Hi everyone,
I am a first-time mom to a 2-year-old toddler and I am worried about whether my child is getting enough iron in their diet. Recently, I noticed that my child has been getting easily fatigued and has been looking a little pale. I have read that iron is crucial for growth and development in children, and I want to make sure that my child is getting enough of it.
I would like to know what foods are good sources of iron for toddlers, and how I can incorporate them into their diet. I have been giving my child some iron-fortified cereals and spinach, but I am not sure if it is enough. Should I consider giving my child iron supplements?
Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Hi everyone,
I too am a mom to a 3-year-old who is a picky eater and I am always worried about her nutrient intake. Iron has been a concern for me as well, especially since we are a vegetarian household. Initially, I tried to incorporate iron-fortified cereals, tofu and spinach into her meals, but it didn't seem to be enough.
So I reached out to a registered dietitian who suggested that I focus on other sources of iron like lentils and chickpeas, which are also high in protein, vitamins and fibre. She also recommended pairing them with foods high in vitamin C like oranges or strawberries, which can help with iron absorption.
In addition to these dietary changes, I try to avoid feeding my child certain foods like tea, coffee and chocolate as they contain compounds that can inhibit iron absorption. Lastly, I monitor our water intake, as too much water can reduce stomach acid and affect mineral absorption.
Overall, if you're concerned about your child's iron intake, you may want to try incorporating these foods alongside animal-based sources, or talk to a doctor or a registered dietitian for more specific advice.
Good luck!