The human body contains more calcium than any other mineral, with 99 percent stored in the bones and teeth, according to the National Institutes of Health. When blood calcium levels are too low, the body breaks down bone to bring calcium levels up. For this reason, getting enough dietary calcium is essential to bone health. The recommended daily intake for male and female toddlers, or children ages 1 to 3, is 500mg, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium for toddlers.
Milk
Any cow's milk, whether it is whole, 1 or 2 percent or skim, is calcium-rich. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements states that an 8-ounce glass of cow's milk provides toddlers with about 30 percent of their recommended daily intake. A glass of milk makes a great accompaniment to a snack and can also be consumed in cereal if your toddler won't drink milk on its own.
Cheese
Cheese is good source of calcium. One and a half ounces of many kid-friendly cheeses like American, cheddar and mozzarella contain almost 30 percent of a toddler's recommended daily intake of calcium, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Your toddler may enjoy eating cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich or may like thin slices of cheese in other types of sandwiches. Toddlers may also like eating string cheese sticks, which are available in most supermarkets.
Dairy Snacks
Picky toddlers who won't drink milk or eat cheese can get calcium from dairy snacks and desserts. Frozen yogurt is a healthy source of calcium. Ice cream is also a source of calcium, as is pudding made with milk. Another healthy, calcium-rich snack option is cottage cheese. Mix cottage cheese with fresh fruit to enhance the taste and health benefits for your toddler.
Fortified Products
Products that are fortified with calcium are good alternatives for toddlers who don't like dairy, or who can't eat it because of a lactose intolerance or milk allergy. The United States Department of Agriculture suggests buying calcium-fortified fruit juices, cereals, breads and cow's milk substitutions such as soy or rice milk when natural dairy products are not an option.
Leafy Greens
Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, mustard greens and collard greens are excellent non-dairy sources of calcium. While it's common for young children--and even many adults--to shun these foods, they can be added to other foods that many toddlers eat. Raw spinach, for example, is easy to hide in a salad, while cooked spinach can be added to ground meat for hamburgers or to marinara sauce for pasta dishes.
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