quick clicks

babies today articles

babies today q&a

toddlers today articles

toddlers today q&a

breastfeed.com articles

breastfeed.com q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Expert Q&A

	By iParenting Staff iParenting Staff Experts

My 20-month-old is a picky eater and I'm afraid he's not getting enough iron. Any suggestions?

Children often go through eating jags. It's worse for you than it is for them, however. You may think his nutrition is suffering, but it probably won't in the long run. Don't worry about his using only a spoon, or wanting to use his hands. He will grow out of it. Also, there's nothing wrong with grilled cheese, fish and raw vegetables. The trick here is to keep offering him small amounts of new foods, while relaxing your focus on his eating habits. Believe me, he knows he's pushing your buttons! Giving him a multivitamin while your waiting for this period to pass is an excellent idea, and 3 milligrams of iron is appropriate for his age. His daily requirement is 10 milligrams, but don't forget that grain products are heavily fortified with iron. As long as he is growing properly, and his pediatrician says he is fine, you'll have to wait this one out.

View more Q&A by this Expert