Do Formula-Fed Babies Still Need Vitamin D Drops? Why the Answer Is Yes

Dr. Sandip Gupta

Parents often ask: if we are formula feeding our baby, is it necessary to give vitamin D drops? They think vitamin D is already present in formula milk, and worry that giving extra might cause harm or an overdose. The simple answer: Even if you are fully formula feeding, you can give the baby 1 ml of vitamin D containing 400 international units. The reason: Formula milk does contain some vitamin D — many formula milks have it. But to meet the child's daily requirement of 400 international units from formula alone, you would have to give the baby 1 litre of formula milk, and small babies often do not drink 1 litre of milk in a whole day. So you can separately give the baby a 1 ml vitamin D drop so that their daily vitamin D requirement is met. On overdose: The additional vitamin D that comes from the formula does not cause any harm. Relevant for: parents formula feeding and asking whether vitamin D drops are still needed; parents worried about vitamin D overdose from combining formula and drops; parents asking how much formula a baby would need to drink to meet the daily vitamin D requirement; and parents asking the correct daily vitamin D dose for a baby. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician for the correct vitamin D brand and dose for your child, and follow the strength printed on your bottle.