We all need iron to grow properly and develop well.

Your baby was born with stores of iron that last for about six months or so, but they will begin to run out after this point. It’s very important to offer your baby foods that are rich in iron, as a lack of iron is the most common nutritional deficiency seen in children.

Good sources of iron include:

• Red meat such as beef, and kidney
• Chicken or turkey, especially the dark meat
• Eggs (cooked until both the white and yolk are solid)
• Beans, tofu and lentils (dhal)
• Vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, curly kale, peas and watercress
• Dried fruit such as apricots and raisins
• Fortified baby foods and milks
• Vitamin C will help your baby’s body to absorb more iron from food, so offer lots of foods that contain vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes, or kiwi fruit.

The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Unless otherwise advised by your health professional, solid foods in any form (baby jars, cereals or rusks) should not be started any earlier than six months.