Beef for babies

Iron that’s easy to absorb

Food iron comes in two forms. The CDC explains that heme iron is found in animal products, and the body absorbs it more easily than nonheme iron from plants. Red meat, beef included, tops the CDC’s list of foods with heme iron. After 6 months, babies need iron from food: it helps red blood cells carry oxygen and supports brain development. According to USDA data, 100 g of cooked ground beef has 2.7 mg of iron, and babies 7 to 12 months old need 11 mg a day (NIH data).

A top source of zinc

100 g of cooked ground beef has 6.2 mg of zinc, twice the daily need for children 7 to 24 months old.

That’s USDA data; the 3 mg target comes from the CDC. For comparison, chicken thigh has 1.9 mg and breast has 1 mg. Zinc supports growth, immune function, wound healing, and the senses of smell and taste. The CDC notes it’s especially important for breastfed babies.

The same portion has 2.8 mcg of vitamin B12, more than five times the daily amount for babies 7 to 12 months old (0.5 mcg, according to the NIH).

Cook ground beef all the way

Whole cuts and ground meat have different safe temperatures. The USDA says beef steaks and roasts are safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest, but ground beef needs 160°F (71°C). So cook patties and meatballs for your baby all the way through and check with a thermometer.

Sausage and bacon aren’t a swap for meat

The NHS advises against salty foods for babies, including bacon and sausages, because too much salt isn’t good for them. Make your baby’s meat yourself, without salt or bouillon cubes.