Vitamin C - protects and repairs

Why do they need vitamin C?

Vitamin C is what’s known as an antioxidant. This means it’s a ‘repair and protect’ vitamin, helping to keep your toddler’s body cells healthy and protecting them from infections. 

It’s also essential for helping your toddler’s skin, ligaments and even their blood cells, grow and develop. A real wonder vitamin, it plays an important part in making sure bones and gums stay in top condition. It also helps to heal cuts and scrapes.

This essential vitamin also helps your toddler absorb iron from the food they eat. Without it, it can be hard for them to get the iron they need for energy. And it’s amazing how much energy a growing toddler needs!

How to make sure they’re getting enough

Because vitamin C is found in lots of scrummy everyday fruits and veg that toddlers love, it’s quite easy to make it part of their diet. Oranges, kiwis and berries contain lots of vitamin C goodness, and tasty vegetables like peppers and broccoli have it in bundles too.

Your toddler probably loves the taste of most foods – but some days they might not feel in the mood for trying new things. When this happens, there are lots of fun ways to help them get the vitamin C they need. 

Some mums make mealtimes more fun by making funny patterns, pictures and shapes on the plate – or you could play ‘guess the food’ by asking your toddler to shut their eyes and sniff, lick and prod the food. It’s surprising how inventive you can become – and your toddler will love joining in!

Because your toddler’s body can’t store vitamin C, they have to get the right amount every day. Regular fruity treats, smoothies and fruit drinks are a great way of making sure your baby gets enough.

Tasty tips for boosting vitamin C:

• Cut up some chunks of fruit and keep them in the fridge ready to grab when you need it
• Fruit pouches are a quick and easy way to give your toddler vitamins when they’re on the go
• Frozen and canned fruit and veg are also a good option, and very handy

Feeding your toddler is fantastic fun and really rewarding, especially when you see them glowing with health and energy. Cooking for them is exciting too, as you try different combinations of the scrummy, healthy foods they need. And if you need inspiration, take a look at the delicious toddler recipes on our website. You’ll find lots more information, tips and advice on toddler feeding there too.