Rant: Early solid feeding

There is a logic in the above argument when it comes to formula fed babies,
as the iron in formula can be very hard for babies to actually ingest, so
large amounts are included in bottles.

While it is unlikely, you're right, the fact is that anemia is *even rarer*
in
babies getting iron-fortified formula, so the argument for early solids for
them makes *even less* sense.

Back when early iron-containing solids were first given, formula was generally
made from ordinary cows milk (plain bottled milk or evaporated milk) which had
no iron in it at all. So formula fed babies were getting LESS iron than their
bf peers, and so DID need extra iron after the first few months. Hence the move
towards early solid feeds. (And they were also usually switched from formula to
ordinary milk by 6 months or so.) Today, with the vast majority of ff babies
getting commercial formula, which contains ample added iron, there is no need
for any baby, however he is fed, to get early solids for the iron content,
unless he has some specific problem. (Prematurity or
anemia-demonstrated-by-blood-test, for example.) And even then, iron
supplements might be a better idea. (This would, of course, all be discussed
with the baby's doctor and a care plan that best meets the indivdual baby's
needs decided upon.)


Naomi
CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator

(either remove spamblock or change address to to e-mail
reply.)