17 Iron Rich Foods for Babies

If your baby has recently started solids or if they are about to, you may be wondering what nutrients are essential for their development? What should you feed your little one?

As it turns out, iron is incredibly important for your developing baby.

Your baby is getting bigger each and every day. And this rapid growth requires iron.

Iron helps make hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood, and supports your babies quickly growing brain.

So it’s obviously mission critical to make sure your baby is getting enough iron from their diet. So how much iron does my baby need? What can I feed them to make sure they get enough? What are some Iron rich foods for babies?

How much iron does your child need?

The amount of iron your child needs depends on their adjusted birth age. Here are the recommended daily amounts of iron for different age groups:

• 7 to 12 months: 11 mg
• 1 to 3 years: 7 mg
• 4 to 8 years: 10 mg
• 9 to 13 years: 8 mg
• 14 to 18 years (girls): 15 mg
• 14 to 18 years (boys): 11 mg

Unless they are born premature, most babies are born with iron stores that last about 6 months. After that, they need to get iron from food.

Did your peditrician tell you about this? Mine sure didn’t. See this article: 9 Things Your Pediatrician Should Have Told You But Didn’t

What are Some Iron Rich Foods for Babies?

Animal Sources of Iron

Animal foods are excellent sources of heme iron, which is the type of iron that is most easily absorbed by the body. Some of the animal foods that are rich in iron for babies are:

Red meat:

Beef, pork, lamb, goat, and venison are all good sources of iron for babies. You can cook it until soft and puree with water or broth, or make it into meatballs or patties for older babies who can chew. You can also serve right on the bone for baby-led weaning, but make sure to supervise your baby closely so they are safe!

Seafood:

Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel are not only rich in iron, but also in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain development. You can puree canned fish with yogurt or avocado, or flake it into small pieces to make iron rich finger foods for older babies. You can also serve fresh fish cooked until flaky and moist.

Poultry:

Chicken and turkey are also good sources of iron for babies. You can puree it with water or broth, or shred it into small pieces for older babies. You can also serve poultry on the bone for baby-led weaning, but be sure to watch your baby closely while they eat!

Eggs:

Eggs are super versatile and nutritious. The yolk is especially rich in iron, as well as choline, which is important for brain function. You can serve hard-boiled eggs mashed or cut into quarters, scrambled eggs cooked until firm, or omelets with cheese and vegetables.

Plant Sources of Iron

Plant foods contain non-heme iron, which is less easily absorbed by the body than heme iron. However, you can enhance the absorption of non-heme iron by pairing it with foods that are high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, broccoli, and peppers. Some of the plant foods that are rich in iron for babies are:

Iron-fortified cereals:

Iron-fortified infant cereals are one of the easiest ways to introduce iron to your baby’s diet. You can mix it with breast milk, formula, or water, or add it to purees or smoothies.

Beans and lentils:

Beans and lentils are not only rich in iron, but also in protein and fiber. Cook until soft and puree with water or broth -or mash with a fork for older babies! Another alternative is to simply mix with other food like rice, pasta, cheese, vegetables, or meat.

Tofu:

Tofu rich in iron protein, and it’s soft texture makes it an ideal baby food. You can puree tofu with water or broth, or cut it into small cubes, or strips and bake it! Tofu is also a great way to introduce new flavors to baby since you can also marinate it with different sauces and spices.

Dark green leafy vegetables:

Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, collard greens, and swiss chard are full of iron and other essential nutrients. Sauté with oil and puree with water or broth, or chop finely and add to other foods such as eggs, cheese, pasta, or meat.

Tips for Feeding Iron-Rich Foods to Your Baby

Here are some tips to help you feed iron-rich foods to your baby:

• Introduce iron-rich foods around six months of age.
• Offer a variety of iron-rich foods from both animal and plant sources every day.
• Pair iron foods with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance absorption.
• Avoid giving your child foods or drinks that contain calcium (milk, cheese, yogurt, or calcium-fortified juices) at the same time as iron-rich foods. Calcium can interfere with the absorption of both heme and non-heme iron.
• Limit baby’s intake of juice to no more than four ounces per day, as it can fill up your baby’s stomach and reduce his or her appetite for other foods.
• Watch out for signs of iron deficiency in your baby, such as pale skin, fatigue, irritability, poor appetite, and increased infeditions.
• Cook your food in cast iron pots or pans. This can increase the amount of iron in your food, especially if you cook acidic foods like tomatoes or lemon juice.
• Follow your pediatrician’s recommendations for iron supplements if your baby needs them.

Iron is an essential nutrient for your baby’s growth and development. By including iron-rich foods in your baby’s diet, you can help prevent iron deficiency and support your baby’s health.

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What Happens if Your Baby Doesn’t Get Enough Iron?

In a nutshell, Iron deficiency.

What to Look For if You’re Worried Baby is Iron Deficient

Iron deficientcy can affect a child’s growth and delay development, as well as cause:

• pale skin,
• fatigue,
• cold hands and feet,
• poor appetite,
• behavioral problems,
• frequent infections,
• and unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances. (Ice, dirt, etc.)

Iron deficiency anemia is a more severe form of iron deficiency, where the hemoglobin level (the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells) is below normal. Iron deficiency anemia can cause more serious complications, such as delayed motor and cognitive development, increased susceptibility to infections.

How treat iron deficiency and anemia?

The best way to prevent and treat iron deficiency and anemia is to ensure that your child gets enough iron from their diet. However, sometimes this may not be enough, and your child may need iron supplements or other treatments.

If you suspect that your child has iron deficiency or anemia, you should consult your child’s pediatrician for a diagnosis and a treatment plan. I voiced concerns about my child in this regard and what happened? Her Doctor ordered a blood test. Your doctor may also order a blood test to check your child’s hemoglobin level and other indicators of iron in the body.

Depending on the severity of the condition and the cause of the deficiency, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements for your child. This was the case with my little. She grew SO rapidly for the first year (I’m talking, she was 30 pounds by the end of her first year) that she became iron deficient and developed mild anemia.

There are plenty of over the counter iron supplement options for babies. Your Pediatrician can help you pick the right one for you and your little.

Tips for Giving Iron Supplements to Your Baby

• Follow your pediatrician’s s instructions and don’t give your baby more than what’s recommended.
• Offering the supplement with a small amount of food or juice can help prevent stomach upset and enhance absorption if it has vitamin C.
• Milk, cheese, yogurt, or calcium-fortified juices, can interfere with absorption so avoid giving the supplement in conjunction with these foods.
• Use a dropper or a straw to avoid staining your little ones clothing.
• Store the supplement away from tiny curious hands.
• Watch baby closely when giving them a supplement for the first time in case of side effects.
• Continue giving the supplement until your pediatrician gives you the all clear.

Conclusion

I dearly hope this article one iron rich foods for babies has been helpful and useful to you on you child rearing journey!

You’ve got this mama or dada!

Thank You Bunches for Reading!

Emma

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Resources:

Iron | Nutrition | CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Iron deficiency in children: Prevention tips for parents.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Children – Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.

Iron | Nutrition | CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.