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Vitamin D is essential for babies as it helps build strong bones and improve the immune system. In cases where babies have a deficiency of this vitamin, providing them with the best baby vitamin D drops could meet this need. Vitamin D also helps prevent certain conditions, such as rickets, deformed bones, and eczema. Offering the right supplements in the right amounts could help your baby obtain adequate Vitamin D for their optimum health.
Tok-Hui Yeap, a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in pediatric nutrition, says, “Consult your child’s pediatrician to confirm whether vitamin D drops are necessary. All breastfeeding infants need to be supplemented with 400 IU of vitamin D daily. If an infant receives a minimum of 32oz of formula, then vitamin D drops may not be required.”
Keep scrolling as we have listed some tried-and-tested vitamin D drops for babies you can choose from. Also, read the buying guide to make an informed decision before buying these supplements for your baby.
Top Picks
9 Best Vitamin D Drops For Babies
1. Best For Babies Up To 12 Months: Culturelle Baby Immune + Digestive Probiotic & Vitamin D Drops
Culturelle vitamin D drops help support the immune system and promote good health. These tried-and-tested vitamin D drops contain probiotics that support your baby’s gut health. It is a trusted choice for promoting better nutrient absorption in the child’s body and is safe for everyday use. You can use it for babies up to 12 months. It contains clinically-tested probiotics LGG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and BB-12.
Pros
- Helps strengthen bones
- Non-GMO and recommended by AAP
- Safe and gentle for baby
- Free of dairy, soy, gluten, artificial dyes, and colors
Cons
- Consistency may not be as expected
- May have a peculiar taste
"These vitamin drops helped in enhancing my infant's digestion. It also includes vitamin D, so I don't have to give it to him separately. Its dropper, though convenient, poses a learning curve. Still, their effectiveness has made me stick to it."
Do remember2. Best For Newborns And Infants: Mommy’s Bliss Organic Drops
With no artificial colors, the organic vitamin D baby drips from Mommy’s Bliss are ideal for newborns and infants. Each serving contains 400 IU of vitamin D. Trusted by parents for its effectiveness, the product includes 90 drops, one drop for each day. These pediatrician-recommended vitamin D drops help promote bone development and healthy growth. This safety-tested product is shelf stable and refrigeration is not required. This USDA-certified organic supplemental vitamin is available in a 3.24ml pack.
Pros
- Does not contain sucrose or alcohol
- Free of the top eight allergens
- Contains organic MCT oil
- Pediatrician-tested
- Free of PVC, phthalates, and BPA
- No artificial colors and flavors
Cons
- Some may find the dropper leaking
- Some may find it difficult to dispense the right amount
"Despite the limited ingredient list, these vitamin drops have proven efficient. Besides, their neutral taste is readily accepted by my child, and the dropper-style bottle makes it easy to administer them. Just remember to wipe the bottle, as it may leave some residue on the outside."
3. Best For Strong Teeth And Bones: Enfamil D-Vi-Sol Vitamin D Supplement Drops
Enfamil vitamin D drops are ideal for breastfed infants aged up to 12 months. Manufactured by a trusted brand, this dietary supplement is available in a 50ml pack and helps in calcium absorption for strong teeth and bones. It is free of peanuts, eggs, milk, soy, shellfish, tree-nut, gluten, fish, and wheat. You can mix these doctor-approved drops with juice, cereals, and breast milk to increase acceptance. Take a look at this review video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Does not contain artificial colors or flavors
- No added sweeteners and sucrose
- Easy-to-use dropper
- SNAP-eligible
- Pediatrician-recommended
Cons
- Some may dislike the smell
- Some infants may find it hard to swallow
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 10,164 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
Culturelle Baby Immune + Digestive Probiotic & Vitamin D Drops Best For Babies Up To 12 Months | Mommy's Bliss Organic Drops Best For Newborns And Infants | Enfamil D-Vi-Sol Vitamin D Supplement Drops Best For Strong Teeth And Bones | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.5 x 3.75 x 2.25 inches | 2.25 x 1.63 x 3.75 inches | 1.69 x 2.69 x 4.41 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 Ounces | 0.63 Ounces | 1.68 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,388 | 9,519 | 10,164 |
| Price | $47.67 | $30.6 | $10.49 |
4. Best For Muscle And Heart Health: Carlson Baby’s Super Daily D3 Drops
This vitamin solution from Carlson is available in a 10.3ml pack. These baby-friendly vitamin D drops are made specifically to help support healthy bones, teeth and muscle development and are free of additives. Adequate Vitamin D intake also promotes muscle and heart health. You can put it in the baby’s formula or food or while breastfeeding. This dietary supplement is vegetarian and tested by an FDA-registered laboratory. Each drop will supply your baby with 400 IU of concentrated vitamin D3. This informative video about the product will help you decide whether to buy it or not.
