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
Rashmi karki
Hi, I have started to give my boy (5 yesrs) cod liver oil from today. But here in Nepal we don’t get the barns you said so what should I do
Joe
Hi Sarah, my wife and I just had twin girls on Sunday. We are still at the hospital in fact. May I ask why you say to wait 3 months before giving Green Pastures FCLO/high vitamin butter oil blend? I wanted to give it to them asap as I am a firm believer in its healing properties.
Joe
Sarah
What the babies need right after birth is colostrum from breastfeeding. Stick with that until they are 3 months old then you can use tiny amounts of cod liver oil.
Ana Paula
Hello! I just read your article and really liked it! I will buy the fermented cod liver next time. My baby is almost 4 months and I started the cod liver oil today. The fermented one is only online and I had already looked into the brand you mention, however, I bought the Nordic Naturals baby DHA. What do you think about this one? It is Non GMO and says it does not use synthetic additives. Thank you!
Sarah
Nordic Naturals is unfortunately not a good brand of cod liver oil as some of the vitamin A/D is removed during processing. Here is another fantastic brand to look into: http://www.radiantlifecatalog.com/product/dropi-extra-virgin-cod-liver-oil/fish-butter-oils/?a=58537
mphikelei
Ma baby is 16 days so it is safe to g ontove him a cod liver oil
Sarah
As mentioned in the article, cod liver oil should not be started until a baby is 3-4 months old.
Darla
Hi Sarah, my baby is 3 weeks old today and his pediatrician (a wholistic doctor) is recommending I give him vitamin D drops. She says that vitamin D does not pass through breastmilk well. What do you recommend before they are 3 months? I am taking 2 tsp of green pastures fermented cod liver oil daily.
Thank you so much!
Sarah
Cod liver oil should start for babies about 3-4 months old. I would skip the vitamin D drops as vitamins in isolation are not a good idea.
Monica
Hello I put green pastures fermented cod liver oil in mash bananas and my 14 month old doesn’t know the difference:)
Martins
can my baby of one month take seven sea cod liver oil and is it safe. thank you
Tubor
I am exclusively breastfeeding my baby and I started giving my baby fresh pure sevenseas cod liver oil,abidec multivitamin drop,vitamin c,woodward’s gripe water,paracetamol for pains.is it advisable and those it affect my exclusive breastfeeding.
Amanda June
I mix it in his baby food… 2.5ml daily… he is 3 months
Ashley
My baby is 8 months old – can I try a flavored fermented cod liver oil or should i stick to the unflavored? My son who is 2 takes the chocolate one and loves it, but I wasn’t sure if a “flavor” should be avoided at such a young age?
Thanks!
Sarah TheHealthyHomeEconomist
Stick to the plain. No flavors until at least after age 1 and probably best to wait until 18 months – 2 years old.
Lauta
Thanks for the article. I just have read as I am wanting to start my four boys on cod liver oil. A couple of questions… Do I stop giving them their D3 drop due to the vitamin d in the CLO? Also, do I still take and give to 5 month old if he is still breastfed? Thank you!