How do I make sure that my baby is getting enough iron?
Q. How do I make sure that my baby is getting enough iron?
A. By giving iron-fortified cereals and other foods rich in iron after 6 months
Your baby is born with a store of iron, but this is depleted after 4 to 6 months. Research has shown that children from 10 months to 3 years are mostly affected by iron-deficiency anaemia – iron requirements being higher at this age than at any other period except during adolescence and pregnancy.
There are two forms of iron:
- Haem iron – this form is easily absorbed and found in meat and animal products.
- Non-haem iron – is less efficiently absorbed and found in fruit, vegetables and cereals.
Cow’s milk should not be introduced into your baby’s diet before the age of 12 months. Research has shown that cow’s milk before the age of 12 months may lead to iron deficiency.
Follow-up milk formula (appropriate from 6 months) and growing-up milk are enriched with iron.
- Infant cereals are fortified with iron and other minerals and vitamins.
- Include meat and animal products with the appropriate texture for each stage.
