Why Is Iron Important for Your Baby?
Iron is an essential nutrient for making hemoglobin, a key component of red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. When our bodies don't get enough iron, red blood cells can't be produced adequately, and our tissues and organs will not get enough oxygen -- all necessary for age-appropriate growth and development. If a baby is deficient in iron, she may experience cognitive and behavioral development deficits and delays, says Vandana Sheth, R.D.N., C.D.E., a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Making Sure Baby Has Enough Iron
For the first six months, breastfeeding babies are able to absorb iron from breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers who are anemic, or iron deficient, should have their babies screened for iron deficiency as well.
Once babies reach 6 months, a time of rapid growth and the start of solids, their first foods should be iron-fortified, says Dyan Hes, M.D., medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics and clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. A diet full of iron-rich foods will help to prevent anemia in Baby. According to Sheth, the recommended dietary allowance of iron for babies between 7 and 12 months is 11 mg per day. If you suspect your child may have anemia -- symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and shortness of breath -- a pediatrician can check your child's hemoglobin levels.
Introducing Iron-Rich Foods
Babies are usually born with enough iron stores to last four to six months, Sheth says. Once iron-fortified solid foods are introduced, a baby's iron needs will be met.
"While it's traditional to introduce single-grain cereals first as a solid food, followed by vegetables, fruit, and meats, you can now introduce a pureed meat as a first food," Sheth says. "Most single-grain cereals are fortified with iron and would [also] be a good source of iron for babies, but offering meat can also help provide higher protein, iron, and zinc."
Make sure to include foods that are rich in vitamin C (like peas, leafy greens, and berries) along with iron-rich foods to enhance iron absorption. Avoid feeding your child dairy at the same time as iron-rich foods, as this can minimize iron absorption. To prevent choking, make sure baby's first solid foods are pureed, Dr. Hes says. Try the following iron-rich foods for babies on solids:
Iron-fortified cereal
Iron-fortified formula (standard cow's milk formula)
Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Apricots
Prunes
Raisins
Peas
Legumes, lentils and other beans (white beans, lima beans, chickpeas)
Red meats (beef, ham, lamb, and liver)
When to Worry: Anemia
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