Babies do not become anemic because they don't get formula.  I agree
this is a grrrr or an arrgh.  It is also stupid to put an exact word
on it.  But although breastfeeding *protects* babies from getting iron
deficient, this protection is not forever.  Eventually, the baby will
become iron deficient.  A study a few years ago from Finland showed
that though babies breastfed exclusively for 9 months were not anemic,
about 15% of them had shown biochemical evidence of iron deficiency.
Presumably, if they did not soon get some extra iron, they would have
become anemic.  Eventually *every* child fed only breastmilk would
become anemic, some by 10 months, some by 2 years.

The best source of iron for babies is meat, but there are other
sources.  Again, I emphasize that babies can start solids at the age
they are reaching into the mother's plate (typically at 5 or 6
months), and it is important to teach parents to allow them to eat
then--not to miss these cues that they are ready.  Because often the
enthusiasm dissipates after a few weeks.

The hysteria, though, about cognitive deficits caused by iron
deficiency anemia is overblown, overwrought and a very effective
marketing tool for selling formula.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC