Giving them the best start: Iron for babies

Introducing solids is a big milestone, full of messy faces, curious expressions, and new discoveries. It’s also a key time to start laying the foundations for your baby’s lifelong health. But with so many options, it’s natural to ask: where do I begin? And what foods really matter?

Our Nutrition Team at Beef + Lamb New Zealand is here to help you feel more confident about your baby’s first foods, especially when it comes to one essential nutrient: iron.

When do babies need more than milk?

For the first six months, babies get all the nutrients they need from breast milk or formula and their natural stores. But by around six months, those stores start to dip, and milk alone is no longer enough to meet their growing needs. This is where complementary feeding comes in – introducing solids alongside milk feeds to support healthy growth, brain development, and energy levels.

Why every bite counts

Because babies have small tummies, every spoonful matters. That’s why it’s important to offer nutrient-dense, high-quality foods from the start. All nutrients play a role, but iron is especially important. In fact, by seven months of age, babies need more iron than their dad!

Iron helps with:

• Growth and development
• Brain function
• Building a strong immune system
• Carrying oxygen in the blood
• Supporting energy and sensory development

Iron deficiency in kiwi kids

Iron deficiency is more common than you might think. Around 14% of children under 2 in New Zealand are low in iron, and 1 in 5 toddlers aren’t getting enough. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of what kind of iron your baby is eating.