Toddlers need about 500 mg of calcium each day. That works out to about two servings of calcium-rich products each day for kids between the ages of 12 and 24 months, according to KidsHealth.org. While dairy products represent the most obvious source of calcium, several other foods can deliver the nutrient for vegan families or for toddlers with milk allergies. Because toddler portions are smaller than adult portions, calculate how much calcium is in a smaller serving of each food.
Milk
An 8-oz. serving of plain or chocolate whole milk contains about 280 mg of calcium. If your toddler loves milk, just two full glasses of milk, or three smaller glasses, will give her what she needs for the day. Mixing whole milk with breast milk or formula can help make the transition to regular milk easier for some toddlers. Because dietary fat is crucial to brain development in toddlers, serve whole milk to children younger than 24 months unless your pediatrician recommends a lower-fat variety. Don't overdo the milk. KidsHealth.org notes that giving your child more than 24 ounces, or 3 cups of milk each day, may interfere with iron absorption. Foods such as tofu provide both calcium and iron.
Yogurt
An 8-oz. container of plain yogurt yields 275 mg of calcium. You can also buy fruit yogurt, or add chopped-up fruit to plain yogurt. As with milk, skip the low-fat and no-fat types until your toddler is at least 2 years old.
Cheese
One serving of cheese equals either 1.5 oz. of natural cheese or 2 oz. processed cheese, notes KidsHealth.org. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the cheeses highest in calcium are Romano, processed Swiss cheese, natural Swiss cheese, ricotta, processed American, provolone, mozzarella and cheddar. Cut block-style cheeses in cubes for bite-sized snacks, or make mini-pizzas with mozzarella and Romano.
Calcium Fortified Cereal
Several varieties of calcium-fortified cold cereals exist, according to the USDA. Their calcium contents range from 236 to more than 1,000 mg per serving. Ask your pediatrician for recommended cereals. Many oatmeal makers also offer calcium-fortified versions. One packet of instant oatmeal, whether plain or flavored, usually contains an average of 100 mg of calcium. Of course, topping cold or warm cereals with milk ups the calcium rate considerably.
Vegetables
While kids notoriously hate most vegetables, you may be lucky enough to have a veggie-loving toddler. More likely, experimenting with several calcium-rich vegetables, as well as serving them several times before giving up on them, will likely yield a plant-based calcium source your child will accept. Top choices include broccoli, leafy greens such as collards, spinach, turnip greens, kale, pak choi and beet greens. Consider including them, chopped, in a egg dish such as quiche or custard.
Additional Foods
Other calcium-rich foods that your toddler may enjoy include fortified soy milk and orange juice, tofu, molasses, tuna, salmon and beans.
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