Vitamin D is responsible for the deposit of calcium into children's bone. Without this vitamin, bones aren't stable. Usually children 6 months and older develop this condition. Those with dark skin are more at risk because of the decreased sensitivity to the sun. Sunlight is essential for our bodies to synthesize vitamin D. Others, at risk includes infants that do not have exposure to sunlight frequently or children who regularly where high levels of sunscreen.
Breastfed infants are also at risk because of the decreased amount of Vitamin D in breast milk.
Furthermore, since vitamin D is mostly found in animal products such as fish, eggs, and milk, older children who consume a vegetarian diet are more at risk than others are. Well it is easy to prevent this deficiency. Exposure to sunlight daily will help your child synthesize this vitamin. About 30 minutes a day is long enough. You can achieve this by taking a walk each day or by scheduling an outdoors play date.