Iron Rich First Foods

My babies are almost 6 months and I'm starting to think about introducing solids. My first two boys were very anemic (the specialist said because they were born early) and my pediatrician had wanted me to start multi-vitamins with iron a couple of months ago with these guys to help avoid that problem. The babies just won't take the multi-vitamins and after doing some reading I don't think it is best for them to take it anyhow. SO, since I know those iron stores are probably getting used up I am going to start trying to give them some solids when they turn 6 months. I've been trying to read a little bit on what some good first foods that are iron rich would be. It looks to me like avacado and egg yolk might both be a good place to start. Any other suggestions? I'd like to avoid the rice cereal. I did that with my first two boys. My first son took it for a couple of days put it constipated him terribly and then he refused to eat any more and my second son never did want any of it. I had a really hard time getting either of them to eat much of anything until they were close to a year old

 

I know the baby cereals are all iron fortified - you can try oatmeal - keeps the pooper running nicely!

 

My DS has low iron and we found out a month ago so I have been attempting to up his iron levels as well. I also refused to do anything iron supplements with him as I do not think it is good for them. I did however start giving him liquid chlorophyll. There isn't iron in it, but it somehow increases the iron level in the body dramatically. I know that doula's in this area swear by it for Mom's after giving birth to up their iron levels fast. Other than that, we do the leafy greens (I would puree fresh) eggs, red meat, tofu, kidney/pinto beans, soybeans. You can also do beef liver which is really high in iron. I am really hoping the liquid chlorophyll helps. We go back for a hemoglobin check next week. I also started taking it since I still nurse and have always been borderline anemic I also skipped all the rice cereal-it most definitely causes some serious constipation. Good luck! I have actually found this to be really stressful!

 

Our doc said to start them with meats. We had good luck pureeing chicken & beef with things like apple & sweet potato. GL!

 

Thanks for the good ideas! I wouldn't have thought of giving red meat as one of the first foods, but that is obviously one of the best sources of iron. How do you get it pureed to a consistency they can eat it? The kidney and pinto beans are also probably a good thought for a first food. I'll definitely have to check into the liquid chlorophyll. I've never heard of using it. How much do you give your son?

 

I really like the Dr. Greene Pediatrics website. Here's what he says.
http://www.drgreene.com/azguide/iron-deficiency?pagination=1&tid=158

 

1/2 cup cheerios has a full serving of iron. Putting peanut butter on strips of toast are a good finger food for breakfast. Our other favorite was beans right out of the can- kidney, black, etc. Once their pincer grasp is developed they are a hit!

 

Quinoa. It is a super first food and very low on the allergen scale. I used quinoa flakes for DD when she was starting solids.

 

I used millet as a first cereal. It is rich in iron, very low on the allergen scale and non-constipating. The taste is similar to baby oatmeal. It is widely available as baby cereal flakes where I live, but you might have to look in a health food store or the organic foods aisle in some places.

 

It is a great source but we just found out our daughter (8) is allergic to it! Gave it to her twice and it caused severe stomach pain so just watch in case... it is very rare tho.

 

Here are some other sources... the RDA for 6-12 months is 10

1oz teff, red 21.4
1oz flaxseed 12.26
1oz pumpkin 4.25
1/8c soybeans 3.65
1TBSP brewers yeast 2.0 (my babies get this every morning on their oatmeal)
1/8 c quinoa 1.97
1/8 c kidney beans 1.89
1/8 c amaranth 1.86 (this gives my dd diarrhea)
1/8 c mung beans 1.75
1 oz tofu 1.49 This was one of my older DS first foods
1TBSP infant cereal 1.10 (as you can see there are better sources)

We did not start ceral first either. We did avocado and whole milk plain yogurt. Egg yolk (.59) can be used mixed with some breast milk but my DD threw it up horribly at 8 months so we are waiting until a year to try again. Once your baby hits 9 months you can mix grains and beans giving them a true complete meal with a veggie like spinach or kale. My babies get a grain like rice, millet, quinoa mixed with a bean kidney, mung, lentil etc and then a cube or 2 of a green or orange veggie for 1-2 meals a day. I buy my grain and beans dry and in bulk annd grind them. Good Luck!!

 

Wow! That is interesting considering how low Quinoa is on the allergen scale here. Food intolerances and allergies are rough I have BTDT with DD (am still there). I think for most quinoa has a very low likelihood of causing a reaction and is a fabulous food.