Key nutrients your baby needs from 6 months

Iron

Why does my baby need iron?

From six months, your baby’s iron stores are tapering off, therefore it’s essential their diet includes iron-rich food, for their growth, brain development and immunity. Iron is more easily absorbed from foods such as beef, lamb, liver* and chicken, however the absorption of iron from green vegetables and cereals can be increased by up to four times when combined with meat.

*Lamb’s liver or kidney are particularly rich sources of iron. Leave some in the freezer and when cooking baby’s vegetables, grate in a small amount and let it cook through. *While liver is an excellent source of iron, it’s also high in vitamin A, which is important for health, but too much can be harmful. Limit to 15grams per week.

Iron tips:

  • choose iron-fortified infant cereals or puréed cooked meat as iron-rich first foods, along with cooked and puréed fruits and vegetables
  • offer cooked meat initially as a puree, and progress to mashed by about 61/2-7months, then finely chopped or minced by about 8 months
  • include fruit or vegetables with iron-rich meals in an appropriate texture for baby’s age 
  • if your baby is having a vegetarian or vegan diet, talk to a your doctor, Dietitian, Registered Nutritionist or Well Child nurse for advice to ensure your baby gets all the vitamins and minerals they need, particularly iron, calcium and vitamin B12

By carefully selecting iron-rich foods and balancing between baby-led weaning and spoon-feeding, you can help ensure your baby gets the necessary iron for healthy growth and development.

Cooking in a cast iron pan will also increase iron consumption in food. 

Vitamin D

Infants are born with low vitamin D stores and rely on breast milk, sunlight, or supplements to meet their vitamin D needs in the first few months of life. The vitamin D content in breast milk depends on the mother’s vitamin D status, which is often insufficient.

An estimated 40% of the population is deficient in vitamin D. This vitamin is crucial for various bodily functions, including bone development, mood regulation, sleep, and immune system modulation.

Rickets is a childhood bone condition where the bones soften, making them prone to fractures and irregularities, primarily due to a lack of vitamin D. 

Omega-3 and DHA

Your baby’s brain is 60% fat and undergoes enormous development in the first 2 years of life. This highlights the importance of proper nutrition to fuel this process. When you think about it, they go from rolling to running, and babbling to talking in the blink of an eye.

The Role of DHA

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is particularly crucial for the growth and development of an infant’s brain and retina. It is needed in large amounts during pregnancy and the first few years of life. Adequate omega-3 levels help support babies’ cognitive, social, and physical development by promoting:

  • visual alertness and retinal development
  • performance on measures of language and cognition
  • mental and motor skill development
  • a healthy immune response to allergens
  • blood sugar regulation

Calcium 

To ensure adequate levels of vitamin D and calcium, which are crucial for the development of strong bones, teeth, and proper muscle function, it’s important to consider the dietary intake of both mother and baby. 

Vitamin D and Calcium:

  • Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption
  • Calcium supports bone, teeth, and muscle health

Dietary Considerations:

Dairy Products 

  • dairy is an easy source of calcium and also provides fat-soluble vitamins, B vitamins, and iodine
  • if tolerated, dairy can be beneficial for your baby
  • start with low-lactose options like ghee, butter, and kefir before introducing greek yogurt and full-fat milk
  • avoid offering cow’s milk too early (before 12 months) as it can inhibit iron absorption

Sources of Calcium

  • egg yolk 
  • ghee and butter 
  • milk kefir 
  • greek yogurt 
  • full-fat dairy 
  • wild salmon (canned with soft bones) 
  • chia seeds 
  • almonds 
  • dark leafy greens 
  • tahini 
  • seaweed