We’re going to take a wild guess and say getting enough Vitamin D isn’t high on your never-ending to-do list.
We don’t blame ya!
And that’s because it’s usually pretty easy to get. We get most of the Vitamin D we need from the sun. So a fun day at the park or out on the beach just about does it.
But, did you know that not all kids receive safe and adequate sun exposure on a daily basis? Especially during the winter!
This is kind of a big deal since Vitamin D is an essential nutrient. It helps with the absorption of calcium, which in turn helps build strong bones and strong teeth. Super important for our little ones!
But that’s not all, it also has a positive effect on digestion, immunity, and even a possible mood boosting benefit. Nice to know the next time you’re stuck indoors with a cranky toddler, huh!
Okay, enough with the lecturing.
We know we need to keep Vitamin D levels up and it’s not as easy in the winter. So here are 3 tips to help your kiddo get enough of the “sunshine vitamin”:
Eat Vitamin D Rich Foods
One of the best things you can do to boost Vitamin D is to eat foods that are healthy, tasty, and full of Vitamin D!
A good go-to is fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, and anchovies. These are actually some of the best sources of Vitamin D there is! But, let’s face it, fish isn’t exactly the most popular dish on the kid’s menu. So in that case, you can try adding mushrooms (cut up really, really tiny) or eggs.
And if all else fails, Vitamin D enriched foods like milk, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, and even orange juice should do the trick. There really are a bunch of great options out there, so get creative and you’re sure to find a few your kiddo loves.
Get Some Direct Sunlight
We know, we know, it’s freezing out there! But direct sunlight is still the easiest and most effective way to get the Vitamin D your body needs.
Studies have found that just 10-30 minutes of direct sunlight a few times per week is all it takes to keep Vitamin D at a healthy level.
So on those days when the sun is shining, take the kiddos out for a short walk. It’ll help get the Vitamin D they need and even use up some of that pent up energy!
Supplement with Vitamin D
If you’re a busy momma or the thought of sneaking mushrooms in your kiddos food is too much work, then supplementing might be for you! It’s one of the surest ways to guarantee that your kiddo is getting all the vitamin D they need.
Plus, it’s the easiest.
You’ll know EXACTLY how much Vitamin D they’re getting every day and you avoid the hassle of trying to get fish past your picky eater’s sniff test (oh boy, the struggle!).
Not all vitamins are created equal though. So make sure you’re using a Vitamin D3 supplement, not Vitamin D2 (which has been shown to be less effective!)
If you’re looking for an extra boost of the sunshine vitamin during these winter months, check out Renzo’s Dynamite D3. Or what we like to call, Sunshine in a Bottle! It’ll keep your kiddo covered this winter, no matter how much rain, snow, or gloomy weather mother nature throws at us!