What is the recommended dosage of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 10mcg/drop oral drops for a newborn infant?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: January 28, 2026View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Vitamin D3 10mcg/drop Oral Drops Dosing for Newborns

Standard Dosing Recommendation

Administer 1 drop (10 mcg = 400 IU) of vitamin D3 oral drops once daily to your newborn, given directly into the infant's mouth using the dropper provided. 1

Administration Instructions

  • Give the drop at the same time each day to establish a routine and improve adherence 1
  • Place the drop directly into the infant's mouth using the dropper that comes with the product 1
  • The drop can be given with or without feeding 1
  • Start supplementation within the first week of life and continue throughout infancy 1

Important Safety Information

  • Verify the concentration is 10 mcg per drop (400 IU per drop) before administering to prevent dosing errors 1
  • Do not exceed 1 drop daily unless specifically directed by your pediatrician 1
  • Avoid using extremely concentrated high-dose vitamin D products, as vitamin D toxicity, though uncommon, can occur with excessive dosing 2

Who Needs Vitamin D Supplementation

  • All exclusively breastfed infants require vitamin D supplementation, as breast milk contains insufficient vitamin D 1
  • Formula-fed infants consuming less than 1 liter (approximately 32 ounces) of fortified formula daily also need supplementation 1, 3
  • Formula-fed infants consuming adequate fortified formula (≥1 liter/day) receive sufficient vitamin D from formula alone and may not require additional supplementation 3

Monitoring

  • Routine monitoring of vitamin D levels is not recommended for healthy infants receiving standard supplementation 1
  • Periodic vitamin D monitoring may be indicated for infants on long-term supplementation or those with malabsorption conditions 1

Special Populations

  • Preterm infants may require higher doses while in the neonatal intensive care unit, but standard 400 IU/day is appropriate once discharged home 1
  • Infants with liver or kidney disease may need special attention to vitamin D intake and should be managed in consultation with their pediatrician 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Do not confuse units: 10 mcg equals 400 IU—ensure you are using the correct measurement 1
  • Do not give multiple drops thinking more is better—excess vitamin D can be harmful 2
  • Do not discontinue supplementation without consulting your pediatrician, even if your infant seems healthy 1

References

Guideline

Vitamin D3 Supplementation Guidelines for Infants

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

Research

Vitamin D in Preterm and Full-Term Infants.

Annals of nutrition & metabolism, 2020

Related Questions

What is the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) for infants?
What are the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for vitamin D and iron supplementation in infants?
What are the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for iron and vitamin D supplementation in infants?
Is formula adequate for vitamin D supplementation in neonates?
What is the recommended dosing for vitamin D (Vit D) drops?
Are there any contraindications to treating insomnia in a patient with primary aldosteronism (hyperaldosteronism) and hypertension?
Can a combination of nicotine gum, patch, and lozenges for smoking cessation cause anxiety in a patient with a history of smoking or nicotine addiction, particularly those with pre-existing anxiety disorders?
What's the next step for a patient with a history of L3-L5 laminectomy with posterior spinal fusion, myofascial pain syndrome, and fibromyalgia, currently taking Cymbalta (duloxetine) 60mg daily and hydroxyzine 25mg daily as needed, presenting with worsening fatigue, generalized body aches, and anxiety since COVID-19, and who has tried medical marijuana and Fioricet (butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine) for pain management?
What is the best course of treatment for a patient with osteoarthritis and calcification tendinitis of the supraspinatus tendon, presenting with right shoulder pain and difficulty extending the right shoulder, who has been treating pain with Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) and steroids?
What are the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for managing tachyarrhythmia in patients?
What is the recommended treatment for a patient with chronic sinusitis, possibly with a history of bacterial infections or underlying conditions such as allergies or asthma?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.