Iron Rich Foods for Babies

The small bundles of joy made of sugar and everything nice are born with a reserve of iron. This iron level in their tiny body can last for about 6 months. Once the iron level gets depleted, it becomes absolutely necessary to introduce your little one to iron rich foods for babies. This article will cover some information on iron rich baby foods that should be included in your baby's diet.

Why is Iron Rich Foods for Babies Important?
As a mother, you will take utmost care to make sure your baby remains healthy and strong. However, won't it break your heart when you find your toddler is suffering from anemia, due to iron deficiency? Iron is very important for production of red blood cells in the body. These red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. They also help in release of energy and development of nerves as well as neurotransmitters in the brain. If there is deficiency of iron in the baby's body, it will lead to anemia, making the baby lethargic, pale and breathless. Also, iron is very important for the baby to start talking and walking. A deficiency can lead to delay in development and can also lead to behavioral problems.

Iron Rich Foods for Babies
Now that we know how important it is for babies to have iron rich food, let us see the amount of iron required by babies and toddlers for normal growth.

Age	Amount of Iron
0 to 3 months	1.7 mg
4 to 6 months	4.3 mg
7 to 12 months	7.8 mg
1 to 3 years	6.9 mg

The baby gets its required dose of iron from their mothers breast milk for the first 6 months. Then, they need to given infant baby foods to cover up their deficiency. Once the baby is over 6 months you need to start with iron rich baby foods. These baby formulas are enriched with iron and they contain non-haem source. Thus, the formula is also added with vitamin C, that helps in absorption of iron. Do not give your baby cow's milk till he/she is 1 year old. Cow's milk contains very little iron that does not fulfill the needs of your baby.

A baby can be fed meat mixed with other baby foods, when he or she is around six months old. You can include baby cereals, mashed vegetables as the first foods for your baby. When your baby starts eating these soft foods comfortably, you can gradually introduce meat or fish to the mashed vegetables and rice cereal. The meat should be cooked to a very soft consistency without any bones in it, especially fish. You can try cooking minced meat as it will be easier to mash and for the baby to digest. Iron rich food for babies should also include pulses and lentils. They should be fed broccoli, watercress, sprouts and cabbage. A baby can also be given dried fruits like dried apricots, dried figs and raisins.

Iron Rich Foods for Toddlers
The following is a list of iron rich foods for toddlers and babies. These foods should be eaten by toddlers at least once each day. Iron deficiency is very common, especially in toddlers who are picky eaters and tend to avoid some of the iron rich foods. This list of foods high in iron for toddlers will prove to be a helpful guide for parents who worry about their child's diet.

• Beans that include kidney, lima, navy, black, pinto, soy beans, and lentils
• Blackstrap molasses
• Cornmeal
• Dried fruits such as raisins, prunes, dates and apricots
• Swiss chard
• Asparagus
• Parsley
• Watercress
• Brussels sprouts
• Egg yolk
• Flax seed
• Fruits like red bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
• Fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout and kippers
• Lentils and legumes that include black beans, kidney beans, etc.
• Meat like chicken, pork, turkey and beef
• Tofu
• Iron rich vegetables like kale, broccoli, collard, romaine lettuce, mustard greens, spinach, and turnip greens, broccoli
• Wheat germ

This was some information related to iron rich food for babies and toddlers. You can speak to your baby's doctor and plan an iron rich balanced diet for your baby. Nutritious food is very important for the overall growth and development of your baby. With a bit of extra care and lots of love, you can be sure that your baby remains hale and hearty forever.