Start with iron-rich foods

Essential information to rememberBetween 6 months and 1 year, give iron-rich foods to your baby at least twice a day. After, serve some at each meal.

Your baby’s first foods should be rich in iron. Why? Because iron plays a number of key roles in her development.

Iron is found in

  • Iron-enriched baby cereal
  • Meat and poultry
  • Fish
  • Tofu
  • Legumes
  • Eggs

Choose foods based on you and your baby’s preferences. Give him iron-rich foods at least twice a day.

A vegetarian diet may be suitable for your baby if it is well balanced. However, if too many foods are excluded, your baby’s diet may be lacking in certain nutrients. It’s best to see a nutritionist about this.

Good to know...

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron. Introduce them early into your baby’s diet.

Nutrients: Components of food, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, sugars, and fats.