Gill Rapley (author of BLW book) reinforces the importance of offering babies foods that are rich in iron, zinc and vitamin B12 from six months onwards.
Some example of foods are below:
Food rich in Iron: Iron is a mineral found in high levels in meats, beans, dried fruits and fortified breakfast cereals, supports your baby’s physical and mental development. Foods include: breastmilk, meats (beef, beef & chicken liver, pork, turkey, chicken), oily fish i.e. sardines and salmon, dark green, squash, eggs, sweet potato, mushrooms, leafy vegetables i.e. kale and spinach, beans, dried fruit, grains, porridge, broccoli, lentils, oatmeal, kidney beams, soybeans
TIP – Vitamin C aids the absorption of iron from foods particularly from plant sources, so when you can, include them in the same meal. i.e. add a piece of fruit – orange, mango, tomato, citrus fruits, berries, green veg (broccoli, cabbage), peaches, apples. bananas
Food rich in Zinc: meat (lean beef, lamb, pork, chicken), nut pastes (pine nuts, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts) spinach, green leafy veg, cooked chickpeas, mushrooms, wheat germ, pumpkin, squash, yogurt, cheese, bread, porridge, cereal, multigrain bread.
Food rich in Vitamin B12: helps the body make DNA, keeps blood and nerve cells healthy, keeps the brain working properly and helps process food. A lack of B-12 can make your baby tired and constipated and can cause weight loss. (http://oureverydaylife.com/baby-foods-high-vitamins-b12-d-11530.html) B12 is naturally found in animal products, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, yogurt, salmon, cod, cheese, eggs.
