Giving Iron Drops to Your Baby? 4 Things to Keep in Mind

Dr. Sandip Gupta

If you are giving iron drops to your child, this video explains 4 things you must keep in mind. 1. Mix with orange juice. Give the iron drop mixed in two to three spoons of orange juice. This prevents the iron stain marks on the teeth or tongue from increasing. Orange also contains Vitamin C, which doubles the absorption of iron. 2. Never give with or right after food or milk. Milk contains calcium, which decreases iron absorption, and iron should not be given immediately with food either. Iron drops should be given at least 2 hours after food or milk. 3. Keep a 2-hour gap from calcium syrup. If your doctor has prescribed calcium syrup along with the iron drops, keep a gap of at least 2 hours between the iron and the calcium syrup, because calcium also reduces iron absorption. Iron drops should definitely be started for children after 6 months. 4. Give plenty of water. Whenever you start iron drops for the child, give the child a good amount of water. Relevant for: parents giving iron drops or iron supplements to a baby; parents asking at what age iron drops should be started; parents worried about black or brown stains on the child's teeth or tongue from iron; parents asking whether iron can be given with milk or food; parents giving both iron and calcium syrup and unsure about the gap; and parents wanting to improve iron absorption in their child. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your pediatrician for the right iron dose and schedule for your child, and before starting or combining any supplements