{"id":3092,"date":"2018-07-24T13:16:41","date_gmt":"2018-07-24T13:16:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/?p=3092"},"modified":"2021-10-13T16:11:47","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T16:11:47","slug":"iron-for-babies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/iron-for-babies\/","title":{"rendered":"Iron for Babies"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I am often asked by my followers about Iron, and why is it so important? I wrote about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/pregnant-feeding-toddler-importance-iron\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">importance of\u00a0iron in toddlers<\/a> a while back, but thought it would be great to write about it for babies, as well, since I often receive so many questions about iron for babies.<\/p>\n<p>Iron is a key nutrient in the development of babies, as they grow and develop throughout their first year. It is essential in brain-development, while babies are going through periods of rapid growth. In addition to aiding in brain development, iron is needed to make hemoglobin &#8211; the protein in our blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. That is why it is essential that our little ones are getting enough iron in their diet.<\/p>\n<p>Luckily, for <em>most<\/em> healthy breastfed and formula fed babies, these kiddos have enough iron stored in their little bodies up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2528681\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">until 6 months<\/a>, and receive all they need from either iron-fortified formula or Momma\u2019s milk. After that, these stores many begin to deplete, and as baby switches to more solid foods as in baby led weaning, it is essential that you\u2019re making sure that the babes are getting enough in their diet!<\/p>\n<p>Iron deficiency in babies and children is becoming more and more common, with an estimated <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.hse.ie\/my-child\/babies-and-toddlers\/iron-in-your-childs-diet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">1 in 10 having an iron deficiency<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What are the symptoms of iron deficiency in babies?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>slow weight gain<\/li>\n<li>no appetite<\/li>\n<li>pale skin<\/li>\n<li>low activity level but high irritability (cranky and fussy)<\/li>\n<li>lethargy<\/li>\n<li>Increased sweating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>(If you suspect your baby might have an iron-deficiency, it is important you speak to your child\u2019s doctor)<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><strong>So, how much iron does my baby need?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.caringforkids.cps.ca\/handouts\/iron_needs_of_babies_and_children\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Health Canada<\/a>, a baby needs about 11 mg of iron a day between the ages of 7-12 months. After 12 months to 36 months, a baby\/toddler needs about 7-8 mg a day.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Do babies need iron supplements?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If you breastfeed your baby, chances are you do not need to be worried about iron supplementation. The iron in breastmilk is better absorbed than that from other sources. This is because the vitamin C and high lactose levels in breastmilk aid in iron absorption. The percentage or iron absorbed from breastfeeding reaches up to 70%. In other cases iron-fortified cow milk formula only has an absorption rate of up to 12%.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Trying to &#8220;supplement&#8221; with iron rich foods is most likely the best course of action if you are concerned that your babies is iron deficient. If you do not breastfeed consider using an iron fortified formula and add in as many iron rich foods to your child&#8217;s diet as you can!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How can I increase my baby\u2019s iron level?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The best way to increase your baby&#8217;s iron levels are by serving your child iron rich foods! Below is a list compiled of both good sources of heme iron, non heme iron, and the best sources of vitamin C which aids in the absorption of iron.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What foods are high in iron for babies?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Fortunately, there are lot of good sources of iron in many of the healthy foods we can feed our babies! But first, it\u2019s important to understand, the different types of iron &#8211; Heme Iron and Non-Heme Iron.<br \/>Heme Iron is the type of iron that is found in eggs, fish, and meat. Heme iron is about 2-3x times more easily absorbed by the body. Non-heme iron is found in legumes, iron-fortified cereals, and dark-leafy greens &#8211; however, when eaten with foods containing Vitamin C (such as oranges, strawberries, tomatoes &amp; red-peppers) non-heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body!