It'll be awhile before "drink your milk!" becomes one of the many ways you encourage your little one to get his nutrients. So what about infants? How can you be sure yours is getting the nourishment he needs for a healthy start right from the beginning? Find out how his bones grow, and how you can be sure he's getting what he needs for optimal bone health.
How do bones grow in babies?
When your little one is born, he'll have about 300 bones in his tiny body. They'll be soft and flexible. With proper nutrition, they will get longer and harden, and some will grow together. Your child's bones will continue to develop until he's 25 years old. By that time he'll have 206 bones to support his frame.
This 25-year period of development occurs naturally when bones are properly nourished. From your baby's very first day, he needs to receive the proper amounts of key bone nutrients, including the two most important, Calcium and Vitamin D.
In order for calcium to be used by your baby's developing bones, it must be absorbed. Formulas containing palm olein oil have been shown to reduce absorption of calcium and harden stools. Similac Advance, developed without palm olein oil, provides over 50% greater calcium absorption than Enfamil®*, for strong bones.
How can you be sure your baby develops strong bones?
Experts agree that breast milk is the best feeding choice for your baby's first year of life. If you are breastfeeding, talk with your baby's doctor about any necessary vitamin and mineral suplements that may be needed. These same nutrients also can be found in infant formulas. Similac® formulas help support good bone health throughout a baby's life.
Did You Know?
Data from a food survey† has shown that many older babies aren't getting the recommended amount‡ of key nutrients necessary for strong growth; 20% aren't getting the recommended amount of Calcium; 26% aren't getting enough Iron and more than 75% aren't getting enough Vitamin E. Just one sippy cup of Similac Go & Grow® has more than 25 vitamins and minerals babies need to help them stay strong and healthy; at least 30% of the daily value for calcium, iron and vitamin C§. It also has DHA and ARA, ingredients shown to help baby's brain and eyes develop.