It is easier to identify whether a person is anemic and we all are aware of what iron-rich foods to be taken. When it comes to infants it is not the same as adults. To know more about anemia in infants and what kind of diet can be given to improve iron levels in an infant who has just started on solids read below.
So how would you know your infant is at risk of having anemia?
Babies who are born preterm, had jaundice during birth or if there is any family history of anemia, then they are at risk of having it. The major cause of anemia between 9-24 months is intake of a diet which has less iron or no iron content.
How would you identify whether your baby has anemia?
(1) Skin looks pale
(2) The baby looks drowsy or has low energy and sleeps longer than usual
(3) Has a fast heart rate or shows symptoms of breathlessness even while in rest
(4) Poor feeding
(5) Craving for non-nutritive substances like dirt, paint, and other things
(6) Cold hands and feet
(7) Poor weight gain and development
At what age is anemia more common in babies and why?
Anemia is more common in babies above the age of one. Since after 12 months there is a rapid growth in your baby and lots of physical and developmental changes occur, iron gets absorbed twice as much as it used to. If sufficient iron is not provided through diet, the chances of anemia are higher.
What are the treatment options?
If your child is anemic, your doctor would recommend medications and in severe cases even do a blood transfusion. Treatment options depend on the level of iron in the body. The best way to prevent anemia as well as treat it at an earlier stage is through diet.
What kind of food can be given to my anemic baby to improve iron levels?
(1) Red meat and liver can be given to the baby from 8 months. Remove all the fat from the meat since it contains no iron and make sure to cook very well.
(2) Egg yolk is another great source of iron that can be given to your infant easily. You can start including egg yolk from 10 months of age. You can give it every day so that it guarantees that your baby gets a sufficient amount of iron which is required per day.
(3) Red rice is an excellent source of iron. You can mix some vegetables or egg or meat and give it to your baby.
(4) Seafoods like tuna fish and shrimp are a good source of iron. Be cautious before starting them since some infants are allergic to sea foods.
(5) Vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, beans, potato, sweet potato, beetroot and tomatoes can be given as a soup or as a paste (mash and blend well)
(6) Dry fruits like dates, apricots, raisins, and seeds like sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin consist of a significant amount of iron. Your baby might find difficulty chewing them or may not like to eat them as such. So mix them in a pudding or any sweets so that it is delicious for your baby to eat, as well as it is healthy.
(7) Tofu is a great source of iron for the replacement of meat. You can cut them into smaller pieces, saute them and give them to your baby along with a dip so that they can enjoy it as a healthy snack.
(8) Regular deworming of the baby. (Consult your pediatrician for the dose)
(9) Avoid bare foot for the babies/kids while playing in the soil.
(10) Do give multivitamin drops as prescribed by the pediatrician during breastfeeding time.