Calcium Rich Foods For Babies

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Your baby is now growing up and has started eating solid foods other than just milk. Now it’s the time when you need to focus on calcium rich foods for your child to ensure that her bones are healthy and strong from within. Calcium is a nutrient that keeps the nerves and muscles working. It also plays a vital role in keeping the heart healthy.

Calcium rich foods for babies: Why the need for calcium?

We only get one chance to build strong bones - when we are kids and in our teens. If your kiddo gets enough calcium then she can start her adult life with the strongest bones possible. Healthy bones right from an early age means your baby is insured for a good healthy future! This makes calcium for babies a very important consideration for parents. Calcium is very essential for your baby because of many reasons like:

• Bone formation

• Strong teeth

• Maintaining healthy muscles

• Prevention against diseases like osteoporosis, kidney diseases and rickets

Calcium rich foods for your baby: What are the foods rich in calcium?

Breastmilk or formula milk provides sufficient amount of calcium till 6 months of age. These foods are generally suitable for children who have been introduced to solids, that is 6 months and over. However, while feeding these foods to your baby, please be careful about the associated precautions for each.

Pulses and beans

Lentils or pulses like soya beans, kidney beans, and chick peas are all good sources of calcium which is the key for bone development. The best part about pulses is that they are very easy to digest for your kiddo. These are extremely rich in protein which is important for the development of tissues. Additionally, they also have fats and carbs to make sure that your baby feels satiated.

You can feed your baby pulses in the form of dal khichdi which can act as the easiest and delicious recipe.

Dairy products

Milk, cheese and yogurt serve as a good source of calcium. There is no alternative to milk when it comes to bone building in your child. It is the richest source of calcium and plays a crucial role in boosting your child’s physical development. Make sure to serve at least one serving to your little one with dairy foods. If your kid is a lactose intolerant child or is allergic to milk, non-dairy foods high in calcium should be given.

You can feed your baby milk in the form of smoothies and shakes. Sprinkle some low-fat cheese on top of snacks and meals.

Oranges and calcium fortified orange juice 

This vitamin-C rich fruit is yet another rich source of calcium and phosphate that can help to boost bone development in your little one. Oranges build your child’s immunity and protects her from common cold and cough. Make sure to include this juicy fruit in your kiddo’s diet for strong bones.

You can feed your child oranges in juice form which should be freshly made.

Cereals 

You can include cereals in your kiddo’s diet like brown rice, oats, ragi, etc. They are high in iron and calcium. Iron and calcium rich foods for your kiddo are essential for healthy and strong bones. In fact, ragi is often recommended for children who are suffering from the deficiency of these nutrients.

You can make some brown rice porridge mix for the times you are running short of time or a yummy ragi cake to indulge your child’s sweet tooth in.

Vegetables 

Including veggies in your baby’s diet is a wonderful way to boost your little one’s strength. Vegetables with high calcium content helps to fill your child’s need of calcium, in addition to that fibers and other minerals too. Spinach, okra, broccoli, sweet potatoes and beans are the ones which have enormous amount of calcium in them.

Feed your baby warm spinach khichdi, stir fry broccoli or spinach soup.

Nuts

Nuts are actually terrific sources of calcium for your toddler. Nuts like almonds are rich in calcium. It contributes to your baby’s physical development especially her bones and teeth. It is safe to introduce nuts to your kiddo after one year but only in mashed or powdered form.

Make nuts-powder at home and add in your kiddo’s milk, porridge or other foods.

Tofu 

Tofu prepared in a calcium based salt like calcium sulphate is rich in calcium and protein. Since tofu is a soy product, please refrain from feeding it to your baby if she has a soy allergy.

You can serve it to your baby by adding it in soups or stir fry, as a finger food or adding it to other daily vegetables.

Eggs

Eggs are yet another super food that you can give to your tiny one. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals that boost bone development in your growing baby. Some of the key nutrients in eggs include vitamin B12, folate, zinc and copper – all very beneficial for your baby. Start giving eggs only after you check with your child care expert.

You can feed eggs to your baby by scrambling them or by mashing hard-boiled eggs.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.