Best vitamin D drops for babies, including Zarbees baby vitamin D, Carlson Lab's Baby's Super Daily D3, and Baby DdropsShare on Pinterest
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As a new parent, you’re probably going above and beyond to do everything you can to get your baby off to the healthiest start possible.

In addition to making sure your baby gets enough to eat, as much snooze time as possible, and all the hugs, kisses, and cuddles you can possibly provide, you may be wondering if there’s anything else they need.

On the nutrient side of things, there may be — and that’s vitamin D.

For an infant who has no need for other multivitamin supplements, vitamin D-only preparations are the most appropriate supplements, according to Tolulope Adebanjo, MD, a pediatrician at Orlando Health.

Adebanjo recommends that parents look for brands with 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D3 per dose to provide the recommended intake.

Additional factors to consider include:

  • Cost. Vitamin D drops come in a wide range of prices that can fit most budgets.
  • Third-party testing. As with all supplements, choosing one that is third-party tested can reassure you that the product is safe and accurately labeled.
  • Ingredients. Some drops can contain artificial additives and sweeteners that some parents may wish to avoid. Look for one that contains limited ingredients.

We chose the best vitamin D drops for infants based on the following criteria:

  • Expert opinions and scientific research. We reached out to board certified pediatricians to understand the nutrient needs of babies, especially where vitamin D is concerned.
  • Scientific research. We researched scientific studies and referred to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (1).
  • Vetting. All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.

A note on price

General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($–$$$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.

Generally, prices range from $0.04–$0.25 per serving, or $12.99–$16.99 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $0.05 per serving
  • $$ = $0.05–$0.20 per serving
  • $$$ = over $0.20 per serving
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Best overall vitamin D drops

Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3

  • Price: $
  • Dose per 1 drop (0.03 mL): 10 mcg (400 IU)
  • Ingredients: vitamin D3 and organic extra-virgin olive oil

All Nordic Naturals products are non-GMO and third-party tested, far surpassing the very strict international standards for supplements of this nature.

This vitamin D3 supplement is made with organic extra-virgin olive oil as the carrier oil and is delivered via oral droplet in 400-IU doses.

Overall, this product has great reviews, with many commenting that it’s easy to use and affordable. But some customers say it can take a few seconds for the drop to actually come out.

It’s worth noting that while this product may appear expensive, it contains enough servings for baby’s first year of life.

Pros

  • third-party tested
  • non-GMO verified
  • provides a 1-year supply
  • free from artificial additives and preservatives

Cons

  • can take a few seconds for drop to come out
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Best overall runner-up

Carlson’s Baby’s Super Daily

Since 1965, Carlson’s Lab has been creating products that are rigorously tested by a lab that’s registered with the Food and Drug Administration — comforting for parents to know!

Carlson’s Lab Baby’s Super Daily is another high quality option that can provide your baby with the recommended 400-IU dose either on their tongue or in food, formula, or breast milk.

Carlson’s Baby’s Super Daily is on the pricier side overall, but it contains a full year’s worth of drops, making this a relatively affordable option.

Reviews on this product are mostly positive, but some do mention that the dropper can be a bit slow.

Pros

  • third-party tested
  • contains a 1-year supply
  • free of artificial additives and preservatives

Cons

  • somewhat slow dropper
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Best organic vitamin D drops

Mommy’s Bliss Baby Vitamin D Organic Drops

  • Price: $$
  • Dose per 1 drop (0.03 mL): 10 mcg (400 IU)
  • Ingredients: vitamin D3 and organic medium-chain triglyceride oil

Mommy’s Bliss sells several infant remedies, including a probiotic, elderberry syrup, and even gripe water. All of the brand’s products are USDA organic, including these vitamin D drops.

Mommy’s Bliss products are also third-party tested and NSF-certified.

This supplement comes in a regular glass droplet bottle, but the company also sells a squeeze bottle, which may make administering it to your baby much easier.

This supplement is made without artificial colors or flavors, sucrose, gluten binders or fillers, and petroleum-based byproducts.

Happy customers appreciate this product’s ease of use and like that it’s certified organic. However, some comment that while the cost of these drops appears low, it’s comparatively expensive because the bottle contains just 100 servings.

Pros

  • third-party tested
  • easy-to-use squeeze bottle
  • USDA certified organic
  • free of artificial additives and preservatives

Cons

  • relatively expensive as each bottle contains only 100 servings
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Best customer-favorite vitamin D drops

Baby Ddrops Daily Vitamin D for Infants

  • Price: $$
  • Dose per 1 drop (0.03 mL): 10 mcg (400 IU)
  • Ingredients: vitamin D3 and coconut oil

Baby Ddrops is one of the most popular vitamin D drop products for babies and has been chosen for various awards, such as the Mom’s Choice Awards.

