Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in children under 3 years old, and it can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency is also more prevalent among toddlers with a history of prematurity or low birth weight, as well as those who are vegetarian or vegan (because animal products are excellent sources of iron).
In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 1 out of every 5 toddlers has iron deficiency! And that’s why it’s important for parents to know about this common problem so they can be on the lookout for it.
Iron deficiency can lead to behavioral problems such as irritability or frustration because the victim can’t be as active as usual due to fatigue.
If you’re concerned about your toddler not getting enough iron (and don’t know how to get more into their diet), there are several ways you can boost your little one’s iron levels. And sometimes, it also becomes crucial to feed iron supplements to toddlers.
Here we will look at the top eight iron-rich foods that you can give your little munchkins to prevent them from iron deficiency.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of iron, so it’s important to include them in your toddler’s diet. Cook them any way you like, but scrambled is a good option as it’s easy to digest and can be eaten on its own or with other foods.
Peanut Butter Sandwich
If your toddler loves peanut butter sandwiches, make them with wholemeal bread and spread each slice with a dollop of peanut butter. It’s also worth keeping some raisins in the house as they’re packed full of iron.
Also, read: Iron and Your Health
Banana Pancakes With Maple Syrup And Honey
Banana pancakes are delicious, but they’re also good sources of iron. This is a classic breakfast dish that makes everyone feel special. The banana pancakes will give your child a healthy dose of potassium and folic acid — two essential vitamins that help prevent anemia by reducing fatigue during growth spurts — while the syrup adds essential vitamin C for building strong bones and teeth.
Oatmeal With Fruit And Toast
Oatmeal is a good source of iron and whole grains, including vitamins B1, B2, and B6. The soluble fiber in oatmeal can help lower cholesterol levels, which may help prevent heart disease. To make it more palatable for your toddler, add some fruit and toast to the bowl or mix it with milk and fruit juice.
Porridge With Berries And Milk
Porridge is another great way to add iron to your child’s diet. It is made from oats that have been boiled for about 20 minutes. Porridge is usually served for breakfast but can also be eaten as a snack or dessert. To make this breakfast more nutritious for your child, try mixing the cooked oats with berries and milk for a tasty treat.
Cheese And Tomato Sandwich With Wholemeal Bread
A cheese and tomato sandwich is a great way to start the day. It’s an iron-rich food that will also provide your child with a good dose of calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth. Cheese is also high in protein, which helps to build strong muscles and helps children grow taller.
Chocolate Spread With Brown Bread
Chocolate spread is another good source of iron for toddlers. Spread it on brown bread for a tasty breakfast that will give your child plenty of energy for the day ahead. For instance, you can give Nutella to your little ones. Apart from chocolate, it also contains hazelnuts which are rich in calcium and fiber.
Muesli With Milk
Muesli is a great way to start the day. It is a popular breakfast cereal made with rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It’s rich in iron and vitamin B12, making it a great choice for toddlers. Simply add milk to the muesli to make it into a tasty breakfast cereal that your toddler will love.
Wrapping Up-:
If you think your toddler might need more iron, include the above-stated foods in their breakfast right from today! But, if you still don’t find their iron level rising, talk to your doctor about this, and don’t hesitate to give them liquid iron supplements if recommended.
Apart from this, if you want to know about 5 Beet Root Recipes You’ll Crave then please visit our Daily Bites category