What is the most common cause of anemia in infants?

The most common cause of anemia is not getting enough iron. A child who is anemic does not have enough red blood cells or enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that lets red blood cells carry oxygen to other cells in the body.

What causes baby anemia?

The reason this anemia occurs is that baby’s body is growing fast and it takes time for red blood cell production to catch up. The body breaks down red blood cells too quickly. This problem is common when the mother’s and baby’s blood types do not match. This is called Rh/ABO incompatibility.

Can anemia affect baby growth?

Anemia may cause your baby to not grow to a healthy weight. Your baby may also arrive early (preterm birth) or have a low birth weight. Anemia is usually found during a routine blood test for hemoglobin or hematocrit levels.

What can cause anemia in babies?

The most common cause of anemia in babies is iron deficiency. If your baby seems tired and weak, she may have anemia. Don’t worry, an iron deficiency can be easily corrected.

What causes anemia in the first few months of life?

Most babies have some anemia in the first few months of life. This is known as physiologic anemia. The reason this anemia occurs is that baby’s body is growing fast and it takes time for red blood cell production to catch up. The body breaks down red blood cells too quickly.

What happens to red blood cells in babies with anemia?

Babies who have anemia have a red blood cell count that is lower than normal. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.

How to know if your baby has iron anemia?

Anemia caused by low iron – infants and toddlers – The health care provider will perform a physical exam. All babies should have a blood test to check for anemia. Blood tests that measure iron level in the body include 1 Hematocrit. 2 Serum ferritin. 3 Serum iron. 4 Total iron binding capacity (TIBC).