BLW and Iron: Is My Baby Getting Enough?

How to Meet Iron Needs Without Stress (or Cereal)

That strip of Tri Tip your baby’s gnawing on? Yep — that’s iron in action.

BLW and Iron. Is My Baby Getting Enough?

Prefer to listen?

Iron is one of those nutrients that gets talked about a lot when starting solids — but not always with clarity.

If you’ve ever wondered:

  • “Is my baby getting enough iron?”

  • “Do I need supplements?”

  • “Is cereal the only way?”

  • “What if my baby doesn’t eat meat?”

You are not alone. And this episode is here to help.

Let’s break down what iron actually does, why it matters during baby-led weaning, and how to make sure your baby is getting what they need — with simple, real-life meals.

Why Iron Matters So Much

Iron is fuel for your baby’s brain, energy, and development.

🍼 Babies are born with iron stores built during pregnancy
⏳ Those stores start to run low around 6 months
🍽 That’s one reason solids typically start then — the tank is getting low

Breast milk or formula is still essential, but by six months, they aren’t enough to meet iron needs alone.

This is why solids matter — not just for practice, but for nutrients.

But Wait… Is Food Enough?

Yes — food can absolutely meet your baby’s iron needs.

You don’t have to rely on fortified cereals.
You don’t have to stress over every single bite.
You just need variety, consistency, and a few helpful pairings.

Let’s talk about that.

There are two kinds of iron in food:

  • Heme iron (from animal foods like meat and eggs)
    👉 Easier for the body to absorb

  • Non-heme iron (from plant foods like beans, lentils, tofu)
    👉 Needs a boost to be absorbed well

🧃 That boost = vitamin C
 Pair lentils with sweet potato, beans with bell pepper, or eggs with strawberries — and you’re golden.

Two Types of Iron (And Why It Matters)

How Much Iron Does My Baby Need?

💡 Between 6–12 months, babies need about 11 mg of iron per day

That sounds like a lot, but it’s totally doable when you zoom out and look at the whole day — not a single meal.

Here’s what 11 mg might look like:

  • 3 oz beef

  • ½ cup lentils + vitamin C

  • A few servings of iron-rich foods throughout the day (eggs, beans, chicken)

It’s about the pattern, not perfection.

Real-Life Ways to Serve Iron-Rich Foods

Here’s what it might look like in your kitchen:

🥩 Shreddable beef, pork, or chicken a few times per week
🥚 Scrambled eggs with soft fruit on the side
🌱 Lentils or beans mixed into veggies or mashed sweet potatoes
🐟 Canned salmon mashed with avocado or peas
🥣 Fortified cereal (optional!) with yogurt or fruit

And yes — even just sucking on a strip of meat counts.
Babies can get iron from the juices before they even swallow.

Busting a Few Common Iron Myths

🚫 Myth #1: Babies need teeth to eat meat
 Not true. With safe prep, even toothless babies can explore meats like shredded chicken or soft steak strips.

🚫 Myth #2: Fortified cereal is the only way to get enough iron
 Nope. Cereal is an option, not a requirement. Real food works.

🚫 Myth #3: Breastfed babies naturally get enough iron
 Breast milk is amazing — but not iron-rich. That’s why food matters.

Signs of Low Iron (And When to Check)

While many babies meet their needs through food, here are a few signs to watch for:

  • Pale skin

  • Low energy

  • Slow weight gain

  • Irritability

⚕ If you’re concerned, talk to your pediatrician about testing. You can always ask for a ferritin level or full iron panel — no shame in checking.

Tiny Tweaks, Big Wins

Remember, you don’t need fancy recipes or complicated meals.

Try combos like:

  • Lentils + mashed sweet potato

  • Scrambled eggs + strawberries

  • Beef strips + roasted red peppers

  • Salmon + peas with a squeeze of lemon

These aren’t Instagram-perfect. They’re real, doable, and packed with nutrients.

The Big Picture

✔ Focus on variety, not perfection
✔ Offer both heme and non-heme sources
✔ Add vitamin C to plant-based iron
✔ Don’t panic if a meal (or day) isn’t perfectly balanced
✔ Keep it simple and trust your baby’s pace

You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.

Want More Help Knowing Exactly What to Serve and How to Serve It?

Inside Baby-Led Weaning Academy 101: The First Two Weeks, you’ll find step-by-step videos, prep guides, and a clear plan — so you can feel confident from day one.

🎥 Learn more and join here: babyledweaningacademy.com/firsttwoweeks

No more wondering if your baby is getting enough.
Just real food, real skills, and a whole lot of support.