The benefits of giving babies cod liver oil, at what age to begin, how to administer, and the daily dosage as recommended by the experts.
Should babies get cod liver oil as a supplement? If so, how young should this age-old traditional food be started? Are all brands of cod liver oil the same, or are there some that are vetted to be of higher quality?
The short answer is yes, babies need cod liver oil even if they are exclusively breastfed. More on this recommendation, timing, and dosages as suggested by the Weston A. Price Foundation below. (1)
Which Cod Liver Oil is Best for Babies?
Dr. Weston A. Price was very clear about the type of cod liver oil to give babies and children. It should be the high vitamin variety.
Unfortunately, almost all companies that produce cod liver oil have cheapened their manufacturing process over the years to either remove natural vitamins A/D and replace them with synthetic versions, reduce the amounts of A/D, or both.
In other words, most brands of cod liver oil are no longer considered high vitamin. Only a few quality ones remain on the market!
For example, Carlson’s brand of cod liver oil used to be recommended by the Weston Price Foundation only to be dropped from the list because the company started removing some of the natural vitamin A.
A few companies refused to cheapen their products and stopped using Norwegian manufacturers because the natural vitamin A/D was replaced with synthetic versions. A method for producing a high vitamin cod liver oil by fermenting the cod livers (not the oil!) was developed.
The resulting product is produced with no heat or solvents. However, this form of cod liver oil contains some beneficial lactic acid which can produce a mild burning sensation on the back of the throat for about 10% of folks who take it.
In those cases, extra virgin cod liver oil is a good option (such as this brand). This type of cod liver oil is raw and produced without heat or solvents. Additionally, it contains no lactic acid, which is easier for some to tolerate, especially babies and young children.
Health and Developmental Benefits
The benefits of adequate (natural) vitamin A and D from cod liver oil in a growing child’s diet are significant. Two of the most important are naturally straight teeth and improved learning at school.
Other benefits include the development of healthy bone structure, higher IQ, increased lung capacity, lowered risk for autoimmune disease, and markedly reduced risk for respiratory infection among many others. (2)
Appropriate Age and Dosage
What is the appropriate dosage for a young child given that the daily recommended intake of vitamin D has increased significantly in recent years?
When my children reached 3 months old, I started giving them 1/4 tsp of high vitamin cod liver oil daily with an eyedropper. All were exclusively breastfed. Incidentally, I was taking high vitamin cod liver oil myself on a daily basis as well. Moms need natural A/D too!
For example, Sally Fallon Morell, President of the Weston Price Foundation, told me that her grandchildren received 1/2 tsp of cod liver oil on a daily basis when they were babies. They started receiving this supplement at age 3 months and experienced no problems.
This is double the dose that I gave my own children! But, the appropriate daily dosage of vitamin D for children has increased significantly in recent years as scientists uncovered additional information about this remarkable nutrient.
Krill or Fish Oil Not a Good Substitute
It is important to not use krill oil or fish oil as a substitute for cod liver oil. Krill oil contains no vitamin D and very little vitamin A.
Similarly, plain fish oil is not a desirable substitute as it is a highly industrialized product (processed at high temperatures) and contains no natural vitamin A or D whatsoever. Â
High vitamin cod liver oil (this is the brand I’ve used since 2015) is far superior to other forms of marine oils on the market.
How to Give Babies Cod Liver Oil
There are several ways to ensure a baby is getting the proper amount of cod liver oil for optimum growth.
Eye Dropper
The easiest way to give babies cod liver oil is to put the 1/4-1/2 tsp daily dosage in a bottle of expressed Mother’s milk. You can also eye dropper it into the baby’s mouth a drop at a time if you aren’t pumping.
Formula
If you are not nursing, consider using this homemade baby formula developed by a PhD in Nutritional Sciences. It contains high vitamin cod liver oil as one of the key ingredients.
Skin Method
Another option is to apply cod liver oil to the skin. It absorbs quite well this way. For babies, try rubbing some on their bottom during a diaper change.
