The importance of iron
The process of weaning (or moving your baby on to solid foods) starts at around six months of age. It’s important to ensure that the iron levels in your baby’s diet are maintained, as a deficiency in iron at this stage can lead to the development of anaemia, the health consequences of which can be irreversible.
How much iron is needed?
Babies aged seven to twelve months need an average of 11 mg of iron per day. There are also two types of iron, known as haem and non-haem.
Haem iron
This type of iron is found in meat and other animal sources. It’s easily absorbed by your baby.
Non-haem iron
This type of iron is found in cereals and vegetables, and needs the addition of Vitamin C to aid its absorption.
What symptoms will my baby have if she’s not getting enough iron?
If your baby isn’t getting enough iron, she’s liable to be pale and tired with a poor appetite. Her risk of infection will be much higher and she may be restless and irritable with poor concentration levels.
Rich sources of iron
Breast milk provides a good source of iron that is easily absorbed. Meats and offal such as liver, beef, pork lamb and chicken provide another good source and oily fish also contains plenty of iron. Dark vegetables like spinach and broccoli and legumes such as peas, beans and lentils also have good amounts. Look out for breakfast cereals that are fortified with iron, but avoid the ones that are also high in sugar.
Good brown bread or fortified breads can contain good amounts of iron, but again, be aware of the full nutritional value of the product you’re buying. If the iron comes along with lots of sugar and empty calories, you may want to consider choosing something different
Vegetarian diets and iron
Some specialists warn that vegetarian diets are not always safe for young children as they can put them at risk of iron deficiencies. To prevent this, consider using an infant milk fortified with iron from six months to two years. Use it as a milk drink, in cereals or in your cooking (e.g. baby sauces).