Vitamin D for your breastfed baby
It is recommended that all breastfed babies should be given a daily supplement of vitamin D (8.5 to 10mcg) from birth.
Many companies make vitamin D supplements in drops with 1 drop providing 400 international units (IU), equal to 10 mcg. You can give the drop to your baby directly into their mouth or you can put it on your nipple or your finger to lick or suck off. Your baby should receive a vitamin D supplement regardless of whether you are taking a vitamin D supplement yourself.
Vitamin D supplementation should continue until your child is 5 years old.
Certain vitamins can be harmful if taken in excess. Do not give your child more than one supplement at once, and ensure you follow the label’s instructions. If you need additional advice you can speak with your pharmacist or health visitor.
Having too much of some vitamins can be harmful. Keep to the dose recommended on the label, and be careful not to give your child two supplements at the same time.
Vitamin requirements for your 6 month old
From 6 months to 5 years it is recommended that your child receives a daily supplement of vitamin A, C and D.
If your baby is receiving 500ml of infant formula a day they should not be given vitamin supplements as the formula is already fortified with these vitamins as well as other nutrients. Some vitamins can be harmful to your child if they receive it in excess.
Sunlight on our skin is the primary source of vitamin D with only a few foods, including eggs and oily seafood, containing vitamin D. Like formula some foods, like breakfast cereals and fat spreads, are also fortified with vitamin D.
Vitamin D for Your Formula Fed Baby
A vitamin D supplement (8.5 to 10mcg) is recommended for your baby from birth. But if your baby is having more than 500ml (about a pint) of first infant formula a day, they do not need a supplement because the formula has already been fortified with vitamin D.
From 6 months it is also recommended that your baby receives vitamin A and C. Again if your baby is receiving 500ml of first infant formula per day then they will be receiving the recommended daily amount of these vitamins.
It is not necessary to transition your baby to a follow on milk at six months of age. They can continue to receive a first infant milk from birth until one year of age. At this time cows milk can be introduced to your baby.
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Vitamin D for You
UK Government advice is that every adult should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. If you’re breastfeeding, you should consider taking 10mcg daily (400IU). If you have pregnancy multi vitamins left over you can safely use these up whilst breastfeeding, but you should ensure they contain the recommended 400IU of vitamin D.
