How many months should babies take calcium supplements?

Calcium is a very important element. If a child's body wants to develop rapidly, it cannot do without this trace element. The main nutrients for babies are breast milk and formula. As the child grows older, some complementary foods will be gradually added. The nutrients needed by children at each age are different, so we must grasp the timing of calcium supplementation. So, at how many months should babies take calcium supplements? Let’s take a closer look below.

Babies are physiologically deficient in calcium from birth to 6 months, which means they need calcium supplementation regardless of whether they have symptoms or not. If the baby is breastfed, there is no need to supplement calcium before one month old. The nutrients in breast milk are sufficient. Just take some cod liver oil to promote calcium absorption. Symptoms of calcium deficiency caused by failure to supplement calcium in time after birth usually do not appear until 6 months later. Premature babies should start taking calcium supplements 2 weeks after birth, while full-term babies should start taking calcium supplements after one month. It is recommended to continue taking calcium supplements until the age of 2 or 3 years.

If the baby is breastfed, calcium and zinc can be supplemented when the baby is 4 months old. The calcium required by a 4-month-old baby is 300 mg per day. The mother should also eat more foods high in calcium, such as dried shrimps, black sesame seeds, soy products, and milk. Babies who are mixed-fed generally need calcium supplements when the baby is 3 months old. If the mother wants to supplement the baby with calcium, it is recommended to choose nutritious ones, such as milk calcium, which is extracted from milk and is easy for the baby to absorb. Usually, take the baby out to bask in the sun more often to promote the absorption of calcium and zinc.

There is also the problem of absorption when supplementing calcium. No matter how much you take, it will be useless if it is not absorbed. At the same time, supplementing AD (cod liver oil) can help calcium absorption and prevent rickets. Getting more sun exposure will also help calcium absorption. Be sure to go outdoors and not through glass, because ultraviolet rays cannot penetrate glass. In addition, the imperfection of the infant's gastrointestinal system will also affect absorption. It is recommended to supplement some beneficial intestinal bacteria while supplementing calcium. The imperfection of the gastrointestinal system is also the root cause of eczema in children. Therefore, for most children's diseases, improving the gastrointestinal tract is the key.

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