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Vitamin D Drops

6 months and up

⚡ Quick answer

Vitamin D drops are usually given to babies from birth on a doctor's recommendation; do not adjust the dose on your own.

How to serve it by age?

0-6 months

The daily dose determined by the doctor (usually 400 IU in Turkey) is given directly into the mouth or on a clean spoon, preferably at the same time each day.

6-12 months

Even after complementary foods are started, the same daily dose is continued separately; give it as drops rather than mixing it into food.

12 months+

The decision to continue is made by the physician based on nutrition, sun exposure, and blood levels.

🫁 Choking risk and safe serving

It is not a solid food that causes choking; still, give the drops slowly toward the inside of the cheek while the baby is upright or semi-upright, and do not squirt toward the back of the throat. Giving drops while the baby lies on its back can cause the liquid to enter the windpipe (aspiration).

📌 Watch out for these

  • Give only the dose determined by the doctor; too much can cause elevated calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), so do not increase it with an 'a drop or two extra' mindset.
  • In Turkey, free vitamin D is recommended for all babies from birth; consult your physician before starting and before changing the dose.
  • Store the bottle out of the baby's reach.

⚕️ This page summarizes general pediatric recommendations; it is not medical advice. For babies with a history of allergies and whenever you are unsure, consult your pediatrician.