How to Feed Spinach to a Toddler

Toddlers may not like spinach, but the health benefits are tremendous.

Spinach contains many important vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. It also contains oxalic acid, which helps our bodies to absorb calcium. As parents try to give children all the healthy vitamins and minerals needed for their growth, feeding them spinach is often a challenge. Despite all of its health benefits, spinach has a taste and texture that make many toddlers cringe. However, there are creative ways to incorporate spinach into meals without your little one ever detecting foul play.

Things You'll Need

• 16 oz. bag of frozen spinach
• 15 oz. can of black or pinto beans
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Saucepan
• Food processor

Instructions

1. Empty the bag of frozen spinach into a saucepan and cook on medium heat until thawed.

2. 

   Spinach contains 1.8 mg. of iron in every 1/2 cup.

   Drain and rinse the beans and add to the saucepan. Beans add fiber that is important for children. Fiber helps the digestive system stay healthy and absorb nutrients. Cook mixture on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. If the mixture begins to stick to the pan, reduce heat and add a tablespoon of butter.

3. 

   2.25 oz. of cheddar cheese fulfills the daily calcium requirement for toddlers.

   Turn off the heat and add cheddar cheese to taste. Many kids enjoy cheese and it is full of calcium, so do not hesitate to make it cheesy.

4. Add the mixture into the food processor and process on the food processor setting until it blends completely, about 30 seconds. The result should be the consistency of a bean dip.

5. 

   The mixture can also be used to stuff ravioli.

   Use the mixture to fill puff pastries or spread on toast and cut into strips for a healthy finger food. Use as a dip with crackers or stir into macaroni and cheese for a fun twist.

Tips & Warnings

• Try using different cheeses or adding other vegetables for new variations.

• Store leftover spinach mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze.

References

• Live and Feel: Benefits of Spinach Plant
• The World's Healthiest Foods: Black Beans
• Ask Dr. Sears: Family Nutrition: Fantastic Fiber
• Kellog's Nutrition: Children and Fiber
• "National Anemia Action Council"; Anemia and Nutrition: The Importance of Iron; NAAC; July 2008
• "Nourish Interactive"; Dem Bones, Dem Bones; Anne Kolker MS; April 2009