Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care for a health problem.
Why does my child need iron? —
The body needs iron to make certain proteins. The main one is called "hemoglobin." This helps red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
If the body does not have enough iron, it is called "iron deficiency." It can lead to problems, including "iron deficiency anemia." Anemia is when there is too little hemoglobin in the blood, so the body might not get all the oxygen it needs.
Your child can have too little iron because:
●They do not get enough iron in their food.
●They lost a large amount of blood.
●Their body cannot absorb enough iron from food.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●If your child's doctor suggested they take iron pills, know the strength and how often your child should take them. Your child might need to take iron for several months. Do not give them more medicine than the doctor told you to give. Large amounts of iron can be harmful. Give the iron supplement only as instructed by the doctor.
●Let your child rest. Feeling tired is a sign of anemia. Your child might need to rest or sleep more often. It can take some time until their iron level returns to normal.
●Give your child iron-rich foods. Foods with the most iron include meats, seafood, lentils, and cereal with added iron. Foods with some iron in them include prunes, raisins, apricots, dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans, and peas.
●Try to give the iron supplement with orange juice or foods that are high in vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, broccoli, or tomatoes. This might help them absorb more iron from their food.
●Do not give your child cow or goat milk if they are younger than 1 year. If your child is over 1 year, do not give them more than 20 ounces of milk per day.
Iron pills sometimes cause nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. If this happens, talk to your child's doctor or nurse. They might give your child a lower dose of iron or have them take the iron every other day. The doctor or nurse can also help manage any other side effects from the iron.
What follow-up care does my child need? —
Your doctor or nurse will tell you if your child needs to have a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure you know when and where to go. Your child might need to have more blood tests.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call the doctor or nurse for advice if:
●Your child's bowel movements are bright red, dark red, black, or tar colored.
●Your child faints.
●Your child has nausea or vomiting after taking iron supplements.
Patient education: Low iron (The Basics)
Patient education: Anemia overview (The Basics)
Patient education: Good food sources of iron (The Basics)
Patient education: Ferritin test (The Basics)
Patient education: Iron studies panel (The Basics)
Patient education: Hemoglobin and hematocrit tests (The Basics)
Patient education: Restless legs syndrome (The Basics)
Patient education: Heavy periods (The Basics)
