There is much debate as to when to introduce certain foods to your babies, including when to begin grains, fruits, veggies and meats. The latter has been something we did not discuss much in my Pediatrics class (was this because the teacher was a vegetarian?? One may never know). We know that traditionally babies begin to lose their iron stores between 6-9 months and are usually tested at their 9 month check up and supplemented if they are severely anemic or otherwise moms are asked to increase iron rich foods into their diet. Now there are really excellent vegetarian sources of iron, including but definitely NOT limited to; bean and legumes, fortified cereals, tofu and leafy greens. But what if your child is already eating tons of leafy greens and you are hesitant to begin with tofu (since sadly, 99% of soy is now genetically modified) and they won't put a bean anywhere near their mouths? Well, you feed them good old grass fed, organic, local meat! Make sure it is cooked thoroughly and pureed to an appropriate consistency unless they have a mouthful of pearly whites. I believe that introducing meat between 7-9 months is seemingly natural as children's iron stores are depleting by this age Many parents would rather feed their children whole foods over'fortified' grains which are actually more pro-inflammatory in some kiddos and elicit a greater antibody response than meats as well.
Hmmm...food for thought.
