IRON

UNDERSTANDING IRON

Between the ages of 6months and two years, your baby’s nutritional needs are quite different from those of other children and adults. Although all the nutrients your baby needs are usually obtained by giving a varied diet, sometimes it’s difficult to guarantee the correct balance. This booklet has been designed to help you understand your baby’s growing needs from 6 month right up to her birthday.

Your baby is born with a store of iron but by around 4 -6 months of age this is used up and it is essential that she obtains all the iron she needs from her diet.
During and even after weaning, it can be difficult for some babies to get their recommended intake of iron from the amount of food they eat.
IMPORTANT OF IRON
Iron is important for baby’s brain development, especially between 6 months and 2 years. A deficiency of iron during the early years may have a profound influence on learning later in life.

A short term lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency, where the iron stores are depleted. If this deficiency is prolonged, it may result in iron deficiency anaemia, which is more serious condition when the body does not have enough iron to make normal red blood cells needed for optimum brain development.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY BABY IS NOT GETTING ENOUGH IRON?
The symptoms of iron deficiency can be hard to detect. Your baby may just consistently seem to be a little bit under the weather. It can also lead to a slowing down of her growth and development.
Symptoms of anaemia are much easier to spot as your baby may seem to be more irritable than usual, tired, pale or suffer from a loss of appetite. If you are concerned, speak to your healthcare professional.

HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT IRON DEFICIENCY?
Ensure your baby is receiving a varied diet with plenty of iron –rich foods
Iron comes in two forms, Haem iron, which is contained in meat, is more easily absorbed by the body than non heam iron, which is found in pulses and green vegetables.
Give your baby vegetables and diluted fruit a juice with meals as they contain vitamin C, increases iron absorption.
Getting iron-rich foods into baby’s diet can be difficult, so have is a list of some sources to help you.