The main reason baby cereal is recommended as a baby’s first food is because it is fortified with iron. Breast milk contains very little iron so while a baby is still in the womb they will store enough iron to last them about 6 months, at which time it is recommended that a baby be given baby cereal with fortified iron to ensure that they get the iron that they need.

Calcium during pregnancy is most important from 20 weeks gestation, and even more important during the final 6 weeks as this is when your baby will build up around 80% of their stores.