Iron and BLW

mvhyde

Since we have been asking about BLW, I was hoping someone knew something about iron. I just spoke to my pedi about starting solids. She really wants me to include cereal so that he can get iron in his diet.

I plan to let him eat meat eventually and homemade bread made with enriched flour to help with the iron. Until then can I give a 6 month old homemade teething cookies made with infant cereal? Most recipes say that they are only for 8 month or older.

Any other ideas for getting iron in a 6 month old who is just starting solid

pixieprincss

Cereal is certainly fortified with iron, but it is less bioavailable than the iron in BM. If she is otherwise ready for solids, naturally iron-rich whole foods are a great option (sweet potatoes, spinach, meat, whole grains, etc.) Check this out...

https://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/iron.htmlkellymom.com

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mvhyde

Oh, good to know that sweet potatoes are a good source of iron. We will be doing that first. Thanks ladies!

tokenhoser

We started meat and eggs right away. I think if a baby needs a nutrient, then a baby can eat food with that nutrient in it. I'm just not a fan of rice cereal. He does also eat cheerios and puffs, both of which are iron enriched.

He loves his meat, though.

pepomntpat

If you are EBF, that will be enough iron. Otherwise just feed iron rich foods, but avoid the ones with added iron-like cereal. Supplements-even those added to baby cereal-are not necessary unless your LO is anemic.

3003girl

MandJS:

Our pedi expressed some concern, too, but he agreed to "leave it be" until the 9 month appointment, when he routinely checked iron levels. She was fine. 

This. I'd rather test to see if something is low than give a supplement if they don't need it. Esp Iron, since I get, um, really constipated if I take iron. 

You can also use cast iron cookwear to increase iron intake.