Iron-rich foods for babies: foods and meal ideas

Animal and plant sources

Iron in meat is generally more readily absorbed than iron in plant foods. Beans, lentils and fortified cereals can still contribute. Check labels: not every infant cereal has added iron, and amounts vary between foods.

Simple meal combinations

Try mashed lentils with soft broccoli, finely minced cooked meat mixed into potato, or iron-fortified cereal with mashed berries. These are ideas, not a complete daily diet or a calculation of iron intake.

• Mashed lentils with soft broccoli
• Finely minced cooked meat mixed into potato
• Iron-fortified cereal with mashed berries

Add vitamin C

Pair plant sources of iron with fruit or vegetables containing vitamin C. Soft broccoli alongside lentils is one example. This is a food combination, not a reason to add a supplement.

Textures and individual needs

Cook beans until soft and mash as needed. Remove fish bones and break meat into a manageable texture. Keep your baby upright and supervise. Premature birth, milk feeding and a restricted diet can affect iron advice. Supplement recommendations differ by country and individual needs; ask a healthcare professional about doses.