Dr. Nanci Pittman is a board certified pediatrician in pediatric gastroenterology & nutrition, who has been in practice in both Manhattan, Scarsdale and Englewood, NJ for 8 years. She is also an Associate Professor at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC.

The Importance of Iron and Calcium for Your Baby

We all know that children may not always eat a balanced diet. If your toddler is a "picky eater" or an "inconsistent eater", then vitamin supplementation may be needed. It is helpful to choose foods that are fortified with zinc, calcium, iron, and the essential B vitamins to help keep your child healthy. Giving them foods they like and are convenient are an easy way for Mom to feel good about their child getting a more well rounded diet.

THE IMPORTANCE OF IRON:

Infant Needs:
There are sufficient quantities of iron in breast milk so that generally no supplementation of iron is necessary. However, at 4-6 months, the infant's iron stores become depleted and the iron in breast milk will no longer be sufficient to prevent anemia. It is at this age that cereal (fortified with iron) should be introduced to prevent anemia. Earth's Best cereals are fortified with 45% iron and are an excellent source of this important nutrient for baby. They are available in Rice, Oatmeal and Multi-Grain in both 8oz. and new 0.5 oz. pre-measured packets for your convenience.

Toddler Needs:
A toddler needs approximately 15 mg of iron each day. Less iron may result in anemia, a condition that limits the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the tissues and organs. Many toddlers will not choose foods that are high in iron, (such as meats, spinach, broccoli etc.). Choosing foods that are iron fortified will help prevent anemia, like Earth's Best New Cereal Bars - which provides the necessary iron in a great tasting fun food children will like.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CALCIUM:

Toddler Needs:
Calcium is essential for proper growth, especially bone growth. Often toddlers decrease their milk consumption. A toddler needs approximately 16 ounces of milk each day to meet his or her calcium requirements. For those toddlers who choose to not drink milk (or for those toddlers who are intolerant to milk), choosing foods that are calcium fortified is helpful. Earth's Best New Cereal Bars provide an excellent source of calcium in 3 great varieties: Strawberry Banana, Peanut Butter and Strawberry and Cherry.

Nanci Pittman, M.D.
Pediatric Gastroenterologist
New York, NY