According to Gram Research analysis, the COVID-19 pandemic did not substantially harm babies’ growth or immune function, with pandemic-born toddlers showing similar weight and height to pre-pandemic babies. However, a 2026 cross-sectional study of 7.4 million U.S. children aged 12-24 months found that pandemic babies consumed 19% less vitamin A and 21% less vitamin B12, while getting 38% more vitamin C. Environmental toxin exposure decreased during the pandemic, and immune markers remained normal.
A major study comparing babies born before and during the COVID-19 pandemic found that the virus didn’t slow down how fast babies grew or how much they weighed. However, babies born during the pandemic got less vitamin A and B12 in their diets, while getting more vitamin C. The good news? Their immune systems stayed healthy, and they were exposed to fewer harmful chemicals like mercury and cadmium. Researchers say babies overall did fine during the pandemic, but families should keep an eye on vitamin intake going forward.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional analysis of 7.4 million U.S. toddlers aged 12-24 months found no significant differences in physical growth, weight, or BMI between pre-pandemic (2017-2018) and pandemic (2021-2023) cohorts, suggesting COVID-19 did not disrupt basic infant development.
According to a 2026 study of pandemic-era toddlers, vitamin A intake dropped from 540 to 437 micrograms per day (19% decrease), while vitamin C intake increased from 63 to 87 milligrams per day (38% increase), indicating shifted nutritional patterns during lockdowns.
A 2026 national health survey of 7.4 million babies found that pandemic-born toddlers had significantly lower exposure to environmental toxins like cadmium and mercury, with immune markers remaining within normal ranges despite pandemic stress.
Research reviewed by Gram found that vitamin B12 intake in pandemic-born toddlers decreased from 3.4 to 2.7 micrograms per day, a 21% reduction that warrants parental attention to dietary sources like eggs, meat, and fortified foods.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected how babies aged 1-2 years old grew, what nutrients they ate, and how their immune systems worked.
- Who participated: Nearly 7.4 million babies aged 12-24 months in the United States, comparing those born before the pandemic (2017-2018) with those born during it (2021-2023). Data came from a national health survey that tracks what Americans eat and their health.
- Key finding: Babies’ height, weight, and overall growth stayed the same before and during the pandemic. However, pandemic babies consumed 19% less vitamin A and 21% less vitamin B12, but 38% more vitamin C. Their immune markers stayed normal.
- What it means for you: If you have a toddler, the pandemic didn’t harm their basic growth or health. However, parents should ensure toddlers get enough vitamin A (from carrots, sweet potatoes, and dairy) and B12 (from meat, eggs, and fortified foods). This is especially important if your child eats a plant-based diet.
The Research Details
Researchers used data from NHANES, a large national survey that tracks the health and eating habits of Americans. They compared two groups of babies: those born before COVID-19 hit (2017-2018) and those born during the pandemic (2021-2023). They looked at measurements like weight and height, counted the vitamins and minerals babies ate, and checked blood markers that show how well the immune system is working.
This type of study is called “cross-sectional,” which means researchers took a snapshot in time rather than following the same babies over years. They used data that was already collected, so they didn’t have to do new tests. This makes the study faster and cheaper, but it can’t prove that the pandemic directly caused changes—only that differences existed.
Using national survey data means the results represent millions of real American babies, not just a small group in one hospital or clinic. This makes the findings more trustworthy for understanding what happened to babies across the whole country. The researchers compared two time periods carefully to make sure they were measuring the same things in the same way.
This study is strong because it used data from millions of babies across the entire United States, making it representative of the real world. The researchers compared similar time periods and age groups, which is important for fair comparison. However, because it’s a snapshot study rather than following babies over time, it can’t prove the pandemic caused the changes—only that they happened. The study also relied on parents reporting what their babies ate, which can sometimes be inaccurate.
What the Results Show
The biggest finding was that babies’ growth didn’t change. Pre-pandemic babies and pandemic babies weighed about the same, were about the same length, and had similar body mass index (BMI) measurements. This is reassuring news for parents worried the pandemic disrupted their babies’ development.
However, the vitamins babies consumed did shift. Pandemic babies got less vitamin A (437 micrograms per day versus 540 before the pandemic) and less vitamin B12 (2.7 micrograms versus 3.4). At the same time, they got more vitamin C (87 milligrams versus 63). These changes were small but measurable.
When researchers looked at immune system markers in the blood—special numbers that show how well the immune system is working—they found only minor differences between the two groups, and everything stayed in the normal, healthy range. This suggests the pandemic didn’t harm babies’ ability to fight off infections.
