Iron rich foods for babies

For the proper development and growth of the babies it is necessary that they take enough foods that are rich in iron. Babies have a certain amount of iron in their bodies when they are born and they get the required dose of iron through their mother`s milk, but after about six months this amount start to decrease and then you need to introduce the iron rich foods for babies.

Importance of Iron Rich Foods for Babies

The intake of iron plays a really important role in the development of your baby as it gives it the strength. Toddlers who lack iron can suffer from anemia, which can make them become breathless, pale and lethargic. Iron is also very good because it produces red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body, help in the development of nerves and release of energy. Iron deficiency can cause the delay of baby`s walking and speaking, but it can also affect some behavioral problems.

Foods Rich in Iron

There is a strict list of the needed amount of iron for the proper development of the baby. Namely, from the moment the babies are born to their third month, you should give them 1.7 mg or iron, whereas the babies from four to six months old should be given 4.3 mg of iron. Babies who are between seven and twelve months old should be given 7.8 mg of iron and to babies between one and three years you should give 6.9 mg of iron. It is important to know that cow milk is not good for your baby, and you should not give it to him/her until he/she is one year old.

You can mix the other baby foods with the iron rich foods. You can start by including mashed vegetables and cereals, and once your baby is able to eat these soft foods with no problem, then you can introduce the fish or meat to the cereals and mashed potato. You must be careful not to leave any bone in the meat, and you should cook it until it becomes very soft. Lentils and pulses should be included in the iron rich foods for the baby, too. Some of the iron rich baby foods are also raisins, dried figs, dried apricots, cabbage, sprouts, watercress, and broccoli etc.

Foods Rich in Iron for Toddlers

There are many toddlers who lack the iron because they are picky and don`t want to eat everything their mothers prepare for them. It is important that babies and toddlers eat the iron rich food for babies at least once a day. Foods that are rich in iron and that are good for your baby include vegetables such as broccoli, turnip greens, spinach, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, collard and kale. Other iron rich foods are tofu, beef, turkey, pork, chicken, kidney beans, black beans, kippers, trout, mackerel, sardines, salmon and tuna. Fruits that are rich in iron also include raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and red bananas. Egg yolk, Brussels sprouts, watercress, parsley, asparagus, dried apricots, dates, prunes and raisins are very rich in iron and therefore are very good for your baby.