Thrivekin
In the past, rice cereal has been recommended by pediatricians to ensure that baby is getting enough iron (amongst other reasons). We’re now understanding that rice cereal is not the best first food option for infants for many reasons including its high level of arsenic. Check out my post on Skipping Rice Cereal for Baby for more info!
Since rice cereal is fortified with iron, it seems like a viable option for parents when introducing solids. However, rice cereal is fortified with synthetic ferrous sulfate which is not easily digested by infants.
So what steps can you take to ensure your baby is getting enough iron and why is this a concern?
Babies typically get most of their iron stores during the last trimester of pregnancy. Most babies are born with enough iron to sustain them 4-6 months unless born prematurely. After this period, it is important that baby receive enough iron via breastmilk/formula and/or solid food.
Why is Iron Important?
Iron plays a vital role in the production of blood, including the formation of hemoglobin—the protein that carries oxygen throughout your body.
How Much Iron Does Your Body Need?
According to the Canadian Paediatric Society Nutrition Committee, “Babies 7-12 months old need at least 11mg of iron daily”. (1)
Thankfully, iron can be found in many foods! Below are the top iron-rich foods:
1. Liver- I know I know. How in the world will you get your child to eat liver? I personally made a liver formula using a Weston A Price recipe (2) since I struggled with breastmilk production with my first son. You can also fry it in a pan and purée it with broth or breastmilk/formula. Just 3oz of liver contains over 14mg of iron!
2. Grass-fed Beef
3. Pasture Raised, hormone free Chicken
4. Egg Yolk- cook it using low heat and mash it with breastmilk/formula. Concerned about food allergies? Check out my previous two posts on 2/3/20 & 2/4/20.
For non animal options, below are some plant-based iron-rich foods:
5. Sweet Potatoes
6. Dark Leafy Greens such as spinach and kale
7. Butternut squash
8. Lentils
9. Black beans
10. Seaweed and nori
11. Make your own iron rich cereal using a recipe like this one (3) or these pancakes (4) or this organic baby cereal by Happy Baby (5)
Pro Tip #1: Research Delayed Cord Clamping which can increase the amount of iron stores that you baby receives. This simply means waiting before clamping the umbilical cord until it stops pulsing and goes limp after your child is born to allow more nutrients and blood to pass to baby.
Pro Tip #2: Cook baby’s food in a cast iron skillet. Doing so will raise the iron content in the food.
Pro Tip #3: Eating foods high in Vitamin C along with iron-rich foods will help you absorb more iron. Vitamin C rich foods are:
•Sweet peppers
•Citrus Fruits
•Strawberries
•Mango
•Broccoli
•Sweet Potatoes
Sources:
- https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/childrens-health/formula-homemade-baby-formula/
- https://babyfoode.com/blog/oatmeal-baby-cereal-with-omega-antioxidants/
- https://plantbasedjuniors.com/baby-cereal-pancakes/
- https://amzn.to/2Sb8CVv
Questions? Just ask!
Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.