<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Good Sources of Heme Iron for Babies:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Beef<\/li>\n<li>Chicken (light or dark meat)<\/li>\n<li>Pork<\/li>\n<li>Lamb<\/li>\n<li>Tuna<\/li>\n<li>Salmon<\/li>\n<li>Eggs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Good Sources of Non-Heme Iron for Babies:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Dark Leafy Greens &#8211; Kale, Spinach, Broccoli<\/li>\n<li>Sweet Potato<\/li>\n<li>Beans<\/li>\n<li>Lentils<\/li>\n<li>Hummus<\/li>\n<li>Iron-Fortified Bread, Cereal and Formula<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Good Sources of Vitamin-C for Babies (to aid in absorption of Non-Heme Iron for babies):<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Oranges<\/li>\n<li>Berries<\/li>\n<li>Tomatoes<\/li>\n<li>Red, Yellow, and Orange Peppers<\/li>\n<li>Kiwi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As you can see, you have a bunch of options to make sure your little one is getting enough iron in their diet! Something as simple as a piece of iron fortified bread, served with tomato (the Vitamin C in the tomato will help with the absorption of the iron).<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Here are 5 of my favorite recipe that are rich in iron for babies and toddlers:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3107 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Super-Baby-Beetroot-and-Berry-Smoothie-Banner.jpg\" alt=\"Iron for Babies: Very Berry and Beetroot Super Smoothie\" width=\"1090\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Super-Baby-Beetroot-and-Berry-Smoothie-Banner.jpg 1090w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Super-Baby-Beetroot-and-Berry-Smoothie-Banner-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Super-Baby-Beetroot-and-Berry-Smoothie-Banner-768x423.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Super-Baby-Beetroot-and-Berry-Smoothie-Banner-1024x564.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1090px) 100vw, 1090px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Made with beetroot, berries, chia seeds and many other healthy, nutrient-rich ingredients, this gorgeous smoothie is perfect for both Momma and kiddo! Or, freeze the smoothie in an ice-mould for an amazingly delicious and healthy teething pop for your baby, or a refreshing healthy toddler snack on a warm summer day.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Find the Recipe Here:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/recipe\/very-berry-and-beetroot-super-smoothie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Very Berry &amp; Beetroot Super Smoothie<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3106 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/baby-led-weaning-fingerfood-fishcakes-mobile-Recipe-Image.jpg\" alt=\"Iron for Babies: Finger Food Fish Cakes\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/baby-led-weaning-fingerfood-fishcakes-mobile-Recipe-Image.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/baby-led-weaning-fingerfood-fishcakes-mobile-Recipe-Image-231x300.jpg 231w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/baby-led-weaning-fingerfood-fishcakes-mobile-Recipe-Image-768x998.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/baby-led-weaning-fingerfood-fishcakes-mobile-Recipe-Image-788x1024.jpg 788w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>These tasty fish cakes are perfect for baby-led feeding, and a great way to introduce fish to your babe. Iron rich and delicious, these fish cakes are super simple and make a great baby led weaning lunch or dinner. They are guaranteed to be a new favourite recipe in your house.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Find the Recipe Here:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/recipe\/baby-led-weaning-finger-food-fish-cakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Finger Food Fish Cakes<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3105 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Led-Feeding-Pulled-Pork-Taquitos-Recipe-Image.jpg\" alt=\"Iron for Babies: Baby Led Weaning Pulled Pork Taquitos\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Led-Feeding-Pulled-Pork-Taquitos-Recipe-Image.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Led-Feeding-Pulled-Pork-Taquitos-Recipe-Image-231x300.jpg 231w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Led-Feeding-Pulled-Pork-Taquitos-Recipe-Image-768x998.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Led-Feeding-Pulled-Pork-Taquitos-Recipe-Image-788x1024.jpg 788w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We love Mexican food in our house! These delicious pulled pork taquitos are iron-rich, as they contain both pork and black beans. My kiddos have always loved spice, but you can alter the spices and seasonings to suit your (or your baby\u2019s) taste buds. These are an excellent healthy finger food that is freezer friendly and perfect for a quick and easy family dinner.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Find the Recipe Here:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/recipe\/baby-led-weaning-pulled-pork-taquitos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Baby Led Weaning Pulled Pork Taquitos<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3104 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Led-Feeding-Easy-Healthy-Baby-Frittatas-Recipes.jpg\" alt=\"Iron for Babies: Easy Peasy Baby Frittatas for BLW\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Led-Feeding-Easy-Healthy-Baby-Frittatas-Recipes.