Infants and young children have a strong need for calcium due to their rapid physical growth. It is important to remember the top ten danger signals of calcium deficiency in babies, and how to supplement calcium for babies.
Top Ten Danger Signals of Calcium Deficiency in Babies
1. Waking up in the middle of the night for no reason, crying and unable to fall back asleep;
2. Poor mental condition, or easily becoming angry and irritable for no reason, lack of interest in the surroundings, less active than before;
3. Sweating more than usual, even in mild weather; especially sweating on the head during sleep, causing friction against the pillow and leading to bald spots;
4. Slow teething, uneven teeth, misaligned upper and lower teeth, loose teeth, easy to break and prematurely fall out;
5. Delayed closure of the skull, still not closed after one and a half years;
6. Prominent forehead, forming a square-shaped head. A common symptom is "beaded ribs", where the cartilage growth of each rib connects like beads, often compressing the lungs and causing respiratory problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia;
7. Poor appetite and picky eating are also related to calcium deficiency. Insufficient calcium intake can lead to loss of appetite, lower intelligence, and weakened immune function;
8. Softening of the bones, resulting in bowed legs when standing, forming an "X" or "O" shape, and easily fractures;
9. Recurrent eczema, commonly seen on the scalp, face, and behind the ears, accompanied by restlessness and excessive sweating on the back of the head and back;
10. Severe calcium deficiency can cause muscle and tendon relaxation, leading to abdominal distension due to gas accumulation, resembling a frog's belly; relaxed spinal tendons can cause hunchback.
How to Supplement Calcium for Babies
If you need to supplement calcium, it is recommended to do so between two feedings.
If the baby is already eating solid food, it is recommended to consume calcium-rich foods in their diet, especially for babies over six months old. In cases of calcium deficiency, fish, seafood, shrimp, and tofu are recommended, as they contain higher levels of calcium.
In addition to diet, it is important to spend half an hour outdoors every day to get sunlight exposure, as outdoor sunlight promotes calcium absorption and contributes to bone development.
