When it comes to children’s nutrition, parents think about many things, carbs, calories, sugar, fat, etc. But they seem to forget something crucial, which is calcium. That can become a mistake as it is an important nutrient that helps build healthy and strong bones. If there is one chance to build healthy and strong bones, that is when you are a kid or a teen. Children who can get enough calcium have strong bones in their adult lives and also have protection against loss of bone in the future.

Additionally, babies, toddlers, and young children need calcium and Vitamin D to prevent rickets. It is a condition where the bones get soft, leads to bow-shaped legs, weak and sore muscles, and stunted growth. How to prevent this? Give calcium-rich foods or Calcium supplements for kids.

Daily Calcium Requirement by Age

The requirement for calcium varies at different stages and ages of life. It is measured in mg (milligrams). It is recommended that kids get this essential mineral from food sources, but if that is not possible, parents can opt for products like calcium Sandoz for kids. But before that, here’s how much calcium is needed as per age.

Babies

• Babies under 6 months old need about 200 mg of calcium daily.
• Those who are over 6 months and less than a year old need about 260 mg. 

The sources of calcium are formula or breastmilk. It is advised that cow’s milk or other homemade formula is not given to babies less than a year old.  

Teens and Kids

As the kids grow older, the calcium requirement rises to support bones' growth. Whether you are using calcium tablets for child India or ensuring enough of this mineral through diet, the below is the recommendation by experts. 

• Kids between 1 and 3 years require 700 mg of calcium for 2 to 3 servings daily.
• Kids between 4 and 8 years need 1000mg of calcium of 2 to 3 servings per day.
• Kids and teens between 9 and 18 need 1300 mg of calcium in 4 servings daily. 

But most kids get way less than the recommended intake, and thus it is essential to plan their diet properly. Calcium supplements for 2 year old or more in various forms and calcium tablets for 10 - 12 year olds are the readily available choice if intake through food is not happening. 

Foods that have Calciumm

Milk is a complete food that is rich in calcium. There are other foods other than dairy products that are good sources of calcium. It includes:

• White beans
• American cheese
• Low-fat yogurt
• Orange juice fortified with calcium
• Spinach
• Dried-figs
• Instant oatmeal
• Broccoli
• Sweet potatoes
• Dark-leafy vegetables
• Lentils
• Tofu
• Salmon and sardines

Bear in mind that the calcium content in prepared foods may vary. For instance, a type of cheese may provide only 5% of your calcium requirement, while another may provide much more. So it is important to check the labels, so your kid gets enough of it. Also, a child over 9 years of age needs more than 1,300 mg, so it is essential to add up the % value of calcium for each food consumed so as to make sure enough of it is had. 

Calcium Supplements for Kids

Kids who are picky eaters or don’t like dairy find it hard to get their required calcium intake. While you may think that you can give a Vitamin supplement that has very little calcium in them. Check with your pediatrician for the best calcium tablets for your child if you feel that your kid is not getting enough calcium.