Iron-Rich Foods for Toddlers: Boosting Growth & Health

The Center for Disease Prevention writes, "Young children and pregnant women are at higher risk of iron deficiency because of rapid growth and higher iron needs" . They recommend that children aged one to three consume seven milligrams of iron daily. Unfortunately, toddlers do not enjoy most iron-rich foods, the best ones including liver, spinach and prune juice. However, there are still several options of toddler-friendly, iron-rich foods that will help your child grow strong and healthy.

Dry Cereal

• Most dry cereal available on the market as of 2010 is iron-enriched. Cheerios, for example, contain 10 mg of iron in every cup.

Hot Cereal

• The Center for Disease Prevention lists, "Fortified, instant cooked cereals" as another iron-rich food. Toddlers generally enjoy oatmeal, and can receive approximately 4.9 to 8.1mg of iron from one packet. Other alternatives include Cream of Wheat.

Eggs

• One egg contains approximately .6 mg of iron, according to the Boston Hospital's Center for Young Women's Health.

Beans

• Many toddlers are not partial to beans, but if you can get your child to eat them, red, kidney or pinto beans are all excellent sources of iron, containing 5 mg per serving, according to Bloodindex.com.

Peanut Butter

• If a toddler enjoys peanut butter, this can be another excellent source of iron. Four tablespoons has 2 mg of iron, according to Bloodindex.com. There are a variety of ways to incorporate peanut butter into a toddler's diet, in sandwiches, on crackers or with fruit.