Can I Fortity Homemade Baby Cereal With Iron?
You will not be able to “fortify” homemade baby cereals the way commercial cereals are fortified. There are many things you may add to the cereals that will give an “iron boost” such as formula, breast milk, wheat germ, and brewer’s yeast. Once you have introduced fruits and veggies along with the cereals, you will get Vitamin C which helps to aid in the absorption of iron. Many infants have been raised on homemade cereals/baby foods and they have never suffered iron deficient anemia nor have they needed additional vitamin/mineral supplements. This is something that you should discuss with your baby’s pediatrician as there may be a medical need for iron fortified cereals and/or iron supplements. See our Iron Information page for resources and more information.
