Iron Levels of the Breastfed Baby

So, my little pumpkin is now 2 years old and she didn't really start eating solids until she was about 14 mos or so... (all the while being in the 99th percentile in height & weight). There was a little bit of worry since I knew she might fall short in the iron department and become anemic. A hemoglobin test showed this to be true...


As most know, iron levels for the exclusively breastfed baby, who was born healthy and full-term, are generally in great shape those first 6 mos (generally breastfed babies do fine the 1st nine mos). Foods high in iron are generallyrecommended (before iron supplements) at this age since iron in foods are better absorbed into their little bodies, etc. I like to also cook as much food in my iron skillets (seasoned from years of use by my mom!) and combine iron rich foods with Vitamin C foods:

* spaghetti with meat and tomato sauce
* meat and potatoes
* chicken fajitas with broccoli, sweet pepper, and tomatoes
* hamburger and coleslaw
* nitrate-free hot dogs and orange juice
* fruit, iron-fortified cereal, and raisins
* fresh fruit with raisins

For more info:

(A thorough description on anemia...)
http://askdrsears.com/html/4/t043100.asp#T043106
"PUMPING UP YOUR IRON"

www.llli.org/FAQ/firstfoods.html
"First foods for babies"

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/iron.html
"Is Iron-Supplementation Necessary?"


Some additional info on solids from the AAP:

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496*

"Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.

* Complementary foods rich in iron should be introduced gradually beginning around 6 months of age. Preterm and low birth weight infants and infants with hematologic disorders or infants who had inadequate iron stores at birth generally require iron supplementation before 6 months of age. Iron may be administered while continuing exclusive breastfeeding.

* Unique needs or feeding behaviors of individual infants may indicate a need for introduction of complementary foods as early as 4 months of age, whereas other infants may not be ready to accept other foods until approximately 8 months of age.

* Introduction of complementary feedings before 6 months of age generally does not increase total caloric intake or rate of growth and only substitutes foods that lack the protective components of human milk.

* During the first 6 months of age, even in hot climates, water and juice are unnecessary for breastfed infants and may introduce contaminants or allergens.

* Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother, especially in delaying return of fertility (thereby promoting optimal intervals between births).

* There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of lifeor longer.

* Infants weaned before 12 months of age should not receive cow's milk but should receive iron-fortified infant formula.


So, here's a recipe I found that is quite yummy (below)... If you try it out, let us know what you think (and what your baby/toddler think!).


"Coconut-Apple Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

* 1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped
* 1/2 C. sweet potato, peeled and chopped
* 1/2 T. dried coconut
* water as needed

Instructions: Place the chopped sweet potato pieces in a steamer over boiling water. After 5 minutes, add the chopped apples and steam until tender. Place potato and apple pieces into a food processor with coconut. Process until baby food consistency, adding water as necessary. Note: You can use a potato masher, fork, or baby food grinder to prepare this recipe, though the mixture won't be as smooth. This is also a great side dish for a toddler meal. Try using coconut milk instead of water for a creamier, more coconutty flavor.