Iron intake?

Question

My son's almost 7 months old and we've been trying solid foods for a few weeks now. He HATES meat and last week, he was sick and vomited up his oatmeal and is now refusing to eat that too. I'm worried he isn't getting the appropriate amount of iron he needs. He's breastfed. Does anyone have any recommendations of other ways I can get more iron into his diet?

Answer

this is what I don't understand....the breast feeding class at our hospital stressed to us that "food before one is just for fun" and that everything they need nutritionally is in our breast milk/formula until then. fast fwd to 6 months and our Dr starts talking supplementing iron with food....i'm sorry, I don't buy it. and I don't buy into rice or oatmeal under a year. after doing research babies don't even make enough of the enzyme amylase to break down starch. plus they are iron fortified, meaning not naturally rich in iron. Google foods that have iron naturally in them if you're worried about it and give your baby those foods instead.

Answer

If your baby is still drinking breastmilk or formula he is getting enough iron.  Where is everyone getting this idea that babies need to eat a ton of food every day?  Most (> 90%) nutrition should come from a milk source- bm or formula.  Don't worry about your baby not eating a ton of solids every day.  Solids (yes, that includes purees) are play time at this age and a way for baby to get to know what certain things taste and feel like.  I know some doctors will tell you your baby needs to eat 3-4 ounces of food by x age at each meal and blah blah blah... listen to your gut and your baby's moods, bowel movements, and especially wet diapers.  Keep putting things in front of baby and let them touch and taste it on their own.  If he just plays that's fine too... it's all about developing a healthy relationship with food and getting used to veggie and fruit tastes and textures.  Some people will tell you not to give baby meat or slices of cooked or soft fruits / veggies at this age, because the enzymes required to break down high protein sources and other compounds aren't fully developed... but again, listen to your gut and baby.  I give my daughter little bits of egg and a taste of bacon so right now she is all about trying breakfast with us every day.  Don't stress over the food thing, your baby will be fine.  (Just no honey until he's older! 😊)

Answer

No meat for me, just fruit and veggies I blend up.

Iron intake?

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