Why Iron Fortified Foods Are Recommended for First Feedings
When your baby is ready for their first meal, the time has come for you to decide what to feed them. If you have read the other articles on this site or if you have been reading about first feedings, you may notice that iron fortified foods are often recommended.
Iron is essential for healthy blood. It's also needed for brain development. Since your baby's first few months are the time when the brain is developing rapidly, iron is extremely important. A deficiency in iron is called anemia. Though many people live with anemia, babies should not. An anemic baby is often sluggish or tired. More importantly, anemia can affect their learning fundamental skills.
Your baby is born with a natural store of iron. However, this natural store usually runs out at around six months old, which is just about the time you should begin your first solid feeding. Running out of iron is the main reason why iron fortified foods and milk are recommended while weaning. You want to ensure that your baby has enough iron to help continue their brain's development and to keep their blood healthy. Remember that healthy blood keeps the rest of their organs and systems healthy too.
Making sure your baby's diet is rich in iron is not too difficult. You can ask your doctor about which iron fortified milk they recommend. Some iron fortified milks are even designed to complement the weaning process. You can also ask you doctor which solid foods they recommend. There are some iron fortified baby cereals which you can choose from.
In terms or 'regular' food, those that are high in iron are red meat, fish, and chicken. At six months of age, your baby cannot eat these foods yet, especially because two of them (chicken and fish) are potential allergens. You can seek other forms of protein, however, such as beans or legumes. Just keep in mind that no matter what you choose to feed your child, you should complement it with iron fortified milk.
Immunization
While on the subject of fortifying your baby's food, it is important to discuss other protective measures you have to do for your baby as they near the six month mark. Though there has been a lot of controversy surrounding immunization (such as its role in autism), it is still important to immunize your baby. They can't rely on good food alone in terms of keeping themselves protected from diseases. Discuss the immunizations your baby needs to take with your doctor and go with what you're comfortable with. |
