My Baby Refuses Vitamin D Drops
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to refuses vitamin d drops, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
The AAP recommends 400 IU of vitamin D daily for all breastfed and partially breastfed babies starting from the first few days of life. If your baby refuses the drops, try putting them on your nipple before nursing, mixing into a small amount of expressed milk, or trying a different brand as flavors vary. Most formulas contain vitamin D, so formula-fed babies may not need additional supplementation.
Key takeaways
- The AAP recommends 400 IU of vitamin D daily for all breastfed and partially breastfed babies starting from the first few days of life. If your baby refuses the drops, try putting them on your nipple before nursing, mixing into a small amount of expressed milk, or trying a different brand as flavors vary. Most formulas contain vitamin D, so formula-fed babies may not need additional supplementation.
- Usually normal when: Baby makes a face at the drops but still swallows them
- Call your doctor if: Baby shows signs of vitamin D deficiency such as soft skull bones, bowed legs, or poor growth
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, the AAP recommends 400 IU of vitamin D daily for all breastfed and partially breastfed babies starting from the first few days of life. If your baby refuses the drops, try putting them on your nipple before nursing, mixing into a small amount of expressed milk, or trying a different brand as flavors vary. Most formulas contain vitamin D, so formula-fed babies may not need additional supplementation. At 0-3 months, start vitamin D drops within the first few days of life for breastfed babies. Place the drop on your nipple or on a pacifier. A single drop is very small and most babies tolerate it well. If baby fusses, try giving it at the start of a feeding when they are calm and hungry. It is generally considered normal when baby makes a face at the drops but still swallows them. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if baby shows signs of vitamin D deficiency such as soft skull bones, bowed legs, or poor growth.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Start vitamin D drops within the first few days of life for breastfed babies. Place the drop on your nipple or on a pacifier. A single drop is very small and most babies tolerate it well. If baby fusses, try giving it at the start of a feeding when they are calm and hungry.
4-6 months
Continue daily vitamin D drops. If baby has been refusing, try a different brand as taste varies. Some brands have a neutral oil taste while others have added flavors. You can place the drop on a finger and let baby suck it off.
6-9 months
Once baby starts solids, you can mix the vitamin D drop into a small spoonful of food. Make sure baby eats the entire spoonful. Do not mix into a full bottle as baby may not finish it.
9-12 months
Continue vitamin D supplementation unless baby is drinking at least 32 ounces of formula per day. Mixing drops into a small amount of food remains an effective strategy.
12-24 months
The recommended vitamin D intake increases to 600 IU daily at 12 months. Vitamin D-fortified milk provides 100 IU per 8 ounces. If your toddler drinks 16-20 ounces of milk and eats some vitamin D-containing foods, they may still need supplementation. Discuss with your pediatrician.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed refuses vitamin d drops and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby consistently refuses all vitamin D drops and you cannot find a way to give them.
- Mention if you are unsure if your baby needs vitamin D supplementation based on their formula intake.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby makes a face at the drops but still swallows them
- Baby accepts the drops when given on a nipple or in a small amount of food
- Baby prefers one brand of drops over another
- Baby consistently refuses all vitamin D drops and you cannot find a way to give them
- You are unsure if your baby needs vitamin D supplementation based on their formula intake
- Baby has risk factors for vitamin D deficiency such as darker skin or limited sun exposure
- Baby shows signs of vitamin D deficiency such as soft skull bones, bowed legs, or poor growth
- Baby has had a seizure which can very rarely be related to severe vitamin D deficiency
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice refuses vitamin d drops — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby makes a face at the drops but still swallows them — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if baby shows signs of vitamin D deficiency such as soft skull bones, bowed legs, or poor growth.
Related Conditions
Does My Baby Need a Multivitamin?
Most babies who are breastfed need vitamin D supplementation, and those who are formula-fed typically get adequate vitamins through fortified formula. A full multivitamin is generally not necessary for babies eating a varied diet. Your pediatrician can help determine if your specific baby needs any supplements based on their diet, health, and risk factors.
My Baby Refuses Iron Supplements
Iron supplements can have a strong metallic taste that many babies dislike. Mixing the supplement with a small amount of vitamin C-rich juice or fruit puree can improve the taste and enhance iron absorption. Using a syringe to place drops at the back of the cheek can help bypass the taste buds. Iron supplements may stain teeth, so brush or wipe gums after giving them.
How Can My Baby Get Enough Calcium Without Dairy?
If your baby cannot have dairy due to allergy or intolerance, there are many other calcium sources. These include calcium-fortified foods, broccoli, kale, tofu made with calcium sulfate, beans, calcium-fortified plant milks (after 12 months), and sardines. Breast milk and formula provide adequate calcium before 12 months. If dairy-free after 12 months, planning is important.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is refuses vitamin d drops normal?
When should I call the doctor about refuses vitamin d drops?
When is refuses vitamin d drops normal?
What causes refuses vitamin d drops?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about refuses vitamin d drops?
Is refuses vitamin d drops normal at 0-3 months?
Is refuses vitamin d drops normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for refuses vitamin d drops?
Does refuses vitamin d drops go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Refuses Vitamin D Drops.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed refuses vitamin d drops and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby consistently refuses all vitamin D drops and you cannot find a way to give them.
- Mention if you are unsure if your baby needs vitamin D supplementation based on their formula intake.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Baby consistently refuses all vitamin D drops and you cannot find a way to give them
- You are unsure if your baby needs vitamin D supplementation based on their formula intake
- Baby has risk factors for vitamin D deficiency such as darker skin or limited sun exposure
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Baby shows signs of vitamin D deficiency such as soft skull bones, bowed legs, or poor growth
- Baby has had a seizure which can very rarely be related to severe vitamin D deficiency
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of refuses vitamin d drops are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if baby shows signs of vitamin d deficiency such as soft skull bones, bowed legs, or poor growth.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Feeding Concerns
Does My Baby Need a Multivitamin?
Most babies who are breastfed need vitamin D supplementation, and those who are formula-fed typically get adequate vitamins through fortified formula. A full multivitamin is generally not necessary for babies eating a varied diet. Your pediatrician can help determine if your specific baby needs any supplements based on their diet, health, and risk factors.
My Baby Refuses Iron Supplements
Iron supplements can have a strong metallic taste that many babies dislike. Mixing the supplement with a small amount of vitamin C-rich juice or fruit puree can improve the taste and enhance iron absorption. Using a syringe to place drops at the back of the cheek can help bypass the taste buds. Iron supplements may stain teeth, so brush or wipe gums after giving them.
How Can My Baby Get Enough Calcium Without Dairy?
If your baby cannot have dairy due to allergy or intolerance, there are many other calcium sources. These include calcium-fortified foods, broccoli, kale, tofu made with calcium sulfate, beans, calcium-fortified plant milks (after 12 months), and sardines. Breast milk and formula provide adequate calcium before 12 months. If dairy-free after 12 months, planning is important.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.