Calcium for toddlers

Toddlers experience rapid growth and development. Because of this, your toddler needs almost three times the amount of calcium that you need as an adult, relative to their size. Getting enough calcium through a balanced diet supports their bone health during these important early years.

Why dietary calcium is important for toddlers

• Maintains strong bones
• Muscle development
• Strong teeth
• Regulation of nerve and muscle contraction, including the heartbeat

How much calcium does a toddler need?

Your toddler needs a daily diet with around 2–3 servings of calcium-rich foods.

Calcium-rich food for toddlers

Calcium sources for toddlers include both dairy products and non-dairy foods.

Dairy foods are the richest in calcium and the easiest to absorb. Other sources of calcium include nuts, green vegetables, and fish.

• Milk (whole milk/full-fat cow’s milk or goat’s milk)
• Cheese (mini cheeses are good for little toddler hands)
• Yoghurt
• Green leafy vegetables like broccoli and cabbage
• Tofu
• Sardines and pilchards (fish with bones)

If you require a calcium alternative to milk for toddlers, you could choose a calcium-fortified plant-based milk, such as soy, almond, or oat milk.

Calcium serving sizes for toddlers

Below are some single-serving examples based on the calcium requirements for toddlers:

• Milk (no more than 600 ml a day; toddlers are easily filled by milk, so there won’t be enough room for the other key nutrients)
• Small pot of yoghurt
• Slice of tofu (20 g)
• Chunk of cheese the size of a matchbox

It is easy to sneak calcium into your toddler’s meals. Just get used to grating cheese onto and into everything. Swap water for milk when making pancakes, soup or hot chocolate.

When to seek further support

A varied, balanced diet usually gives your toddler all the calcium they need. But if your toddler is a picky eater, or you’re worried about their calcium intake, speak to your health visitor, GP or a healthcare professional before giving any supplements.

For more guidance and tips, explore the Capricare® Parent Support Hub.