Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is low iron in the diet. Children and weaning babies are especially susceptible to anaemia during periods of rapid growth, when they need extra iron that they don’t always get. It is important to look at your child or weaning baby's diet to ensure they are getting enough iron to aid their development. 

We have devised some tips that will help you ensure your child does not develop this condition.

Tips to Help Prevent Iron Deficiency

1. Don’t let your child drink more than 600-700ml of cow’s milk from one year onwards. Milk provides important nutrients in your child’s diet but it can interfere with the body’s absorption of iron. Why not water down their milk with two parts milk to one part water before cutting down completely.
2. Feed your toddler iron-fortified cereal such as Weetabix, Ready Brek or Shreddies. Stick to low sugar options, and avoid Bran Flakes or All Bran as they are too high in fibre for your tot. This Baby Muesli is perfect for the whole family. Top with fresh fruit or some Apple, Prune and Cinnamon Puree for a natural sweetness.
3. Feed your child iron rich lean meat such as minced beef, chicken breast and lamb. This Lamb Curry is great to batch cook and store in a Double Child Portion Pot from the Family Portion Set.
4. Offer wholemeal bread that contains iron as opposed to white bread.
5. Include lentils in your child’s diet by adding to soups and stews. Our Lentil Ragu is great to store in portions for your little ones using the Toddler Portion Pot.
6. Include leafy green vegetables that are rich in iron in your child’s diet by adding to pesto or including in a pasta vegetable sauce. Sauté some spinach before adding it to this Pasta Sauce with Hidden Veg to freeze in a Adult Portion Pot. A tasty, healthy dinner sauce any night of the week!
7. Offer plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C (like oranges, strawberries, kiwi and avocado), which helps the body absorb iron. Whip up some Chicken, Green Bean and Avocado Puree for an iron boost for your family and weaning baby. It makes a great spread on Homemade Oatcakes.
8. Don’t let your child drink tea as this can affect the absorption of iron from food.
9. Your child’s favourite baked beans are rich in iron and you can now buy low and salt and sugar versions. Our Homemade Baked Beans are perfect for baby and family as they are salt and sugar free. Batch cook this recipe and freeze for up to 3 months with the Child Portion Pots.
10. Iron supplements are helpful in many instances, but too much iron can be poisonous. Always consult your doctor before giving your child iron supplements.