All babies need vitamin D to help their bones and teeth grow and develop. Babies who do not get enough vitamin D can get a painful disease called rickets, where the bones become soft and can bend and break easily.

How much vitamin D does my baby need?

• All breastfeeding and/or formula feeding babies need 400 IU of vitamin D a day.
• Your health care provider may recommend up to 800 IU every day. More than this amount may not be safe for baby.

How do I give vitamin D?

Vitamin D for babies comes in different forms. Directions on how to give each are different.

• Dropper form:

  • Remove the dropper from the bottle. Only use the dropper that came with the vitamin D bottle.

  • Squeeze the top of the dropper and put it inside the bottle.

  • Slowly let go of the dropper until the liquid is up to the line recommended on the dropper.This is 400 IU of vitamin D.

  • Gently squirt the liquid into your baby’s mouth.

  • Rinse the dropper before putting it back in the bottle.

• D drop form:

  • Remove the lid.

  • Turn the bottle upside down. In a few seconds, a drop will fall out by itself. Do not shake the bottle.

  • Put 1 drop (400IU) onto mother’s nipple or a clean finger. Allow baby to suck for at least 30 seconds.

• Do not give more than 2 droppers or 2 drops a day.
• Store vitamin D drops upright and at room temperature.
• Keep out of children’s reach.
• For more information click here.

If you have a nutrition or food question, call Dial-a-Dietitian Manitoba at 204-788-8248 in Winnipeg or 1-877-830-2892. The Dial-a-Dietitian phone number is currently redirected to Health Links-Info Santé. You can leave a message with a nurse and a dietitian will return your call.