Your baby needs iron for healthy blood and for developing brain cells. Iron is an essential mineral that babies need so that they can grow and develop. Without enough iron, babies can become tired and irritable and prone to infection. Studies have shown that severe iron deficiency in babies may result in learning difficulties and/or anemia.

Once your child is started on solids it is important to include iron rich foods. As your baby grows, make sure that you include iron rich foods every day.

Effects Of Iron Deficiency

• iron deficiency anemia
• increased susceptibility to infection
• poor learning skills
• poor physical development
• poor growth

Causes Of Iron Deficiency

Inadequate iron can result from:

• Delayed introduction of iron rich foods.
• Offering cow's milk instead of breast milk or iron fortified formula - cow's milk is a poor source of iron.
• High fibre diets since fibre 'binds' with iron and can prevent its absorption.
• Gastroenteritis and other infections and illnesses.

Iron For Every Age:

0 to 6 months - iron is stored in your baby's liver during the last six weeks of pregnancy so premature and low birth weight babies are at risk. For premature babies ask your healthcare professional if a supplement is needed.

6 to12 months - foods that are high in iron are needed everyday. Introduce solids at around six months to suit your baby's developmental milestones and include foods high in iron, starting with Rice Cereal which has 100% of your baby's daily iron needs. Meat is also one of the best sources of iron and it is present in a well-absorbed form. You may offer pureed meats from six months and finely chopped or as a finger food for older babies.

Cow's milk is low in iron and Vitamin C and, therefore, is not suitable as a drink until after 12 months. Fruit juices, like Heinz^® Juices, are high in vitamin C, which helps with the absorption of iron.

Toddlers and preschoolers - growth has slowed down but iron is still very important and high iron foods are needed every day. Heinz Toddler Nutrios^® have 100% of your toddler and preschooler's daily iron needs.

Getting Enough Iron Everyday

• Breastfeed or use an iron-fortified infant formula for at least the first 12 months of your baby's life. The iron in breast milk is very well absorbed.
• Iron is better absorbed when Vitamin C is present, so feed your baby or young child meat (iron rich) with vegetables (Vitamin C) and Vitamin C enriched juices like Heinz^® Juices.
• For toddlers and older children, iron fortified infant cereals can still be used mixed with other cereals and fruit, and iron fortified snacks should be included as part of your child's regular diet.