Minerals
Calcium
Other than vitamins for babies 6-12 months, infants also need minerals for their healthy progression. One of the most important minerals that a baby needs is calcium. Calcium is responsible for the healthy development of bones and teeth. It also enables blood clotting as well as the maintenance of nerves and muscles.
People who get enough calcium from infancy until adulthood will most likely have low risk of having weakened bones and have a higher chance of not experiencing bone loss.
Iron
Infants need iron as it is a key nutrient that is in charge of the proper growth and formation of healthy cells, such as the production of red blood cells. Iron is also essential in preventing iron-deficiency anemia.
Zinc
Babies also need zinc, another essential nutrient, which aids in the formation of protein that helps in repairing body tissues, muscles, and skin. Zinc also boosts the immune system, which is crucial for combating viruses and bacteria that try to invade the body.
Sodium
An infant needs sodium for sustenance as it maintains the balance of water in the body and controls blood volume. Sodium makes certain that the cell membrane and other body tissues are properly functioning as well.
If your baby starts eating solid foods, there is no need to add salt in their diet as they’re getting enough sodium from breast milk or infant formula to sustain their growth.

Other essential nutrients
Carbohydrates
Infants need carbohydrates as it provides the energy they need for growth and development. Carbohydrates also allow protein and fats to be efficiently used in the body.
Fat
Another essential nutrient that is vital for babies’ brain development and overall growth is fat. Babies 6-12 months old also get other benefits from fat, such as absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, as well as supplying energy to the body.
Protein
Aside from carbohydrates and fats, protein is also an essential nutrient that is important in building, maintaining, and repairing tissues of the skin, eyes, muscles, heart, lungs, brain, and other organs.
Protein also makes important enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and other properties that are critical for the growth and development of an infant. In addition, protein acts as the building blocks of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
Water
Usually, babies get water from breast milk until 6 months of age. However, when infants start to eat solid foods, their parents need to give them additional water to support their developmental needs.
Water is an essential nutrient that helps regulate body temperature and cell metabolism. It also helps transport nutrients and metabolic products, as well as maintain the normal functioning of the kidneys.
Key Takeaways
Parents should be aware of all the essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins for babies 6-12 months old. This information is useful so that parents can provide a better and healthier diet for their babies, especially when they start getting nutrients from other food items other than breast milk or formula milk.
As a parent, you must keep in mind that if your baby isn’t nutrient-, vitamin-, or mineral-deficient, then there is no need for you to give them additional supplements like vitamin drops.
Always consult your infant’s pediatrician for nutritional concerns and additional information.
Learn more about Parenting and Baby here.
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