Toddlers can have low iron for many reasons. Let’s explore what they can be.

Dairy is an important part of a healthy eating pattern. Cow’s milk is a healthy drink for children 12 months and older. However, children who drink too much cow’s milk can be at risk for low iron. The recommended amount of cow's milk for children is:

1 and 2 year olds = No more than 2 cups (16 ounces) per day of whole milk. 

3 and 4 year olds = No more than 2-3 cups (16-24 ounces) per day of low-fat milk. 

*8 ounces = 1 cup

Why?

1. Cow’s milk can make children feel full. If your child feels full, they may not eat foods with iron at meals.

2. Cow’s milk may prevent iron from being absorbed.

How to help

• Limit cow’s milk to 2-3 cups per day from 12-24 months. Use this time to begin slowly switching from 3 cups to 2 cups. It is okay if your child sometimes has 3 cups, but you will want to move closer to 2 cups over time. 
• Limit to 2 cups per day starting at 24 months. 
• Encourage only water between meals and snacks. 
• Offer drinks in an open cup at seated meals and snacks.
• Encourage bottle weaning by 15 months.
• Avoid putting children to sleep with a bottle or training cup.

The truth is all children reject a food at some point. Picky eating behaviors can be frustrating for families. If your child has picky eating behaviors, they may say no to foods that are high in iron. Meat is a common food for children to reject. Picky eating behaviors can lead to low iron.  

How to help

• Continue to offer a variety of high in iron foods. 
• Trust your child to eat the right amount of food. 
• Encourage only water between meals and snacks. 
• Invite your child into the kitchen to cook with you. 
• Offer sauces. Sauces can change flavors and textures. Your child may enjoy a food more with a sauce. For example, you can offer yogurt-based ranch dip with chicken. 
• Try ground or shredded meat. These are easier for children to eat. 
• Avoid forcing or bribing your child to eat. 
• Be patient. 

You can learn more about picky eating behaviors and how to work with your child in the lesson Solving Picky Eating.

These diets do not have meat in them. However, vegetarians or vegans can eat just as many iron foods as people who eat meat. A variety of iron plant foods can be added to this type of diet to keep iron levels normal.

How to help

Offer your child iron plant foods with foods high in vitamin C. Here are a few examples of what this looks like:

Breakfast

Instant cooked oatmeal (iron) with strawberries (vitamin C)

Morning snack
Peanut butter (iron) on whole wheat bread (iron) with bananas (vitamin C)

Lunch
Egg salad whole grain sandwich (iron), sweet potato fries (iron + vitamin C)

Afternoon snack
Whole grain crackers (iron), bell peppers (vitamin C), and hummus (iron)

Dinner
Black beans, brown rice (iron), corn, and tomatoes (vitamin C)