Risk of Iron Deficiency in Children

Start giving your baby iron-fortified infant cereal. Two or more servings per day of iron-fortified cereal typically meet an infant's requirement for iron.

After six months, meat can be another source of iron in your baby's diet. You can give commercial baby foods containing meat, or very small pieces of lean meat, poultry, or fish (supervise him closely as he eats table foods to prevent choking).

Foods that are high in vitamin C will help iron get absorbed from the intestine. Encourage at least one serving per day of fruits and vegetables to help your baby absorb more iron, and work toward the recommended five servings each day.