5 ways to increase iron in your baby’s diet

1. Love your fortified cereals!   Look for cereals that state in the Nutrition Facts label that they provide at least 45% of the daily value for iron. 

2. Cook with fortified cereals.

3. Include a source of vitamin C.  Baby-friendly sources of vitamin C include citrus, strawberries, kiwifruit, raspberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and potatoes.  Pair a good source of vitamin C with meals containing cereals and beans to maximize the iron your baby absorbs from those foods.

4. Limit dairy with meals.  The calcium in cow’s milk inhibits iron absorption, so avoid feeding dairy with high-iron meals.  Instead, feed cheese and yogurt as a between-meal snack.  And above all, don’t give your baby cow’s milk before age 1 – stick with either breast milk or an iron-fortified formula.

5. Introduce a variety of iron-rich foods, including grains, meats, beans, and veggies.