Q&A: Does My Baby Need an Iron Supplement?

Unless your baby is anemic (this can be checked by a doctor with a quick heel prick), there’s no real need for a supplement. It is true that baby’s existing iron stores will start to be depleted between six and nine months, but baby can easily get extra iron from his diet, assuming you’ve begun introducing solids. Many baby cereals are iron-fortified, but babies absorb naturally occurring iron — for example, in your breast milk and in red meats — much better than the iron found in fortified foods or supplements. (Plus, added iron is known to lead to constipation so you shouldn’t overdo it.)

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.