Iron-Rich Foods for Baby — Top 10 List

Iron for Baby — the Most Important Sources 🥩

Why Iron is So Important

Starting at 6 months, the iron stores from pregnancy begin to run out. Iron is essential for brain development, immune system, and oxygen transport.

Top 10 Iron-Rich Foods

Animal-based (better absorption):

1. Beef — the top choice! As a puree or soft ground meat
2. Liver — maximum 1x/week (watch vitamin A limits)
3. Lamb — an alternative to beef
4. Egg yolk — from the start of solids (cooked through well)
5. Fish (salmon, cod) — 1-2x/week

Plant-based (combine with vitamin C!): 6. Oatmeal — THE solid food star 7. Millet — iron-rich and gluten-free 8. Lentils — as a puree or soup 9. Spinach — in small amounts (watch nitrate levels, don't reheat) 10. Kidney beans — cooked soft, mashed

The Vitamin C Trick

Plant-based iron is absorbed 3-6x better with vitamin C:

• Oatmeal porridge + orange juice
• Lentil puree + bell pepper
• Millet porridge + fruit puree

Iron Blockers to Avoid

Milk and calcium inhibit iron absorption. Don't give dairy products and iron-rich meals at the same time.

💡 This post does not replace medical advice.