Bottle Feeding Past 15 Months Linked to Iron Deficiency

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

19 Jun 2008 07:17 AM

If you bottle feed, you might be reluctant to take the bottle away from your baby. After all, it is sometimes easier and more comforting for the baby to have what she is used to, the bottle, instead of a cup. But, there is a good reason to get your baby on a cup from six to nine months of age. Recent studies have shown that toddlers who still use a bottle are at an increased risk for iron deficiency.

This information is brought to light by a recent article in Pediatrics for Parents by Jane Brotanek, MD, MHD, an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Center for the Advancement of Underserved Children at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

According to Dr. Brotanek, the longer the duration of bottle-feeding, the higher the prevalence of an iron deficiency. In fact, the risk to children who are bottle fed for more than 24 months is three times higher than for children who are bottle fed for 12 months or less.

The probable cause of this deficiency is the fact that with a bottle, toddlers can consume a large amount of cow's milk. Cow's milk is low in iron, and the milk is likely to replace iron-rich foods in the diet.

Large amounts of cow's milk can also contribute to blood loss in the intestines.

The guidelines for milk consumption is no more than two cups a day for toddlers. Iron-rich foods for babies older than 12 months include beans, iron-rich cereal, meat, eggs and leafy-green vegetables. Your physician can talk to you about the nutritional needs of your baby and if you should introduce supplemental iron.

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Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Kara (21380) 22 Jun 2008 09:09 PM

I had no idea...it is almost the only thing my toddler will drink. She's weird and refuses juice but I can occasionally get her to drink water. I can't get her to eat much either but she always has her oatmeal or cream of wheat for breakfast.

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 23 Jun 2008 11:42 AM

As long as she is drinking from a cup instead of a bottle, she should be okay. Also, your pediatrician can check for an iron deficiency.