The Importance of Vitamin D for Babies and Toddlers

Why do moms, babies and toddlers need vitamin D?

Vitamin D helps the body to draw and absorb calcium and phosphate from what you eat, then uses it to develop strong bones and improve muscle health. Signs of a vitamin D deficiency can include bone pain, dental deformities, increased fractures, and muscle cramps.

Do I need vitamin D during pregnancy?

Vitamin D supports immune function, healthy cell division, and bone health. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Taking vitamin D during pregnancy invests in the well-being of your baby by supporting healthy bone development. Deficiency with vitamin D is also related to preeclampsia.

Pregnant women should be taking 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily to see the greatest benefits when it comes to preventing preterm labor/births and infections. The average prenatal vitamin contains 400 IU of vitamin D, so additional supplementation should be taken daily.

How much vitamin D do breastfed babies need?

If you’re breastfeeding, your newborn baby’s main source of vitamin D will come from your breast milk. So if you are deficient in Vitamin D, it can cause a vitamin D deficiency in your baby. Naturally, the vitamin D content of breast milk is low (<25 - 78 IU/L)*, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a vitamin D supplement if you’re breastfeeding, as well as giving your baby a daily liquid vitamin D supplement until their diet provides at least 400 IU of vitamin D per day.

*Range of vitamin D levels in breast milk, measured in lactating women taking a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU.

How much vitamin D do formula-fed babies need?

Since vitamin D is already added to infant formula, babies who are formula feeding may be getting enough vitamin D. However, a baby will need to drink about 4 bottles of formula per day to get the recommended 400 IU of vitamin D—which is why vitamin D supplements for your baby may be a good choice.

How much vitamin D do toddlers need?

As your little one transitions to toddlerhood and solids become their primary source of nutrition, maintaining a balanced diet will become extra important as every food you offer can help their development. Specifically, children 12 to 24 months old need 600 IU of vitamin D each day. As you likely know, most of the foods high in vitamin D may not be all that appealing to a fussy toddler, so you may want to consider a toddler formula or nutritional drink to boost the amount of vitamin D, as well as other nutrients their diet may be lacking.

What are good food sources of vitamin D?

When it comes to Vitamin D content, not all foods are created equal. Many people associate vitamin D with sunshine, as it can be absorbed through the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet light, but you can also find it in certain foods. Some of the richest in vitamin D are oily, fatty fish, while some dairy foods offer lower amounts.

The table below provides a list of the most common dietary sources of vitamin D that you can add to your meal plans to help boost how much vitamin D you and your family are getting.