3 Things Every Parent Should Know About Vitamin D for Babies

Vitamin D is one of those nutrients parents hear about often, but it’s not always clear how much babies need, where they get it from, or whether sunlight is enough. Vitamin D probably isn't top of your mind. But it's one of those small things that makes a big difference to your baby's growth. 

Here are 3 things worth knowing, especially during your baby’s first year.

1. Babies can be at risk of vitamin D deficiency from birth

A 2021 study by KKH researchers found that around 40% of pregnant women in Singapore were vitamin D deficient. Since a baby’s vitamin D levels are partly influenced by their mother’s levels during pregnancy, babies may also be at risk of having low vitamin D levels from birth.

Vitamin D plays an important role in:

• Supporting the immune system
• Healthy bone and teeth development
• Supporting normal muscle and metabolic function

2. Breast milk and sunlight may not always provide enough

Breast milk is an amazing source of nutrition, but it naturally contains relatively little vitamin D. Research has found that exclusively breastfed infants may receive less than 20% of the recommended daily vitamin D intake from breast milk alone.

That’s why vitamin D supplementation is commonly recommended for breastfed babies from an early age. Your paediatrician can advise you on whether your baby needs a supplement and the appropriate amount.

But what about sunlight?

Sunlight helps our bodies make vitamin D, but relying on sun exposure alone can be tricky for babies.

Babies generally have limited sun exposure, and their delicate skin also needs protection from excessive UV exposure. So while sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, it shouldn’t be relied on as the only way to meet your baby’s vitamin D needs. (Jindal et al., 2020).

3. Vitamin D becomes even more relevant when your baby starts solids

Babies under 12 months generally need around 400 IU of vitamin D per day.

For formula-fed babies, vitamin D-fortified formula can contribute significantly towards this amount. Depending on the formula and how much your baby drinks, they may get enough from formula alone.

Once your little one starts solids, it’s also a good idea to include foods that naturally contain or are fortified with vitamin D as part of a varied diet. Some options include:

• Fatty fish
• Egg yolk
• Liver
• Dairy products and fortified dairy alternatives
• Mushrooms

Who may be at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency?

Some babies may have a higher risk, including babies who:

• Were born to a mum with vitamin D deficiency
• Have limited sun exposure
• Have darker skin
• Were born prematurely

If you’re unsure whether your baby is getting enough vitamin D, it’s always best to check with your paediatrician. Their needs can vary depending on their age, feeding pattern, health and development.

One less thing to overthink..

Remember that you don’t need to get every nutrient perfectly into every single meal. What matters most is building a varied diet over time.

Not sure where to start with baby mealtimes? Take our free 60-second quiz and get a customised feeding plan sent straight to your inbox.

*This article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your paediatrician or healthcare professional for guidance tailored to your baby’s needs.