How much calcium does my baby need?
For infants aged 0-6 months, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) establishes an Adequate Intake (AI) level of 200 mg per day; for 6-12 months the AI is 260 mg per day.
If you are breastfeeding your baby, it’s important that your diet is adequate in calcium, since you are the supply source for your breast milk and therefore your baby. If you don’t consume enough calcium in your diet, your body will pull calcium from your bones to make it available for your breast milk and your baby. This process places you at risk for poor bone density later in life. If you are using infant formula, your baby’s calcium needs will be met, provided he or she is consuming adequate amounts and experiencing normal growth and development.
Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, September 2020
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