The three vitamins NHS recommends for all babies from birth to 5 years, why most UK parents are not giving them consistently, and which supplements are best formulated for infants.
Walk into any pharmacy and you will find an entire shelf of baby vitamins and supplements. Most of them your baby does not need. One of them they almost certainly do. Knowing the difference saves you money and — more importantly — means your baby is actually getting what they need rather than what is being marketed at you.
The NHS recommends that all babies from birth to 1 year should have a daily Vitamin D supplement of 8.5–10 micrograms. This applies to breastfed babies, and to formula-fed babies receiving less than 500ml of formula per day (formula is already fortified).
The UK does not get enough sunlight for the body to manufacture adequate Vitamin D for most of the year — particularly from October to March. Breast milk does not contain enough Vitamin D regardless of the mother's diet or sun exposure. This is not a preference or a precaution. It is a deficiency risk.
The NHS recommends vitamins A, C, and D for babies and young children aged 6 months to 5 years — unless they are drinking 500ml or more of infant formula per day. Healthy Start vitamins (available free if you qualify, or from pharmacies) contain all three at appropriate doses.
Vitamin A supports immune function and vision. Vitamin C supports iron absorption — important given that iron stores from birth are depleting from around 6 months. When weaning, offer Vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron-rich foods to maximise absorption.
Probiotic drops for healthy babies. DHA supplements if your baby is formula-fed (formula is already supplemented). Omega-3 supplements for babies under 6 months. Multi-vitamin syrups marketed as comprehensive nutrition — if your baby is well-fed, a targeted supplement is more appropriate than a catch-all product.
If you are breastfeeding, focus on your own Vitamin D — the NHS recommends breastfeeding mothers take 10 micrograms daily. This does not replace the baby's supplement but supports the mother's own health.
NHS Vitamins for babies · SACN Vitamin D recommendations 2016 · PHE Healthy Start programme · Reviewed April 2026.