The supplement has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Amazon, with more than 2,500 reviews. Reviewers comment that the product is simple to use and flavorless, so it’s easy to administer to babies.

Baby Ddrops is third-party tested and NSF-certified, so you can trust the quality and accuracy of this product. It’s also free from preservatives and artificial flavors and colors.

Pros

  • third-party tested
  • manufactured in an NSF-certified facility
  • highly rated online
  • free from artificial additives and preservatives

Cons

  • relatively expensive as each bottle contains only 90 servings
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Best vitamin D drops with a syringe dropper

Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Vitamin D Supplement

  • Price: $$$
  • Dose per serving (0.25 mL): 10 mcg (400 IU)
  • Ingredients: vitamin D3 and medium-chain triglycerides

Founded by Dr. Zak Zarbock, a pediatrician and dad, Zarbee’s Naturals makes a vitamin D supplement for babies that’s free of artificial additives such as sweeteners, flavors, and dyes.

All the brand’s products are gluten-free and pediatrician-recommended.

Unlike others on this list, this supplement includes a dropper syringe for administering the supplement directly into your baby’s mouth or mixing it with breast milk or food.

However, remember that your baby must finish all of the food you mix the drop with to get the full dose of 400 IU per 0.25 mL.

Reviews on this product are mostly positive, though some reviewers say it can be difficult to get baby to consume the full serving.

Pros

  • developed by a pediatrician
  • syringe dropper may be easier to use
  • free from artificial additives and preservatives

Cons

  • large serving size
  • expensive for a bottle containing only 56 servings
  • not third-party tested for purity and potency
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Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:

Price rangeServing sizeServings per containerThird-party tested
Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D$0.03 mL365yes
Carlson’s Baby’s Super Daily$0.03 mL365yes
Mommy’s Bliss Baby Vitamin D Organic Drops$$0.03 mL100yes
Baby Ddrops$$0.03 mL90yes
Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Vitamin D$$$0.25 mL56no

Most of us know about the benefits of vitamin D for bone health but may not realize that vitamin D also has potential benefits for mental health, immune function, and brain development in children, notes Elisa Song, MD, a holistic pediatrician.

The AAP recommends that infants receive 400 IU of vitamin D daily. This can be tricky for infants younger than 6 months old, who should be kept out of direct sunlight — a natural source of vitamin D — because they’re too young for sunscreen (1, 2).

If you’re feeding your baby formula sold in the United States, it’s fortified with enough vitamin D that a supplement isn’t necessary.

However, if you’re exclusively nursing or feeding less than 32 ounces (946 mL) of formula per day, pediatricians recommend giving your baby a supplement.

Even though breast milk is considered a “perfect food” for your growing baby, it likely doesn’t contain enough vitamin D to support your baby’s needs — even if you are taking a supplement yourself.

Vitamin D is found in many food sources, including fatty fish, cod liver oil, eggs, and mushrooms. However, these foods should not be given to a baby until they are old enough to consume solids.

Discuss your needs with your baby’s doctor. If your baby does not get enough vitamin D, they could be at risk for a vitamin D deficiency.

How old should my baby be before taking vitamin D drops?

Babies who are exclusively breastfed can start vitamin D drops in the first few days of life and should be given 400 IU of vitamin D drops per day until they are 12 months old.

Partially breastfed babies should be given 400 IU per day until they are consuming 1 quart (1 L) of infant formula per day or until they turn 12 months old (1).

If a baby is formula-fed, no supplementation is needed as long as they are consuming at least 32 ounces (946 mL) of formula per day (1).

What is the best way to give my baby vitamin D drops?

Typically, vitamin D drops can be administered by placing a drop directly on the nipple of the breast or bottle just as you begin to feed your baby. However, instructions may vary by product, so it’s always a good idea to read the label first.

Are all vitamin D drops safe?

Vitamin D drops are recommended by the AAP, but not all supplements are created equally. Be sure to talk with your pediatrician before trying a new product and look for products that have been third-party tested to ensure safety (1).

The AAP recommends vitamin D supplements for babies who are breastfed or consuming less than 32 ounces (946 mL) of formula daily.

With so many vitamin D drops available, consider looking for one that fits your budget, is third-party tested, and is free from any unwanted ingredients.

Before beginning any new supplement, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.