At what age does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend starting a vitamin D supplement for infants?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting a vitamin D supplement for infants soon after birth, specifically to prevent rickets and ensure adequate calcium absorption during the rapid growth period of infancy. Since breast milk is typically low in vitamin D, supplementation is crucial for exclusively breastfed infants. The recommended dosage is 400 IU of vitamin D daily, initiated within the first few days of life if the infant is exclusively breastfed. This timing is essential because it helps to maintain healthy vitamin D levels in the infant's system and supports bone health right from early infancy.

While options such as 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months might seem reasonable, they do not align with the AAP's preventive guidelines. Delaying supplementation until later months could increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency during critical growth phases.