An unexpected positive finding was that babies during the pandemic had lower exposure to environmental toxins. Specifically, they had less cadmium and mercury in their bodies—heavy metals that can be harmful if they build up. This might be because pandemic lockdowns reduced pollution from cars and factories, or because families changed their eating habits in ways that reduced exposure to contaminated foods.
Previous research worried that pandemic stress, lockdowns, and disrupted healthcare might harm babies’ development. This study suggests those fears didn’t come true for basic growth and immune health. However, other studies have found that pandemic stress affected older children’s mental health and learning, so impacts varied by age group. The vitamin A and B12 findings are new and suggest families should pay attention to these specific nutrients.
The study relied on parents reporting what their babies ate, which can be inaccurate—people sometimes forget or guess at portion sizes. The researchers couldn’t prove the pandemic caused the vitamin changes; they only showed that differences existed. They also couldn’t explain why vitamin intake shifted, so we don’t know if it was due to supply chain problems, changed shopping habits, or something else. Finally, the study only looked at one point in time for each group, not how babies changed over months or years.
The Bottom Line
Parents should ensure toddlers get adequate vitamin A through orange and yellow vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes), leafy greens, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is important for brain development, so include meat, eggs, dairy, or fortified plant-based foods. Vitamin C is easy to get from fruits and vegetables, and pandemic babies are already getting enough. If your child eats a plant-based diet, talk to your pediatrician about B12 supplements. These recommendations have strong evidence support.
All parents of toddlers aged 1-2 years should know this information, especially those concerned about pandemic effects on their child’s health. Parents of children eating plant-based or restricted diets should pay special attention to vitamin B12. Healthcare providers should use this to reassure families that pandemic babies developed normally. This doesn’t apply to children outside the 1-2 year age range, as older and younger children may have been affected differently.
You should see no changes in your toddler’s growth—they should continue gaining weight and height at normal rates. If you improve vitamin intake, you won’t see obvious changes immediately, but over months, better nutrition supports brain development, immune health, and energy levels. If you’re concerned about your specific child’s growth or nutrition, talk to your pediatrician at regular checkups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did COVID-19 affect how fast babies grew during the pandemic?
No. A 2026 study of 7.4 million toddlers found no significant differences in weight, height, or growth between babies born before and during the pandemic, showing that basic development continued normally despite lockdowns and disruptions.
What vitamins did pandemic babies get less of?
Pandemic-born toddlers consumed 19% less vitamin A and 21% less vitamin B12 compared to pre-pandemic babies. Parents should ensure toddlers eat orange vegetables, leafy greens, eggs, and meat to maintain adequate levels of these important nutrients.
Did the pandemic affect babies’ immune systems?
No. Immune markers in pandemic babies remained within normal, healthy ranges with only minor age and sex-specific variations. The pandemic did not substantially harm babies’ ability to fight infections or develop immunity.
Was there any positive health change for pandemic babies?
Yes. Pandemic babies had significantly lower exposure to environmental toxins like cadmium and mercury, likely due to reduced pollution from lockdowns. This reduced toxic exposure may provide long-term health benefits.
Should I give my toddler vitamin supplements because of pandemic findings?
Talk to your pediatrician before starting supplements. Focus first on food sources: vitamin A from carrots and sweet potatoes, vitamin B12 from eggs and meat. Supplements are only needed if your child has dietary restrictions or deficiencies confirmed by testing.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log your toddler’s daily food intake for one week each month, specifically tracking servings of vitamin A sources (orange vegetables, leafy greens, dairy), vitamin B12 sources (meat, eggs, fortified foods), and vitamin C sources (citrus, berries, tomatoes). Compare to recommended daily amounts for your child’s age.
- Set a weekly reminder to plan meals that include at least one vitamin A source and one B12 source daily. For example: Monday breakfast includes eggs (B12), Tuesday lunch includes sweet potato (vitamin A), Wednesday dinner includes beef (B12). Use the app to build a simple rotation of toddler-friendly meals.
- Track your toddler’s weight and length at pediatrician visits (typically every 6 months after age 2). Use the app to note any changes in energy level, appetite, or illness frequency. If you notice slower growth or increased infections, discuss with your pediatrician. Monthly food logging helps identify if vitamin gaps are developing.
This research shows associations and trends in population data but does not prove the pandemic directly caused nutritional changes. Individual babies may have different experiences. Always consult your pediatrician about your child’s specific growth, nutrition, and health. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your toddler’s growth, development, or nutrition, contact your healthcare provider.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.