I have known lots of children who were breastfed exclusively and then started solids without ever having formula (all four of mine included) who have never needed iron supplements.
At some point toward the end of the first year, babies will gradually begin to need more iron than that provided by breast milk alone, so offer your baby foods naturally rich in iron and vitamin C as he begins to eat solids. If there is any question of anaemia, get a blood test - if baby's haemoglobin levels are OK then there is no reason for additional iron in the diet.
Most case of anaemia in breastfed children is because the mother is also anaemic. So if it turns out your child needs extra iron get your own iron levels checked too.
La Leche League recommends that babies be offered foods that are naturally rich in iron, rather than iron-fortified foods.
Foods that are high in iron include:
? breast milk
? winter squash
? sweet potatoes
? prune juice
? meat & poultry (beef, beef & chicken liver, turkey, chicken)
? mushrooms
? sea vegetables (arame, dulse), algaes (spirulina), kelp
? greens (spinach, chard, dandelion, beet, nettle, parsley, watercress)
? yellow dock root
? grains (millet, brown rice, amaranth, quinoa, breads with these grains)
? blackstrap molasses (try adding a little to cereal or rice)
? brewer's yeast
High-iron foods to save until the end of the first year or later:
? dried beans (lima, lentils, kidney)
? chili con carne with beans
? tofu
? egg yolks
? grains (cooked cracked wheat, cornmeal, grits, farina, bran, breads with these grains)
? tomato
? dried fruit (figs, apricots, prunes, raisins)
? meat (pork)
? shellfish (clams, oysters, shrimp)
? tuna, sardines
Warning: Some of the foods listed above are not suitable for babies. Dried fruits should not be given to babies under a year old, due to the choking hazard. Also, pork, fish, shellfish, wheat, citrus fruits and eggs are highly allergenic and may not be suitable for babies under a year or who have a family history of allergies.
Best wishes,
SARAH