How to Get Iron into Your Toddler or Infant

Iron is an important mineral for your child. Without iron the body cannot make enough red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body so it can work well. The brain also needs iron to work properly.

Formula-fed babies usually get enough iron from their formula. Breastfed babies usually need to take iron drops starting at about four months old, because breast milk doesn't contain much iron. Your baby's healthcare provider will tell you how much iron your baby needs. Once babies stop drinking formula or taking iron drops, they need to get their iron from the foods they eat. Not all foods contain iron. You can make sure your child gets enough iron by providing them with foods that contain iron (see below).

Common Iron-containing Cereals & Foods

• Iron-fortified infant cereals
• Iron-fortified breakfast cereals

• Choose cereals that contain at least 3 mg of iron per serving. Examples of these cereals areCheerios, Life, andMini Wheats

• Beef
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Lamb
• Seafood

• Tuna
• Crab
• Halibut
• Shrimp
• Clams
• Oysters
• Salmon

• Chickpeas
• Artichokes
• Beet greens
• Potatoes
• Peas
• Spinach
• Kale
• Barley
• Lentils
• Beans such as navy, kidney, pinto beans
• Figs
• Dried peaches
• Dried apricots
• Raisins
• Prune juice

Combining iron-containing foods with foods that have vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) will help your child absorb the iron better. Examples of foods with vitamin C that can be eaten with iron-containing foods are listed in the table below.

Foods that Contain Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Cantaloupe
Citrus fruits or citrus juices such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruit
Fruit juices with added vitamin C
Guava
Kiwi
Mango
Papaya
Pineapple
Raspberries
Strawberries

Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Green, red, or yellow bell peppers
Kale
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Tomatoes
Tomato or vegetable juice
Leafy green vegetables