10 Calcium Rich Foods & Recipes for Babies below 1 year

Unlocking the Power of Calcium for Your Baby’s Growth: A Personal Journey

Think about being a parent—it’s like going on a big adventure where you’re figuring things out as you go. One important part of this adventure is making sure our little ones get enough calcium. Calcium is like a superhero that helps their bones grow strong and keeps them healthy. I’m a parent too, and as I go through this journey, I’ve learned a lot about why calcium matters for our babies and I make sure that their diet contains calcium-rich food. 

The need for Calcium Rich Foods

Every baby is different, and I found out that they each need their own special amount of calcium. So, I started making mealtimes a fun adventure. I tried making my own baby food, like yummy purees that my little one really liked. I even got a bit creative with recipes, like adding sesame seeds to make things interesting. These meals became a special time for us to explore new flavors and enjoy being together.

I also did some reading and talked to experts to understand more about calcium-rich foods. I found out that there’s a difference between breastmilk and formula when it comes to calcium. Getting advice from pediatric experts helped me make informed choices, and it made me feel more confident in this parenting journey.

Role of Vitamin D

Without Vitamin D the body cannot absorb calcium. An easy way of making it available for babies is by exposing them to sunlight, as the sun’s ultra-violent rays produce vitamin D. 

10 Calcium-Rich Foods & Recipes for Babies below 1 year

1. Dairy Products

Yogurt, Paneer, Cheese, and Ghee are great sources of calcium. We can start yogurt and ghee for babies as early as 6 months. Paneer and cheese can be given after the completion of 8 months. 

• Colorful Yogurt Melts 
• Curd Oats Khichdi 
• Vegetable Paneer Puree 
• Dalia Paneer Khichdi  
• Spinach Paneer Rice 
• Paneer Omelette 

2. Almonds

Almonds are the best and safe nuts for babies. These brain-boosting almonds help in weight gain and increasing immunity as well.

• Almond Flour 
• Dry Fruits Powder 
• Almond & Dates Choco Spread 

Also read :

• Iron Deficiency in Babies
• 20 Iron Rich Food for Babies
• Silver benefits for Babies
• 5 Foods to Increase Muscle Mass in Kids

3. Sweet Potato

The natural sweetness and flavor of sweet potato is well appreciated by babies. Along with calcium, these are also rich in Vitamin A, C, and Folate.

• Sweet Potato & Apple Puree 
• Sweet Potato Soya Cutlets 
• Sweet Potato Pancake 

4. Pulses & Lentils

These are high in protein and calcium and the best plant-based sources. Most of all lentils can be given to babies as early as 6 months, moong and masoor being easily digestible.

• Moongdal Soup / Dal ka pani 
• Urad Dal Cereal 
• Dalia Khichdi with Moongdal 
• Vegetable Dal Soup 

5. Amaranth

Amaranth Seeds are rich in protein and calcium too. Babies can have amaranth as early as 8 months. 

• Amaranth Porridge 
• Amaranth Flour Pumpkin Porridge 

6. Ragi

One of the best millet and most famous among baby food is Ragi. Sprouted Ragi contains 20% higher calcium. It also is high in Iron and best suits for babies of all ages.

• Sprouted Ragi Powder
• Moong Ragi Porridge Mix 
• Ragi Apple Pancake 
• Ragi Oatmeal Porridge 

7. Spinach

1 cup of Spinach provides 220 mg of Calcium. However, the body cannot absorb it completely due to the oxalic acid present in it. Even then it makes for a high amount of calcium compared to other sources.

• Spinach Soup
• Spinach Masoor Khichdi
• Spinach Oats Dosa 
• Spinach Paneer Rice 

8. Figs

Figs can be given to babies as early as 6 months. Both dry and fresh figs are easily available in India. 1 fig contains approximately 15 mg of calcium.

• Apple and Figs Puree 

9. Tofu

Tofu makes the best non-dairy source of calcium made using soy milk, and in look and texture very similar to paneer. 100 gms of tofu contains 350 mg of calcium. All paneer recipes can be made using tofu by just replacing the paneer.

• Vegetable Tofu Puree 
• Dalia Tofu Khichdi  
• Spinach Tofu Rice 
• Tofu Omelette 

10. Millets

Millets are the non-glutinous source of calcium. These are often suggested for patients suffering from osteoporosis. These are easily digestible and can be given to babies as early as 6 months. 

• Apple and Little Millet Rice 
• Foxtail Millet Khichdi
• Foxtail Millet Dosa 
• Banrayd Millet Idli & Dosa

Reference: AAP Journal http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/104/5/1152.full

Video: 10 Calcium-Rich Foods & Recipes for Babies below 1 year

• Video in Kannada – ಶಿಶುಗಳಿಗೆ ಕ್ಯಾಲ್ಸಿಯಂನ 10 ಮೂಲಗಳು

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