Do infants need iron?

Do infants need iron?

Iron is key to your young child’s growing body and mind. Iron moves oxygen around your child’s body. Without enough iron, your child may feel tired or have trouble with movement.

How much iron does an infant need?

Infants ages 7–12 months need 11 milligrams of iron a day. Toddlers ages 1–3 years need 7 milligrams of iron each day. Kids ages 4–8 years need 10 milligrams while older kids ages 9–13 years need 8 milligrams. Teen boys should get 11 milligrams of iron a day and teen girls should get 15 milligrams.

How do you give an infant iron?

Try to give the pills on an empty stomach (about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). Some children may need to take the iron with food to avoid a stomach ache. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Try giving iron pills with a glass of orange juice or another food high in vitamin C.

Do breastfed babies need iron?

Consequently, fully breastfeed and partially breastfed babies (babies receiving more than half their feeding from breast milk) need iron supplements, starting at 4 months of age. Premature babies—whether breastfed or formula-fed—usually need iron supplements as well, because they have fewer iron reserves.

Why do breastfed babies need iron supplementation?

Iron is necessary to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells to all parts of the body. Iron also supports proper neurological development during infancy and early childhood.

Is it OK to take iron while breastfeeding?

Iron supplements are perfectly safe to take when you’re breastfeeding. Your provider may give you a prescription, or recommend an over-the-counter supplement that’s right for you.

Are breastfed babies low in iron?

If your baby is breastfed: Human milk contains little iron, so infants who are exclusively breastfed are at increased risk of iron deficiency after four months of age.

How do I help my baby with low iron?

Serve iron-rich foods. When you begin serving your baby solids — typically between ages 4 months and 6 months — provide foods with added iron, such as iron-fortified baby cereal, pureed meats and pureed beans. For older children, good sources of iron include red meat, chicken, fish, beans and spinach.