Pros
- Free of artificial preservatives and flavors
- Helps support the immune function
- Helps improve dental health
- Gluten-free and soy-free
- Non-GMO-certified
Cons
- Some may find the dropper inconsistent
- Some babies may experience gas
CautionWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The 10,164 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
5. Best For Healthy Immunity: Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3
Gluten-free and unflavored, this baby vitamin D elixir prevents vitamin D deficiency in your child. This safe and effective vitamin helps promote strong bones and teeth and supports the body’s overall development. It is the official baby’s vitamin D3 of the American Pregnancy Association. The safety-tested product is non-GMO and is third-party tested for purity and freshness. It helps normalize the baby’s sleep rhythms, leading to healthy immunity. Since sun exposure is not recommended for young infants, taking these drops is important to prevent deficiency.
Pros
- Contains organic extra virgin olive oil
- Comes with a convenient applicator
- No added colors
- Certified vegetarian
Cons
- Dropper may take time to dispense
- May leak
"After trying many vitamin drops, I've finally settled on this one, as it reduced my baby’s fussiness in just a few days. Its clean ingredients also offer peace of mind and have kept allergic reactions at bay. The only slight drawback is its lower-than-expected shelf life."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,402 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
6. Best Non-GMO: Nature’s Truth Vitamin D Drops For Infants
Use one drop of this supplement to help your baby meet their daily vitamin D requirements. The bottle can last all year long. The baby vitamin D booster contains D3 or cholecalciferol, which is necessary for calcium absorption in the bones. This baby-friendly product is free of artificial dye, preservatives, soy, synthetic flavor, and sweeteners. However, always consult a doctor before administering these drops to your little one if they are prone to allergies.
Pros
- Free of dairy
- Free of yeast
- Vegetarian formulation
- Doesn’t require refrigeration
Cons
- Bottle may leak at times
- Dispensing mechanism may not be user-friendly
"This supplement has no overpowering taste or smell, so my baby has taken well to it. Its consistency is a little thick, but the unique dispensing mechanism makes it easy to administer the drops. All in all, it's been working well to fulfill my little one's vitamin needs."
7. Best Pediatrician-Recommended: Zarbee’s Vitamin D Drops For Infants
These Vitamin D drops by Zarbee can be directly administered into the infant’s mouth or mixed with their food or drink to help the baby meet their calcium needs, which is necessary for bone and teeth health. In addition, the baby vitamin D liquid drops are formulated using only two ingredients, Vitamin D3 and medium chain triglycerides, thus making it free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and alcohol.
Pros
- Includes a syringe for accurate dosage
- Unflavored liquid supplement
- Free of gluten
- Suitable for breastfed babies
Cons
- Syringe needs to be cleaned after every use
- Doesn’t include a dropper
"Its unflavoured formulation was the first thing that appealed to me. Besides, the option to give it to my baby as is or mix it with milk is much appreciated. I wish it included a dropper to ensure precise dosage, but that’s a minor hassle in front of its positive effects."
Did you know?8. Best Energy-Boosting: Zoomavit Vitamin D Drops For Infants
Vegetarian and GMO-free, this vitamin D3 for babies is easy to use as it comes in a syrup form. One drop contains 500 IU of vitamin D3, and the bottle contains 2140 long-lasting and tasteless drops. Free of gluten, dairy, artificial flavors, soy, yeast, nuts, shellfish, preservatives, sugar, and fish, this infant vitamin D solution is made in a certified facility in the USA. They help maintain a strong immune system and boost energy. These safety-tested and pediatrician-recommended vitamin D drops are enhanced with coconut oil and are easily absorbed in the body.
Pros
- Comes in a 60ml bottle
- No artificial colors
- Supports and maintains cardiovascular health
- Helps improve bones and teeth
- Vegetarian-friendly formula
- Non-GMO verified
Cons
- Some may find the dispenser difficult to use
- May leak from the rubber top
"I am amazed at how quickly these drops have made a difference in my baby’s digestion and energy levels. The dropper design seemed tricky, especially when I tried to get a precise dosage. However, the product still gets a thumbs-up due to the absence of artificial additives."
9. Best Easy-To-Use: Genexa Infants’ Vitamin D Drops
Genexa baby vitamin D potion includes natural ingredients and is suitable for infants. It is non-GMO verified and comes in an organic vanilla flavor that babies will love. These baby vitamin D3 drops come in a six-millimeter pack with an easy-to-use dropper and are free of artificial flavors, artificial dyes, colors, and preservatives. Organic citrus and blueberries extract are used to provide color and flavor of the product.
