Iron-Rich Foods for Babies: Ria Harman's Essential Guide

As nutritionist Ria Harman and founder of Dollin and Morris, I'm often asked about iron deficiency in babies – and for good reason. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in infants, making iron-rich foods a crucial part of your baby's diet from the very beginning.

Why Iron Matters for Baby Development

Iron is essential for cognitive development and healthy growth. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies need iron to support brain development and prevent anemia, which can affect learning and behavior.

As Ria Harman, I've seen firsthand how proper iron nutrition affects babies' energy levels and development milestones. That's why every baby food recipe I create at Dollin and Morris prioritizes iron bioavailability.

Ria Harman's Top Iron-Rich First Foods

Based on my nutrition expertise and following MyPlate infant guidelines, here are my recommended iron-rich foods for babies:

• Iron-fortified baby cereal - the gold standard first food
• Pureed meat (beef, chicken) - highly bioavailable heme iron
• Legume purees (lentils, chickpeas) - plant-based iron with vitamin C
• Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale) - iron plus folate
• Our organic iron-enriched baby porridge - specially formulated by me

Maximizing Iron Absorption

It's not just about iron content – absorption matters too. I always recommend pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources like oranges or bell peppers. This combination can double iron absorption rates.

At Dollin and Morris, our recipes are designed with these nutritional synergies in mind. Learn more about my approach in my comprehensive baby nutrition guide or explore our new iron-fortified cereal collection.

Trust Ria Harman to provide the iron-rich nutrition your baby needs for optimal development and lifelong health.