Your baby's bones are constantly growing and developing, and the first 2-3 years of life are the most crucial period for bone formation. Don't worry - if you're providing proper nutrition through breastmilk or formula (like NAN, Lactogen, Similac, or Aptamil), adequate Vitamin D, and allowing age-appropriate movement, your baby's bones are on track. Here's everything you need to know about supporting your little one's skeletal development.
Fascinating Facts About Baby Bones
Watch: Do this water activity during tummy time for your baby!!
Newborns have about 300 bones - adults only have 206!
As babies grow, many small bones fuse together
Baby bones contain more cartilage (naram haddi), making them flexible
The "soft spot" (fontanelle) on baby's head is normal and closes by 12-18 months
95% of bone mass is built by age 20
How Baby Bones Grow: Age-by-Age Guide
Newborn (0-3 months)
What's happening:
Bones are soft and flexible (designed for birth!)
Fontanelle (soft spot) is open and may pulse - this is normal
Rapid bone growth requires good nutrition
What baby needs:
Breastmilk or formula every 2-3 hours
Vitamin D drops (400 IU daily) if breastfed
Gentle handling - baby bones are fragile!
3-6 Months
What's happening:
Bones becoming stronger
Baby starts bearing some weight on legs when held
Cartilage slowly converting to bone
What baby needs:
Continue exclusive breastmilk or formula
Tummy time for muscle and bone development
Vitamin D supplementation continues
6-12 Months
What's happening:
Major bone development supporting sitting, crawling, standing
First teeth appearing (calcium going to teeth too!)
Track growth - Regular pediatric checkups catch issues early
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Vitamin D drops - "Baby gets sun" may not be enough
Starting cow's milk before 1 year - Hard to digest, can cause bleeding
Too much milk after 1 year - Fills tummy, reduces appetite for solid food
Not giving tummy time - Essential for muscle and bone development
Using walkers - Delays proper bone and muscle development
Incorrect formula preparation - Follow instructions exactly
When to Consult a Doctor
Routine checks:
Regular well-baby visits (growth monitoring)
Ask about Vitamin D at every visit
Seek evaluation if:
Soft spot (fontanelle) bulging or deeply sunken
Fontanelle not closed by 18 months
Baby not meeting motor milestones:
Not holding head up by 4 months
Not sitting by 9 months
Not standing with support by 12 months
Not walking by 18 months
Unusual head shape
Bow legs worsening after age 2
Bones seem very fragile (easy fractures)
Poor weight gain
Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, 'Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.'
FAQs
Q: My baby is on formula (Lactogen). Does she need calcium supplements?
A: No, standard formulas like Lactogen, NAN, Similac, and Aptamil contain adequate calcium for babies. If prepared correctly, no extra calcium supplements are needed in the first year. After 6 months, you can add calcium-rich foods like ragi and dahi. Only give supplements if prescribed by your pediatrician.
Q: How do I know if my baby's bones are developing well?
A: Signs of healthy bone development include: meeting motor milestones (holding head, sitting, crawling, walking on time), following the growth curve at checkups, active and energetic baby, and fontanelle closing by 18 months. If you're concerned, your pediatrician can assess bone health and order tests if needed.
Q: Is cow's milk better than formula for bone health?
A: No, before age 1, cow's milk is actually not recommended because it's harder to digest, can cause microscopic intestinal bleeding, and doesn't have the right nutrient balance. Formula (NAN, Lactogen, Similac) is designed to provide optimal nutrition for babies, including bone-building nutrients.
Q: My 8-month-old doesn't like ragi. What other calcium-rich foods can I give?
A: Great alternatives include: homemade dahi (2-3 spoons), mashed paneer, green vegetable purees (palak, methi), sesame seed powder (til) mixed in other foods, egg yolk (if non-veg), and fortified baby cereals. Continue breastmilk/formula which remains the primary calcium source until age 1.
Q: Will my baby's soft spot ever close? It seems big.
A: Yes, the fontanelle (soft spot) normally closes between 12-18 months. Size varies between babies and a larger fontanelle is usually not concerning if baby is developing normally. However, if fontanelle is bulging, deeply sunken, or hasn't closed by 18 months, consult your pediatrician.
Q: Should I give Vitamin D even though baby gets sunlight?
A: For breastfed babies, yes - Vitamin D drops are recommended even with sun exposure. Indian babies may need more sun exposure due to darker skin, and modern lifestyles often limit outdoor time. For formula-fed babies, discuss with your pediatrician as formula contains some Vitamin D.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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