Tips to increase calcium intake in your childs diet

Calcium Rich Foods for Kids

The nutrition of a growing child is of utmost importance to any mother. Because any mother would work hard to set a solid foundation of good health, then facing health issues in the future years of the child. Calcium is one of the most important nutrients a child needs in their growing years, to fulfil the promise of good health.

How Much Calcium Does A Child Need?

Calcium is measured in milligrams (mg). We need different amounts at different stages of life. It's best if kids get most of their calcium from food. If that's not possible, health care providers might suggest a calcium supplement.

BABIES

Babies get their calcium from breast milk or formula:

• Babies younger than 6 months old need 200 mg of calcium a day.
• Babies 6 to 11 months old need 260 mg of calcium a day.

The only types of milk babies should have are breast milk or formula. Don't give cow's milk or any other kind of milk to babies younger than 1 year old.

KIDS AND TEENS

Kids need more calcium as they get older to support their growing bones:

• Kids 1 to 3 years old need 700 mg of calcium a day (2–3 servings).
• Kids 4 to 8 years old need 1,000 mg of calcium a day (2–3 servings).
• Kids and teens 9 to 18 years old need 1,300 mg of calcium a day (4 servings).

We all know that milk is a great source of calcium, but you may be surprised by all the different foods you can work into your diet to reach your daily recommended amount of calcium. Use the guide below to get ideas of additional calcium-rich foods to add to your weekly shopping list.

How do you increase calcium intake in your child’s diet?

It is important to spread calcium rich foods across your child’s diet. The chart below will help you reach the ultimate calcium goal for your child. Replace the predictable foods in each of these categories with the suggested food and take the worry of calcium deficiency out of your child’s life! Thank us later.