The American Academy of Pediatrics says up to 15 percent of children under the age of 3 do not get enough iron.
Among new guidelines , the AAP says older infants and toddlers should be fed foods like meat, shellfish, legumes and iron-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as iron fortified cereals and fruits rich in vitamin C.
Iron deficiency can have long term irreversible effects on children's cognitive and behavioral development.
But, the AAP adds, infants on formula do not need additional iron supplementation and whole milk should not be given the first year.
The report details can be found in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics.
