Iron rich foods

Foods rich in iron are ragi, greens, spinach, raisins, apricots, oatmeal, peas, dried beans, soybeans, lentils, and prunes. Peanut butter, eggs and non-vegeterian foods are other sources. The best source is of course breast milk. Intestines of babies who are breast fed are at least 3 times more efficient in absorbing iron from any source. Consuming Vitamin C rich foods like orange helps absorb iron better. Cooking in iron pans also increases iron in foods. Drinking too much of cow's milk makes baby lose iron through intestines. Hence avoid giving more than 500 ml milk to kids. In picky eaters you can give iron supplements. Iron drops are popular. Give dose as per your pediatrician prescription. Dilute drops with some juice and give. Direct administration can cause staining of teeth.

For older children, parched rice (poha) and puffed rice (murmura) are excellent sources of iron.