All babies need vitamin D. It helps their bodies use calcium to build and maintain strong, healthy bones and teeth.  If a baby does not get enough vitamin D, they are at risk of getting rickets. Rickets is a disease in which the bones do not grow properly.

When your baby is breastfeeding or receiving any breastmilk, they need a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10 mcg), up to 24 months of age. After 24 months, 500 mL (2 cups) of whole milk a day will help meet your baby’s vitamin D needs.

Use a liquid vitamin D supplement that does not contain other vitamins. The label of vitamin D drops will say either “vitamin D” or “vitamin D3”. You can buy vitamin D drops at drugstores or at stores that have a pharmacy.  Follow the instructions on the box to measure the 400 IU (10 mcg) of vitamin D. You can put the vitamin D directly into your baby’s mouth unless the box instructions tell you to give it to them another way.

If your baby is not breastfeeding or receiving breastmilk, they do not need a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is added to infant formula by the companies that make it.

Can a breastfeeding person take a vitamin D supplement instead of giving it to their baby?

• No. It is recommended that the person breastfeeding takes a multivitamin containing folic acid every day. Even when that multivitamin also contains vitamin D, the breastmilk will not have enough vitamin D to meet the baby’s needs. It is important to give breastfeeding babies their own daily vitamin D supplement.