How To Treat Your Child’s Iron Deficiency

Iron is essential to a growing child’s developmental needs. It’s a nutrient that’s responsible for the production of hemoglobin, which exists in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin allows oxygen to move from the lungs to other areas throughout the body, including the muscles.

If your child has an iron deficiency, it can hinder growth. Therefore, it’s important to detect and treat any iron shortages right away.

Detecting an Iron Deficiency in Your Child

In order to catch an iron deficiency early, you should be aware of symptoms and risk factors. Your child may be at higher risk for having a lack of iron if he or she:

• Was premature
• Is currently exclusively breastfeeding and over 6 months old
• Isn’t getting enough iron through diet
• Is drinking large amounts of cow’s or goat’s milk — or even soy milk — and is younger than 5 years old
• Is formula-fed with a non-iron enriched formula
• Had a low birth weight
• Has a chronic condition that affects iron levels

These are risks that warrant a discussion with your pediatrician, even if your child isn’t showing any symptoms of trouble. Your baby may need supplemental iron, such as that found in Wellements iron drops for babies. This can help prevent symptoms from developing.

If your child already has a severe iron deficiency, you may notice signs such as:

• Excessive tiredness
• Cold extremities (feet and hands)
• Fast or shallow breathing
• Stunted growth
• Paleness
• Lack of appetite
• Pica (wanting to eat non-food items)

Iron deficiency is detected by a blood test. If your young baby is high risk or shows any of these symptoms, you may request a blood test from your doctor. Otherwise, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a screening blood test for babies ages 9 months old and up.

Best Ways To Help Your Child’s Iron Deficiency

One way to treat an iron deficiency is to add more iron to your child’s diet. For example, you may want to add more lean meat, beans, and leafy greens to your toddler’s meals. Breakfast cereals are often fortified with iron, so a low-sugar bowl of cereal each morning may help as well.

Because vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron, it’s a good idea to serve meals and snacks that include both iron and this important vitamin. A few orange slices with grilled chicken strips is one such snack.

Sometimes, though, changes in diet aren’t enough, especially if your toddler or baby is a picky eater or is less than enthusiastic about solid food entirely. In these cases, consider an organic iron supplement for toddlers or infants.

If your breastfed baby was born prematurely, talk to your doctor about when to start iron drops and how long to continue. Many pediatricians recommend supplementation until age 1.

Shop Organic Wellements Products Today

Wellements is a trusted brand created by parents for parents. Shop Wellements organic liquid vitamins and minerals for whatever ails your child — from iron deficiency to seasonal sniffles to overall immune support.

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