Risk factors for iron deficiency in children- Infants and children at highest risk of iron deficiency include: Babies who are born prematurely or have a low birth weight Babies who drink cow's milk before age 1 Breastfed babies who aren't given complementary foods containing iron after age 6 months Babies who drink formula that isn't fortified with iron Children ages 1 to 5 who drink more than 24 ounces (710 milliliters) of cow's milk, goat's milk or soy milk a day Children who have certain health conditions, such as chronic infections or restricted diets Children ages 1 to 5 who have been exposed to lead Adolescent girls also are at higher risk of iron deficiency because their bodies lose iron during menstruation.