When should iron-fortified cereals be introduced to an infant's diet?

Introducing iron-fortified cereals to an infant's diet is recommended around six months of age. At this stage, infants typically start to require additional sources of iron, as their iron stores, which they accumulated in utero, begin to deplete. By six months, most infants may not receive enough iron from breast milk or formula alone, especially if they are exclusively breastfed. Introducing iron-fortified cereals helps to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients to support their growth and development, particularly for healthy brain development.

Selecting this time for introduction also aligns with developmental milestones; at six months, infants are usually ready to start consuming solid foods. They begin to show signs of readiness, such as being able to sit up with support, demonstrating interest in food, and having lost the tongue-thrust reflex, which allows them to handle spoon-feeding better.