Boosting Dietary Iron Intake in the Pickiest of Toddlers

Oh, those toddlers are the trickiest! One day, your child is the perfect eater. He or she consumed hearty sized servings from all of the main food groups and you couldn’t be happier. The next day, you are struggling to recall if your child ate anything other than the goldfish, animal crackers and ice cream you offered out of despair. Keep in mind, you are not alone. This is quiet a common struggle with this challenging age group. They spend their days trying to assert who they are as tiny human beings - to the clothes they wear, what time they want to go to bed, down to the foods they will and will not eat!

As parents, we worry that our picky eaters are not meeting their dietary requirements in order to thrive properly. Dietary short falls may place them at a higher risk for developing iron deficiency anemia. Toddlers grow at what appears to be lightening speed. Therefore, iron needs are increased to meet the growth demands of an energetic toddler.

How can you ensure your child is meeting their iron requirements?

Consult with your pediatrician. Complete routine blood work as scheduled. Adhere to the doctor’s recommendation regarding vitamin and/or mineral supplementation based on your child’s laboratory results. Do not supplement your child’s diet with additional vitamins and/or minerals without the consent of their pediatrician. Over the counter iron can be toxic in excess!
Offer iron rich foods or iron fortified foods at meal and snack times. Good sources of iron include: meats and seafoods, beans and legumes, fortified cereals and grains, dried fruits as well as spinach.
Know the difference between heme and non-heme iron food sources. Heme iron comes from animal foods and non-heme iron comes from plant based foods. Heme iron is more readily absorbed.
Did you know vitamin C helps increase the absorption of iron? Try pairing foods high in vitamin C (i.e. citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes) with iron rich foods.

Quick and easy Iron + vitamin C snack and/or meal ideas for toddlers:

A slice of 100% whole wheat bread + natural peanut butter. Top with raisins + a side of sliced strawberries

Hummus dip + whole grain crackers + sliced peppers

Yogurt topped with a low sugar breakfast cereal + blueberries

A hard boiled egg + sliced cherry tomatoes

Baked chicken strips + steamed broccoli florets + diced pineapples

Perhaps your child attends a daycare center during the work week. Fear not! Fortunately, the facility is responsible for complying with menu regulations set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture. Therefore, a nutritious and balanced meal plan is offered to your child when away from home. An additional benefit: he or she may consume more of their meals and snacks when in the good company of giggling, fellow classmates!