Note that old-time brands of diaper rash ointment used to contain cod liver oil!
Older Children Â
As children get older, a spoon can be used. My children all take high vitamin cod liver oil right off the spoon and chase with water. My youngest transitioned to this approach at weaning age with no trouble.
This video shows you how to give children cod liver oil based on my own experience over the years and coaching others on Traditional Diet.
If you have a creative way to get cod liver oil into your babies and children that would be helpful to share, please add in the comments section.  I would be very interested to hear of your experiences as I’m sure others would as well.
References
(1, 2) Weston A. Price Foundation: Cod Liver Oil
Aisha
My 11 months old baby has severe eczema on all over his body from the last 9 months, now he started to develop anaphylactic reaction his lips would swell, i’ve put him on gaps diet,, is cod liver oil good for eczema and can i also take clo as i breast feed my baby, and can i give vit d and bio kult probiotics to my baby? And i don’t know he is allergic to fish should i give him clo?
Leanne
I started taking a teaspoon of fermented cod liver oil 3 days ago. For the past 2 days by 9 month old breastfed daughter has been vomiting and had some diarrhea. She’s acting normally aside from that. Could this be related to the cod liver oil?
Sarah
Highly unlikely.
Wendy
I’m confused. The Weston A Price baby formula recipe calls for fermented cod liver oil. My daughter is 6 weeks old. If you are recommending a baby start on the cod liver oil at 3 months shouldn’t it NOT be used in the formula for a baby under 3 months of age?
Sarah
If a baby is breastfed and not on the homemade formula, taking cod liver oil straight from an eye dropper is inappropriate under 3 months old. If it’s diluted via the homemade formula, then it is fine. Hope that makes sense.
Ebenezer
My baby girl is 3weeks old does she need cod liver oil?
Sarah
According to the Weston Price Foundation, 3 months old is a good time to start.
Brenda Dyer
Hi! I’m confused on what amount I should give my 6 month old baby of x factor butter oil. I’ve been giving him 1/4 tsp of Rosita extra virgin cod liver oil and recently bought the butter oil. Do I give him 1/4 tsp of the butter oil along with the cod liver oil?
Thanks!
Sarah
The butter oil is generally given at about 1/3 the dose of the cod liver oil.
Sara Izzo
I believe you shouldn’t give the child the bottle if it is not fresh. Even though it’s been refrigerated I wouldn’t introduce an infant a fermented product that’s been in your possession for a year even though it’s experation date is within the limits. I would, regretfully say, pitch it and purchase a new jar. The flavored kind is definitely a way to go for children also, stick to fruit flavors they are already enjoying for best results. Good luck
Vanessa Rocha
Hello, I recently purchased the Green Pasture Fermented cod liver oil and butter oil blend. I read Dr. Price’s book on curing cavities naturally and he recommended this brand in the book. I emailed my son’s pediatrician just to be on the safe side to see if he would be able to take. She advised me not to give it to him. she stated since the cod liver oil, the issue is it’s a supplement, so there is no manufacturing regulations. It could have contaminants that are harmful. Do you have any recommendations?
Sarah
Your doctor is right to caution you about supplements, some are not very good at all! But this brand you are referring to is tested and vetted to be safe by third parties. The testing results are linked to on my shopping guide page. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/resources/#6
Amber Taft
what do you think about Nordic naturals brand? I have a 5 month old with eczema unvaccinated and a 3 year old possibly asd.
Sarah
Nordic Naturals is not a good brand of cod liver oil. It is overly processed and contains insufficient amounts of Vitamins A/D. Please only use the brands listed on my shopping page that are tested and vetted. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/resources/#6
FRANCIS Awuku
What about 10 years old child, does he need cod liver oil
Sarah
Yes, children need it all throughout their growing years.
Diana sanders
I give my now 8 month old daughter (started at 6 months) 1/4 teaspoon cod liver oil from a medicine dropper. She takes it no problem! I wonder if it’s because I took it every day while pregnant and daily now while still breastfeeding. I use Sonne’s No. 5. Has anyone used this brand?