The human body requires certain nutrients and infants and toddlers have special requirements for growth and development. A balanced, healthy diet should provide all the necessary nutrition required. However, many parents still choose to supplement their child's diet with natural vitamins and minerals. Breast milk or baby formula should provide all the nutrients required for infants birth to six months old, according to the National Institutes of Health. Once solid food is introduced and the child is weaned, there is a chance that deficiencies can occur.
Calcium
One vital nutrient for infants and toddlers is calcium. Calcium is required to build bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed for muscles, nerves and the cardiovascular system. Infants up to 12 months require 200 to 260 mg of calcium each day. Toddlers 1 to 3 years of age need much more at 700 mg daily. Natural sources of calcium include dairy products, as well as dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli. Some breakfast cereals and fruit juices may also be fortified with calcium and other nutrients, so read product labels.
Vitamin D
Breast milk is surprisingly low in vitamin D, a nutrient required for calcium absorption. This was never an issue until recent years when experts began to recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun. Sun exposure is one way the human body manufactures vitamin D. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends infants 0 to 1 year get 400 IU's or 10 mcg of vitamin D each day. Toddlers and children up to 13 years require as much as 600 IU's or 15 mcg daily. Natural sources of this essential nutrient include dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese, as well as natural sunlight. Some sun exposure, 5 to 30 minutes, at least twice a week, is considered adequate.
Iron
Iron is an common metal used by the body to build hemoglobin in the blood. It also helps to transport oxygen in the bloodstream. Anemia or extreme fatigue, can result if there is lack of iron in the diet. Iron is found abundantly in meat and eggs. Because infants and toddlers may have little to no meat in their diet, iron deficiency is not uncommon. Infants 12 months and under need as much as 11 mg of iron daily, while toddlers 1 to 3 years require a little less, at 7 mg per day. Natural sources of iron include meat, liver, fish, poultry, eggs, oatmeal, dried beans and soy products.
Flouride
According to FamilyEducation.com, fluoride is an often overlooked nutrient for infants and toddlers. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth and gums and helps prevent tooth decay. However, this important nutrient is not given in supplement form, but is found in fluoride-treated tap water. If your child is breastfed exclusively, or your household uses filtered water or well water, your child may need fluoride supplementation. Talk to your pediatrician regarding your child's needs.
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