Calcium is probably one of the few minerals that, along with the main vitamin groups, most parents know is good for children. But it's not just about keeping your bones healthy.
What is calcium important for?
Babies bones are not at all fully formed at birth, so finding the right minerals to help their growth is vital. As they take on new activities like crawling, cruising, toddling and eventually walking and running around, a baby's activities will also help these bones grow, but in the meantime, calcium is an important body ingredient.
Calcium also helps the body's muscles operate properly, working and relaxing as the body's needs change. And calcium can also help the body's communication through nerve transmission.
In addition to these health properties, calcium is also important for blood clotting and the heart.
Good sources of calcium
It is well-known dairy products are a good source of calcium. For babies, yoghurt and mushed or soft to eat broccoli and spinach are great options. For older children, nuts, seeds and some canned fish (small fish such as tinned mackerel) can be valuable sources of calcium.
For vegetarians the dairy options should not prove a problem. But if you are raising your baby vegan or your child has a milk intolerance, you do need to be aware of other forms of calcium.
Soya in various forms (including milk) is excellent for calcium, as is tofu and green leafy vegetables. (For more information on vegetarian diets for babies, check out the Vegetarian Baby website.)
