Best vitamin D drops for infants of 2024, according to pediatricians

We all need our fill of vitamin D — even babies. The nutrient, which aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, is a must for building strong, sturdy bones. And the majority of infants don’t get enough from breast milk or formula alone.

That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vitamin D drops for all breastfed infants as well as formula-fed infants who drink less than 32 ounces of formula daily. Per the AAP guidance, infants under 12 months should be given a daily dose of 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D, while children 1 year and older should be given 600 IU.

Thankfully, finding the best vitamin D drops for your child doesn’t have to involve major research. "Most, if not all, vitamin D supplements sold in the U.S. are safe for infants,” says Chandani DeZure, M.D., clinical assistant professor of pediatrics in the Department of Neonatology and the Department of Hospital Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. “I would ensure the supplement has 400 IU of vitamin D3 , the daily dose, and that it’s made with minimal other ingredients."

The other thing to consider is whether the drops need to be refrigerated. From my experience, it's easier on parents to get drops that don’t need to be refrigerated so you can keep them at a convenient spot, like by the changing table or your nursing chair.

All of this information plus the dosing instructions should be clearly listed on the supplement label, but if you’re having trouble understanding anything or need a second opinion, run the drops by your baby's pediatrician.

How we chose the best vitamin D drops for infants

• We referenced guidance from the AAP and spoke to Dr. DeZure. Per their advice, all of the vitamin D supplements on this list are:

  • In liquid form

  • 400 IU of vitamin D3 per dose

  • Made with as few ingredients as possible

• We talked to three members of BabyCenter's staff who gave two of the brands of drops on this list to their own babies.

• We used reviews from BabyCenter's community of 4 millions caregivers to find a consensus on the best vitamin D drops. Each of the vitamin D drops on this list got positive feedback for:

  • Ease of administration

  • Convenient packaging

  • Wide availability