This post is sponsored by Gerber®, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Your baby’s iron levels may not be something you think about very often. Talk of iron levels in baby isn’t circulating the internet as much as sleep habits and milestone achievements. But when it comes to baby brain and development, baby’s iron plays a significant role.

The first six months of a baby’s life, they have natural stores of iron that contain everything they need. Babies who use formula can also get an additional amount of iron in their bottles and breastfed babies absorb plenty of iron from breast milk. The iron in breast milk has also been proven to be absorbed quicker. However, when a baby hits six months of age, their stores of iron naturally decrease so it is important to make sure their iron levels are good. Our pediatrician tends to check iron levels around nine months of age, and for the first time, one of my kids showed low iron levels.

So I quickly researched ways to increase Jude’s iron naturally. It wasn’t hard to find super foods full or iron that were perfect for him and I knew it was one of the most natural ways he could add iron into his body.

Iron Fortified Cereals

Cereal fortified with iron is perfect to add into your baby’s diet when their iron levels seem low. In fact, Gerber makes cereal with just that in mind for your baby. Along with Iron, Gerber Infant Cereal has other essential nutrients such as Zinc, Calcium, Vitamin C, E and six B Vitamins. Just two servings of Gerber infant cereal meet 100% of your baby’s daily iron needs. Gerber Cereal is complimentary to breast milk for breast-feeding moms and is Non-GMO, with no artificial colors or flavors. It’s perfect to provide iron needed to help support healthy brain development in your baby! Save on any Gerber Cereal at Target by using the Cartwheel app to redeem!

Iron Super Foods

You can also add simple table foods into your baby’s diet that are super foods packed full of iron! Meats, broccoli, and spinach are some easy to eat foods for baby and can give them the added iron that they need.

Vitamin C

Did you know that Vitamin C helps you absorb iron? Citrus fruits are some of the best ways to get Vitamin C in your baby’s diet. One of Jude’s favorites are mandarin oranges packed in 100% fruit juice and they also make great first foods for baby as they are learning to feed themselves.

Keep Breastfeeding!

If you have been breastfeeding your baby, keep it up! Breast milk has iron AND Vitamin C to help your baby absorb that iron. Breast milk continues to be one of the best things you can give your baby through their entire first year. If you’re using formula, you can also find formula packed with extra iron.

Increasing your baby’s iron can be as simple as just a few additional foods in their diet. I am so thankful for everything that is available for baby’s to help aid in their growth and development. Don’t forget to download the cartwheel app to save on Gerber cereal for your baby!