Pros
- Promotes healthy growth and bone development
- Free of lactose and gluten
- Certified vegan
- Paraben-free product
- Contains no common allergens
- Helps promote healthy growth and bone development
Cons
- Some babies may experience discomfort
- Some may find the dispenser time-consuming
"The vanilla flavoring of these drops keeps my baby from fussing, regardless of me administrating them straight on the lips or while breastfeeding. Its bottle’s design isn't wholly leakproof, but the clean ingredient list has made it my preferred option."
Disclaimer: The information given in this section has been taken from manufacturers’ sources. MomJunction is not responsible for any of the claims made here. We recommend readers’ discretion.
How To Choose The Right Vitamin D Drops For Babies?
Look for the following points when buying vitamin D baby drops.
- Type: Vitamin D supplementations are available in two forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). They are effective, but D3s have better bioavailability for better absorptions. D2 is made from yeast, but D3 is made from numerous sources, including fish oils, algae oil, and lanolin.
- Form: You can choose from pills and liquid drops depending on the baby’s medical needs. Liquid vitamins are preferable for babies as you can mix them with their food for better acceptance.If you are choosing liquid drops, ensure you provide the right amount of drops per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do babies get enough vitamin D from breast milk?
No, breast milk contains low levels of vitamin D. If the breastfeeding mother takes at least 6,400 IU of vitamin D daily, it can suffice the vitamin D requirements of both the mother and the baby.
2. Can babies receive adequate vitamin D from sun exposure?
Babies might not get enough vitamin D from the sun as their skin is sensitive. Also, studies say that babies aged below six months should avoid sun exposure. Depending upon the baby’s age, you can take your baby out in the sun upon the doctor’s recommendation.
3. Are vitamin D drops safe for babies?
Vitamin D supports healthy bone development. But breast milk alone can not provide the required daily dose of vitamin D. So, AAP recommends supplementing babies with 400 IU per day (3).
4. When should I start giving my baby vitamin D drops?
You can start providing them vitamin D drops from the first few days of the baby’s birth (3). Your little one can also get vitamin D from little exposure to sunlight, but excessive sun rays may damage their delicate skin.
5. What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in babies?
Muscle weakness, tiredness, bone pain, and cramps are the common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. Rickets is mostly found in babies who are vitamin D-deficient (4).
6. Can too much vitamin D hurt a baby?
Yes, an overdose of vitamin D can result in hypercalcemia. Vomiting, irritability, constipation, and hypertension are some associated symptoms (5).
7. Do newborns really need vitamin D?
Vitamin D strengthens the bones and enables better absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Unfortunately, when the right amount of vitamin D is not supplied, babies may be prone to rickets, which weakens bones. This delays walking and crawling (6).
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna, our in-house writer and reviewer of baby nursing and feeding products, has undertaken in-depth research to bring you this list of the best baby vitamin D drops. The vitamin D drops on this list are primarily made of natural ingredients and have been sourced from rich nutrient sources. They contain an adequate amount of the fat-soluble vitamin D needed by a baby. Vibha has also selected products with easy administration. Most of the information is sourced directly from the manufacturer’s descriptions to provide you with authentic details. To help you choose the right vitamin D drops, she has also included a buyer’s guide.
The Bottom Line
A regular dose of vitamin D can help develop your little one’s bones, improve their immune system, and keep conditions such as rickets and eczema at bay. When buying the best vitamin D drops, it is important to check if they are safe for everyday use. You can pick one that has quality certifications, such as the Mommy’s Bliss Organic Drops, or ones like the Probiotic & Vitamin D Drops, which is free of artificial or harmful ingredients if your little one has a sensitive gut. However, before deciding on the right one, consult your pediatrician about the right vitamin D drops for babies and the dosage.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Vitamin D Drops For Babies?
The human body is programmed to create vitamin D from direct sunlight. However, exposing babies under six months to direct sunlight is not recommended. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe vitamin D drops for them. Check out the following infographic to help you make the right choice.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- L.Wagner, F.R.Greer; Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents; American Academy of Pediatrics (2008)
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/122/5/1142 - How to get vitamin D from sunlight; NHS (2018)
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-get-vitamin-d-from-sunlight/ - Vitamin D
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/diet-and-micronutrients/vitamin-d.html - Vitamin D Deficiency
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/vitamin-d-deficiency - Vitamin D Toxicity in Young Breastfed Infants: Report of 2 Cases
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5607921/ - Why your breastfed baby needs vitamin D
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/intermountain-moms/2019/07/why-your-breastfed-baby-needs-vitamin-d/ - Do Babies Really Need Vitamin D Supplements?
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-babies-really-need-vitamin-d-supplements/
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