Iron

Do infants get enough iron from breast milk?

Iron is needed to make hemoglobin that carries oxygen in red blood cells to all parts of the body. Iron also supports brain development during infancy and early childhood.

For about the first 6 months of life, most newborns have sufficient iron stored in their bodies. However, their iron status depends on gestational age, maternal iron status, and timing of umbilical cord clamping.

Breast milk contains little iron. Parents of infants receiving only breast milk should talk to their infant's health care provider about whether their infant needs iron supplements in the first 6 months and afterwards.

At about 6 months, infants require a source of iron outside of breast milk. An infant's iron needs can be met through iron-rich foods, iron-fortified cereals, or iron supplement drops.

Learn more about iron-rich foods that support an infant's healthy development.

Learn more

• Clinical Report: Diagnosis and Prevention of Iron Deficiency and Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Infants and Young Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
• Iron Fact Sheet for Health Professionals—National Institutes of Health
• Iron Fact Sheet for Consumers—National Institutes of Health