You must be aware of the fact that Iron is an essential nutrient needed for proper growth and development of children. It aids the smooth functioning of the body by helping the blood transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and the muscles to store and use oxygen. Iron deficiency may lead to anemia and affects the core functioning of different body parts. So, to avoid this, nutritionists of Daycare La Canada Flintridge, CA suggest parents include the following iron-rich foods in their baby’s or toddler’s diet.

1. Meat and Poultry

Meat, especially the red meat and liver, and the poultry products are a great source of heme iron. You should nicely cook the meat before feeding your baby else he will not able to chew and digest it easily. You should introduce meat and poultry items to your baby’s diet only after he turns 8 months.

2. Egg Yolks

Egg yolk is also a rich source of iron for toddlers and infants alike. Try to incorporate the whole egg or the yolk in their regular diet or you can use egg yolks as an ingredient for different recipes. Caramel custard or custard flan are some delicious options where you can use egg yolks as an ingredient. According to the experts of Daycare La Canada Flintridge, CA, try to include egg yolk in your child’s diet only when he turns 10 months.

3. Red Rice

Red Rice is an excellent source of non-hemeiron which you can include to your child’s regular diet. But if you are cooking these varieties of rice simply, they may not find it appealing. So, you can add some flavor to it by stirring in vegetables, eggs, or meat depending on your food habits.

4. Beans

Almost all varieties of beans are a rich source of iron. Lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, and soybeans are just some examples that are widely available and you can easily incorporate these beans in your child’s regular diet. Just steam the beans and flavor them with some salt and mild spices before offering them to your child. You can always mix them with meat or rice.

5. Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes

According to the nutrition experts of Daycare La Canada Flintridge, CA, potatoes are more healthy when they are cooked with the skin on. You can bake or steam potatoes and offer them to your kids as their snack. Most of the children love mashed or fried potatoes, so, it won’t be difficult to incorporate them into your child’s regular diet.

6. Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter is packed with iron and is a favorite amongst children. You can use it with whole bread and serve your little ones as their healthy evening snack. You can also use it with cookies or biscuits.

All the above foods are packed with iron and are healthy for your toddlers. But please consult your pediatrician before introducing any new food to your child.