Posted by Iron deficiency is an important public health issue in the United States, which can lead to cognitive delays, behavioral problems, and other physical symptoms. And you will be surprised to know that babies and toddlers are at a higher risk of iron deficiency because they have a lower ability to absorb this essential mineral.
Babies who are breastfeeding don’t need any iron supplements until they turn one year old. However, there are wide varieties of iron supplements available for babies, so it’s important to be sure you choose a supplement that is safe and effective for your baby’s stage of development.
Here I am going to share some tips that will help you to choose iron supplements for babies smartly so that you wouldn’t regret it later.
Have a look!
1. Read the Ingredients List on the Label.
The first step in choosing a baby formula is to read the label. The label will contain information about the product, including its ingredients, as well as any warnings or precautions. This can be useful when finding a product that meets your child’s needs.
2. Ensure the Product is Subject to Quality Testing and is Manufactured Through Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP).
GMP ensures that products are safe and reliable so you can feel confident about using them as part of your baby’s diet. Products that meet GMP standards have been tested by an independent third-party organization. However, not all products labeled as GMP are actually manufactured under such standards! So it’s important to read reviews from other parents before settling on a particular brand.
3. Avoid Iron Supplements with Artificial Flavors, Colors, or Sweeteners
You should also avoid iron supplements with artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. These additives can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.
4. Check if the brand is registered with FDA.
It is important to check the brand’s registration on FDA as some products may not be registered and will not comply with their standards. If they are not registered with FDA, then you should avoid buying their products as they might contain harmful chemicals or contaminants that can lead to health complications later on.
5. Choose the Appropriate Form of Iron Supplement
Iron supplements for kids are available in different forms, such as drops, chewable, gummies, etc. It would be great to pick an appropriate form of iron supplement for babies depending on their age.
6. Get advice from Child Specialists and Doctors
Undeniably, several iron supplements for babies are available on the online & offline marketplace. However, the best way to know whether a particular iron supplement you have selected for your little munchkin is safe to use is to take the advice of a doctor or pediatrician. They will be able to tell you if your baby’s iron levels are too low or high, and they can also recommend the right type of supplement for your child.
While taking advice from a pediatrician, don’t forget to ask about the duration of taking a specific iron supplement. It is vital as no supplement is taken for a long time, depending on the age and health issues.
The amount of iron in a baby’s body depends on the mother’s hemoglobin level at delivery, but most babies are born with sufficient iron stores to meet their needs for about 12-18 months after birth. If you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, your baby may not get enough iron during those first few months. Especially if you have low hemoglobin levels or if there’s a delay in breastfeeding or supplemental formulas due to digestive problems caused by medications or other medical conditions.
If your baby is sick, don’t give them an iron supplement unless directed by their doctor. If they have a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, they may need extra care while they’re recovering from the illness, so it’s important to follow any instructions given by their doctor.
Final Verdict
Iron supplements are a great way to add iron to your kid’s diet, but they can also be dangerous if not taken correctly. So be careful and consult a pediatrician.
I hope you find all the information discussed in this piece of writing helpful. To get more information about iron supplements for babies, keep reading our latest health and fitness posts!