Prevention:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants be fed breast milk or iron-fortified formula for at least 12 months. The AAP does NOT recommend giving cow's milk to children under 1 year old.

Diet is the most important way to prevent and treat iron deficiency.

Good sources of iron include:

• Apricots
• Kale and other greens
• Oatmeal
• Prunes
• Raisins
• Spinach
• Tuna

Better sources of iron include:

• Chicken and other meats
• Dried beans and lentils
• Eggs
• Fish
• Molasses
• Peanut butter
• Soybeans
• Turkey

The best sources of iron include:

• Baby formula with iron
• Breast milk (the iron is very easily used by the child)
• Infant cereals and other iron-fortified cereals
• Liver
• Prune juice