Iron is an essential mineral that helps your cells get enough oxygen. Babies are born with enough iron stored in their bodies to last four to six months, but after that period of time, they may not get enough. If your baby doesn't get enough iron, he could develop anemia, a severe iron deficiency. With anemia, your baby's body makes fewer and smaller red blood cells than it needs to keep enough oxygen in his blood.
Babies and Iron
Your baby is born with a 4- to 6-month supply of iron in her body. After that is depleted, she has to get iron from her diet. If she's breastfed, your baby should get enough iron through your milk. If you're giving your baby formula, look for one that's fortified with iron. As your baby begins to eat solid food, the chances of her iron level dropping increase. Giving her iron-fortified infant cereal can help keep her iron levels up.
Effects of Low Iron
Not getting enough iron can have a negative effect on your baby. He may be cranky, have cold hands and feet, seem more tired than usual, look pale and be reluctant to eat. If your baby becomes anemic, his motor and cognitive skills could be delayed. He may also exhibit negative social behaviors, such as being unnecessarily fearful or unhappy. Later on, a child who was anemic as an infant may exhibit behavioral problems, poor school performance, motor difficulties and memory problems.
Iron Supplements
If you're concerned that your baby isn't getting enough iron, talk to her doctor. He can perform a simple blood test to check the level of iron in your baby's blood. If it's low, he may prescribe iron supplements. Iron supplements are usually administered to infants in the form of liquid drops. Each dropper contains 10 mg iron, the RDA for babies and children from 6 months to 6 years of age. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly when giving your baby iron supplements.
Cautions
Consuming cow's milk before the age of 1 year is a major cause of babies becoming anemic. Cow's milk does not have enough iron to keep your baby healthy, and the iron it does have is hard to absorb. Your baby should have breast milk or formula at least until her first birthday. Babies can overdose on iron, so never give your little one a supplement without first checking with your doctor. Keep baby's iron supplements far out of reach of older siblings to avoid accidental overdose.
References
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet, Iron
- American Family Physician: Prevention of Iron Deficiency in Infants and Toddlers; Louis A. Kazal, Jr., M.D.; October 2002
- The Ohio State University: Iron Fact Sheet
- FamilyDoctor.org: Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infants and Children, How to Prevent It; April 2003
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