What is the best time to supplement calcium for newborns?

We all know that the baby's growth has a particularly high demand for nutrition. Once calcium deficiency occurs, it will have a great impact on the baby's growth, and may even cause the baby to develop rickets or bow legs. If calcium is not supplemented in time, it will have a more serious impact on the baby's life. Especially for newborns who are relatively small, it is necessary to master a certain time and method for calcium supplementation. Once the baby's body absorbs excessive calcium, it will also affect the baby's growth. Let's take a look at the best time to supplement calcium for newborns.

What is the best time to supplement calcium for newborns?

According to the baby's growth and development, the best time to supplement calcium for babies is when the baby shows early symptoms of calcium deficiency, such as night sweats, night terrors, crying at night, rubbing the pillow, baldness on the pillow, etc., or when the baby shows signs of developmental delay (the development of babies under one year old is "lift at two, turn over at four, sit at six, roll at seven, crawl at eight, and walk at one year old"). For example, the baby cannot lift his head after 2 months, cannot turn over after 4 months, cannot sit steadily at half a year old, cannot crawl at 7 or 8 months, cannot stand or walk when he is almost one year old, etc. These symptoms indicate that the baby is calcium deficient, and it is best to supplement calcium at this time.

If we distinguish by season, the best time for calcium supplementation for babies is in summer. The temperature is high in summer, and babies can get more sun exposure outdoors. Ultraviolet rays shining on exposed skin can synthesize vitamin D in the body and promote calcium absorption. Therefore, calcium supplementation in summer will get twice the result with half the effort.

What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency in babies?

1. There is a circle of baldness around the head. The hair in this part grows very slowly. The more obvious the baldness is, the more serious the calcium deficiency is.

2. Often makes trouble at night, cries incessantly, and sleeps restlessly.

3. Frequent sweating (excluding reasons such as wearing too many clothes, hot weather, and high activity)

What are some scientific ways to supplement calcium for babies?

1. Supplement calcium through food. Among the methods of calcium supplementation for babies, dietary supplementation is the best, mainly because it does not have side effects like drugs. If your baby's calcium deficiency is not very serious, you can add dried shrimps, beans, fish and other foods to your normal diet. Eat less vegetables and other foods that affect calcium absorption.

2. Take calcium supplements. Sometimes babies cannot get enough calcium through eating alone. If the baby's calcium deficiency is serious, he or she needs to take appropriate calcium supplements. When taking calcium supplements, it is important to note that different calcium supplements are absorbed in different amounts and have different calcium contents. According to data, the calcium content of calcium carbonate is about 40%, calcium acetate 29%, calcium citrate 21%, calcium hydrogen phosphate 15%, calcium lactate 13%, and calcium gluconate 9%. Experts point out that you should choose products with high calcium content and relatively low prices. Although the calcium content of calcium lactate is not very high, it is well absorbed and is a good choice for calcium supplementation for babies.

3. Do not mix calcium supplements with meals. Eating them together will affect the absorption of calcium, especially excessive intake of oxalic acid will greatly affect the absorption of calcium. For example, onions, amaranth, etc.

4. In addition to calcium supplementation, you should also supplement cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin D, which can promote the baby's digestion and absorption of calcium, which is also very important. Just take 1-2 capsules of cod liver oil a day.

5. In addition to the above dietary and calcium supplements, a more practical method is to let your baby get more sun exposure, which can supplement vitamin D well, thus ensuring that the calcium consumed by the baby during meals can be well absorbed. Do not let your baby bask in the sun through glass, as that will not be very effective. Also choose the right time according to the changes in temperature.

The above is an introduction to the best time for calcium supplementation for newborns. After understanding it, we know that each baby’s physique is different, so the time for calcium supplementation is also different. Mothers must grasp the best time when supplementing calcium for their babies. They must consult a doctor in time. In addition, mothers who breastfeed should also pay attention to the balance of nutrition in the diet, so as to ensure that the baby gets more nutritional value from breast milk.