Most full-term babies taking breast milk or formula do not need any type of vitamin supplementation. If a mom is eating a healthy diet, breast milk will provide all the vitamins and minerals that the child needs.
The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that all breastfed, partially breastfed, nonbreastfed infants and children should receive 400IU/day of vitamin D supplementation unless they are receiving at least 30oz of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk per day (cow’s milk should not be given before the first birthday and we generally do not recommend drinking this much milk). Vitamin D deficiency can possibly lead to rickets (a disease of weak bones) or other medical problems. This recommendation was made in response to the continued discovery of vitamin D deficiency. At risk children include those who do not receive adequate sunlight exposure, live in extremes of northern or southern latitude, or have dark skin. However, in our community, where most children do not carry many risk factors, we and our colleagues have yet to witness symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. We are therefore recommending supplementation only if you are concerned that your child might be at risk. We do not know of any harm in supplementation other than the inconvenience of daily dosing with the over-the-counter vitamin supplements. One source for supplemental Vitamin D is over-the-counter Polyvisol (1ml = 400IU).