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Led-Feeding-Easy-Healthy-Baby-Frittatas-Recipes-231x300.jpg 231w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Led-Feeding-Easy-Healthy-Baby-Frittatas-Recipes-768x998.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Led-Feeding-Easy-Healthy-Baby-Frittatas-Recipes-788x1024.jpg 788w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Filled with tasty ingredients and iron-rich eggs and veggies, these frittatas are great for breakfast or lunch! This is also a great recipe for baby led feeding, as the mini frittatas are a perfect finger food for little hands. Feel free to alter with your favourite ingredients, or just use up what you have your fridge.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Find the Recipe Here:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/recipe\/easy-peasy-baby-frittatas-perfect-for-blw\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Easy Peasy Baby Frittatas<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3103 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Lasagnes-Banner.jpg\" alt=\"Iron for Babies: Little Baby Lasagne with Egg Free and Dairy Free Option\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Lasagnes-Banner.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Lasagnes-Banner-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Baby-Lasagnes-Banner-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Made with iron-rich beef, this easy little baby lasagne is super tasty and perfect for those just starting out with baby led feeding. Their small size make them perfect for little hands and the soft pasta is great for babies. This recipe is super versatile &#8211; it not only includes the baby recipe, but you\u2019ll have enough to make a full sized lasagne for the rest of the family.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Find the Recipe Here:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/recipe\/little-baby-lasagne-with-egg-and-dairy-free-option\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Little Baby Lasagne with Egg &amp; Dairy Free Option<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>I hope you enjoyed all these easy family recipe that are baby led weaning friendly. Leave a comment below and let me know your favourite iron for baby foods.<\/p>\n<p>Sources:<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2528681\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2528681\/<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3415871\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3415871\/<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/iron-for-babies\/\" edit=\"true\">https:\/\/kellymom.com\/nutrition\/vitamins\/iron\/#atrisk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Iron is a key nutrient in the development of babies, as they grow and develop throughout their first year. Iron for babies is essential in brain-development.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7526,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3935],"tags":[],"acf":{"top_image":{"ID":7526,"id":7526,"title":"Iron for Babies","filename":"Iron-for-Babies.png","filesize":68167,"url":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies.png","link":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/iron-for-babies\/iron-for-babies-2\/","alt":"","author":"3","description":"","caption":"","name":"iron-for-babies-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":3092,"date":"2021-01-04 16:12:45","modified":"2021-01-04 16:12:45","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1100,"height":1100,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies-300x300.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies-768x768.png","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":768,"large":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies-1024x1024.png","large-width":1024,"large-height":1024,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies.png","1536x1536-width":1100,"1536x1536-height":1100,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies.png","2048x2048-width":1100,"2048x2048-height":1100,"wprm-metadata-1_1":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies.png","wprm-metadata-1_1-width":500,"wprm-metadata-1_1-height":500,"wprm-metadata-4_3":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies.png","wprm-metadata-4_3-width":375,"wprm-metadata-4_3-height":375,"wprm-metadata-16_9":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies.png","wprm-metadata-16_9-width":270,"wprm-metadata-16_9-height":270,"square-image":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Iron-for-Babies-600x600.png","square-image-width":600,"square-image-height":600}},"post_page_videos":{"videos":false,"videos_autocomplete":true},"post_page_books":{"title":"","books_autocomplete":true,"book":false}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3092"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3092"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3092\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3092"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3092"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.babyledfeeding.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}