Iron for Baby

Iron for baby

Iron- rich foods come first

Health Canada recommends that first solid foods for babies be iron-rich. Between 6 and 12 months, infants should be offered iron-rich foods (meat, fish, poultry or meat alternatives) two or more times a day.

Baby needs iron for optimal brain development and growth

By 6 months, babies have used up their iron stores so a food source is needed. Beef is one of nature’s best sources of iron.

Always follow the infant feeding advice from your health care provider.

Ways to make sure baby gets enough iron

Iron is vital for healthy development. Baby's iron needs are high but their tummies are small. Make every spoonful count. Choose the best food sources of iron and serve them daily.

Iron Boost

Iron from beef, pork, fish and poultry is better absorbed than iron from plant foods such as iron-fortified cereals.

Here are two ways to get more iron out of plant-based iron sources:

- Meat Factor: Adding even a small amount of beef, poultry, pork or fish to meals will increase the absorption of plant-based iron by 150%.1

- Vitamin C: Your body will absorb more plant-based iron when you include foods high in vitamin C at the same meal (like broccoli, sweet peppers).

3 Easy ways to turn “family” meal baby food

Prepare a healthy meal for the family and modify t to suit baby. No special baby food required!

Baby’s Blend (f

Combine 1 cup thoro milk or formula) in a Offer baby a portion

Portion out any extra freeze for up to one

Mashed Mix (fo

Combine 1 cup thoro milk or formula) in a Combine with mashe into ice cube trays, w

Finger Food Fu

Baby can join the fam pieces that can be m

s into he texture

Watch the video at ThinkBeef.ca/resources

for 6 to 7 months)

oughly cooked beef with 1⁄2 cup water (or breastblender or food processor, blending until smooth. size of 1 to 2 tablespoons at each meal to start. as into ice cube trays, wrap tightly with foil and month.

or 7 to 9 months)

oughly cooked beef with 1⁄2 cup water (or breastblender or food processor, blending until minced. ed vegetables if you like. Portion out any extras wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to one month.

un (for 9 to 12 months)

mily table, eating foods that are cut into bite-sized managed by baby him/herself.

Beef Steak & Lentil Salad

DIETITIAN TIP: The beef in this salad will boost the iron absorbed from the lentils by up to 150%.

1 tsp

EACH Italian seasoning, coarsely ground pepper and salt

1⁄8 tsp garlic powder

1 lb (500 g) Beef Grilling Steak (e.g. Strip Loin or Top Sirloin), 1 inch thick

SALAD

1⁄2 cup minced red onion

1⁄4 cup EACH olive oil and chopped fresh basil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1⁄2 tsp EACH salt and dried oregano leaves

2 cups assorted grilled vegetables (e.g. zucchini, sweet red pepper, asparagus, etc.), cut into chunks

2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 can (540 mL) lentils, drained and rinsed

1 jar (170 mL) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped

1. Combine pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder in small bowl. Rub mixture over steak; let stand for 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, whisk together oil, red onion, garlic, vinegar, basil, salt and oregano in large salad bowl. Add grilled vegetables, tomatoes, lentils and artichoke hearts. Gently toss together and season to taste.

3. Grill steak over medium-high heat for 4 to 7 minutes per side for medium doneness (160ºF/71ºC). Let stand for 5 mi nutes. Cut steak into thin slices; serve with lentil mixture.

For more know-how on making

Adapt Steak & Lentil Salad

Ages 6 to 7 months (blend)

Combine 1 slice of cooked steak with 1⁄4 cup of the len tils and cooked veggies if you like along with 2 to 3 tbsp water, breastmilk or formula. Blend in food processor or blender until smooth.

Ages 7 to 9 months (mashed)

Combine slice of cooked steak with 1⁄4 cup of the lentils and cooked veggies if you like. Mix in food processor or blender until dinner is minced.

Ages 9 to 12 months (finger food)

Cut the steak and salad mix into bite-sized pieces that can be managed by baby him/herself.

baby meals, visit ThinkBeef.ca

Sample meal plan

DIETITIAN TIPS:

• Aim for: 2 to 3 meals and 1 to 2 snacks

• Let your baby decide how much to eat of the food you offer. To start, offer 1 to 2 teaspoons and increase to more depending on your baby’s appetite.

Early Morning

Breastmilk or infant formula Vitamin D drops

Breakfast

Breastmilk or infant formula

Iron-fortified infant cereal (mixed with breastmilk or infant formula or water)

Mashed or cut-up strawberries or pears

Water in a cup

Snack

Breastmilk or infant formula

Lunch

Breastmilk or infant formula

Thoroughly cooked ground or minced beef

Cooked broccoli, mashed Water in a cup

Snack

Breast milk or infant formula Avocado, chopped Dinner

Breastmilk or infant formula

Lentils and canned salmon, mashed

Cooked carrots, mashed Brown rice

Water in a cup

Sources:

Health Canada, Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Six to 24 Months, accessed online January, 2018.

References:

1 https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/foodnutrition/healthy-eating/infant-feeding/nutrition-healthy-term-infantsrecommendations-birth-six-months/6-24-months.html#a7

2 sample menu based on Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition® (PEN) recommendations.