Your toddler is developing and growing very rapidly. Between the ages of 1 to 3 years, their body weight increases by 40%, height by 25% and all their organs will continue to grow. Their brain development will also be 75% complete by 3 years of age.
Here are some important nutrients you should ensure that they get a sufficient amount of to support your baby’s healthy growth and development.
Iron
Iron helps form hemoglobin, an important component of red blood cells, which transports oxygen. It also enhances brain development. Toddlers need around 5 times more iron per kilogram of body weight than an adult. Although iron is commonly found in many different types of foods, surprisingly, over half the children under the age of 3 years do not receive the recommended amount of iron in their diets. It is found in meat, beans, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fortified foods, and all sorts of dark green, leafy vegetables.
Calcium
Calcium is very important as it aids normal bone development in babies and toddlers. It plays an important role in supporting blood clotting, nerve and muscle function, and helping to keep teeth and bones healthy as your baby grows. Toddlers need almost 3x more calcium than an adult (keeping in mind-body size), and you should also ensure sufficient intake of vitamin D to help them absorb it. Good sources are tofu, and dairy products like milk, yogurt, cream, cheese.
Zinc
Zinc helps in healing the body, cell growth, and enzymatic function. Toddlers need 3x more zinc than adults. Zinc is available in many foods and it is likely that your baby is getting sufficient zinc from their diet alone. Some good sources of zinc are meat, milk, cheese, cereal, and bread.
Vitamin A
This vitamin is key for your child’s visual development and helps them to see in dim light. It also supports cell growth, maintenance of healthy skin, and immune system. Good sources of Vitamin A are carrots, sweet potatoes, cheese, eggs, and yogurt.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has skin-healing properties and is an antioxidant and antihistamine. It helps the body to create new white blood cells, which fight infection. It also helps the body absorb iron. Babies need 4.5x more than adults. Try to include peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, oranges, strawberries and tomatoes in baby’s diet.
Vitamin D
This vitamin is created by our body in response to UVB rays and is essential for healthy bones and teeth. A daily Vitamin D supplement of 7-8.5mcg is recommended for kids from 6 months to 5 years of age. In addition, any of the following foods can be consumed by the baby – oily fish, eggs, fortified breakfast cereals and fortified infant milks.
