Vitamins for babies and children: what the guidance says

Food first, always

Breast milk or formula, and later a varied diet, provide most of what a child needs. Vitamin drops are a safety net for a few nutrients that are hard to get enough of — not a substitute for good food.

Vitamin D from birth

Vitamin D is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children. The NHS guidance is:

• Breastfed babies: a daily supplement of 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D from birth.
• Formula-fed babies having more than 500ml of formula a day: no supplement, because formula is already fortified.
• Children aged 1 to 4: a daily supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D.

Vitamins A, C and D for under-fives

UK guidance recommends that children aged 6 months to 5 years are given a daily supplement containing vitamins A, C and D. Wellbaby Multivitamin Drops and Wellbaby Liquid are designed for these ages; Wellbaby Vitamin D Drops provide vitamin D on its own.

Safety rules for parents

Children are not small adults, and more is never better for them.

• Use only products made for your child’s age, at the dose on the pack.
• Do not combine products that contain the same vitamins — for example cod liver oil with vitamin drops.
• Never give adult supplements to children, and keep all supplements out of reach.

Ask the child’s doctor

Before starting any supplement for a baby or child — especially if they were born early, have a medical condition or take medicines — speak to their paediatrician or your pharmacist. Their advice comes before anything written here.