Iron is a crucial mineral for kids, but some children develop a shortage of iron in the body, notes Clemson University. Iron keeps the immune system strong, creates hemoglobin and helps transport oxygen throughout the body, notes the University of California. Iron also helps a child's body create strong muscle and healthy blood. A wide variety of foods contain iron. Talk to your doctor about which foods contain iron and are safe for your child to eat.
Chicken and Turkey
Chicken and turkey have high amounts of protein and iron, notes the University of California. Serve these meats regularly to help your kids maintain appropriate iron levels in the body. Both meats can be served in small chunks in salads or in a wrap sandwich that is easy for kids to eat.
Spinach
Spinach contains a lot of iron, notes the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health. This vegetable is easy for your kids to snack on. It can be added to a meat sandwich, shredded for dips, included in salads and soups or eaten raw as part of a vegetable plate served with hummus.
Peas
Peas are an iron-rich food, notes the University of California. Peas are easy for your kids to eat. Just 1/2 cup of cooked peas added to a meal provides plenty of iron for chidren. If they like peas, add them to food such as salads, soups, casseroles and dips.
Raisins, Prunes and Seeds
Dried raisins and prunes contain iron, notes the University of California, and make bite-sized healthy snacks for children. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are convenient snacks and are excellent sources of iron, notes the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health. Check with a doctor to ensure dried fruits and seeds are age appropriate foods for your child.
Beef and Beans
Lean beef and beans are excellent sources of iron, notes the University of California. Kids can enjoy cubed beef and beans as a chili or in a beef vegetable stew. Many kids also enjoy eating lean beef as hamburgers on wheat buns.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter in a sandwich or topping a bagel or toast gives kids a delicious iron-rich snack. Peanut butter can also be smeared on raw vegetables like celery, broccoli and carrots, notes Clemson University. Another snack idea is to roll 1/2 banana in peanut butter and crushed cereal. Then freeze the banana for an hour or two to make a cool snack for your child.
Eggs
Eggs are a strong source of iron, notes the University of California. Hard boiled eggs cut into slices are easy for you to eat as a snack or meal. Serve the eggs with a salsa for dipping to add some vegetable matter to the snack.
Iron-Fortified Cereal
Iron fortified cereal is a healthy way for kids to start the day, notes the University of California. Serve children some orange juice with the cereal, because the vitamin C-rich drink will help the body absorb iron.
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