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What is calcium used for for babies?
Calcium is an essential mineral from birth. It contributes to the good dental and bone constitution of your little one, helps it grow and develop in great shape. Since the body does not produce calcium, it is the diet that provides it. If breast milk, infant milk and dairy products are the main sources of calcium, you should know that it is also found in certain vegetables (broccoli, spinach, beans, watercress, parsley, etc.) and in fish.
Calcium needed by babies and mothers
If you are breastfeeding, your baby will have everything she needs to develop well. As for you, know that your calcium needs will be as during your pregnancy of 1000 mg daily. Consume three dairy products per day, favoring milk, yogurts and cheeses, and / or drinking enough water, as you also need a lot of water to breastfeed. If you are not breastfeeding, rest assured: 1st age milks are regulated and they provide your child with the right amount of calcium.
Calcium for babies 6 months to 1 year
At the time of food diversification, your child will switch to 2nd age milk, or “follow-on milk”. Despite the introduction of fruits, vegetables, then proteins, cereals in his diet, breast or infant milk remains central (at least 500 ml / day). If your baby only wants a bottle in the morning and in the evening, you can offer him “special baby” dairy products at other meals (dessert creams, little Swiss) to compensate. its calcium intake. From 8 months, you can also give it cheese cut into strips, or grated in its purees. This will allow it to develop its taste.
Calcium for children 1 to 3 years old
From 10-12 months, it is advisable to switch to growth milk. This infant milk is specially formulated to meet the needs of children from 1 to 3 years old. An important source of calcium, it also contains essential fatty acids, vitamins (especially D) and iron. Your child will continue to consume it as a supplement to a balanced diet.
At this age, the recommended calcium intake is 500 mg daily.
Example of a day “rich” in calcium:
Breakfast : a bottle (250 ml), or a bowl of milk with infant cereals
At lunch : a whole milk yogurt, or two small Swiss specials for growth (up to 18 months)
At snack : 20 g of cheese
At dinner : au gratin pasta with vegetables or a dessert cream
Vitamin D to fix calcium
Vitamin D is used to prevent rickets (growth disease in children). It also allows boost the immune system. It is therefore essential. In practice, vitamin D allowsassimilate calcium. If it is present in infant formula, it is not in sufficient quantity. Indeed, the main source of vitamin D is not from food. It is UltraViolet radiation that stimulates its production. This is why, in order to avoid any deficiency, the doctor supplements babies with vitamin D up to 18 months and from 1 to 5 years in winter.
Calcium intake: the correspondences:
a glass of milk (150 ml) = a yogurt = 40 g of Camembert (two child portions) = 25 g of Babybel = 20 g of Emmental = 100 g of dessert cream = five small Swiss of 30 g = three processed cheeses.