Resources for New Moms

PREGNANCY
NEW BABY

Prevent Iron Deficiency

Q:

I have heard that Vitamin C will help my baby get more iron out of the pureed meat I give her. What foods have the most Vitamin C?

Grapefruit, Red Pepper, Orange

Correct!

All of these foods are good sources of Vitamin C but, grapefruit, red peppers and oranges have more Vitamin C than the others.

Pineapple, Kale, Mango

Incorrect!

All of these foods are good sources of Vitamin C but, grapefruit, red peppers and oranges have more Vitamin C than the others.

Tips to prevent iron deficiency:

  • If possible, breastfeed your baby for at least 12 months. 
  • Give your baby plain, iron-fortified infant cereal and/or pureed meat beginning at 6 months of age. Just two servings per day can meet baby’s iron needs at this age. 
  • Meats should be home prepared or from the grocery store (chopped until smooth in a blender). 
  • Include a feeding per day of foods rich in vitamin C along with foods that are rich in iron to improve iron absorption beginning at 6 months of age. 
  • If you can’t breastfeed, use iron-fortified formula. 
  • Don’t give low-iron milks (e.g. cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and soy milk) until your baby is at least 12 months old. 
  • If your baby was born early or considered small, talk to your doctor about giving iron drops. 
  • If your baby can’t get two or more servings per day of iron rich foods (such as iron-fortified cereal or pureed meats), talk to your doctor about iron drops.