and browse our selection of high-quality, affordable vitamin D and vitamin D3 supplements today!

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:

Related Articles