Give your baby 5 micrograms of vitamin D3 as a supplement every day from birth to 12 months if they are:

• breastfed
• taking less than 300mls or 10 fluid oz (ounces) of infant formula a day

All babies who are being breastfed should continue to get a vitamin D supplement after birth, even if you took vitamin D during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

You do not need to give your baby a vitamin D supplement if they are fed more than 300mls or 10 fluid oz (ounces) of infant formula a day. This is because there has been an increase in the amount of vitamin D added to infant formula.

This is due to a change in EU law as of February 2020.There are many suitable infant vitamin D3 supplements available to buy in Ireland. Use a supplement that contains vitamin D only.

Why babies need vitamin D

Vitamin D helps us to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.Our bodies can make vitamin D from the sun. But babies cannot safely get the vitamin D they need from the sun.Your baby needs vitamin D because:

• their skin is very sensitive to the sun and should not be in direct sunlight
• their food (breastmilk or solid foods) may not have enough vitamin D in it
• between 0 to 12 months babies grow very quickly and have a greater need for vitamin D to form strong bones

Research shows that vitamin D plays an important role in helping the immune system.