T.H.
Dear K. M.
I am sorry to hear that your son is having difficulties regarding his iron content. It is very, very important that you address this situation right now like you are doing because these are the years in children that really project their health later in years. So, you are a very concerned mother who is doing the right thing by asking when in doubt. It doesn't hurt to get other opinions !!
May I suggest since your son is 12 months old, I highly recommend that you make sure he eats red meat, chicken, and fish. These are very high in iron as well as protein. Also, you mentioned that your son only drinks milk and water. Try to see if you can find milk that is identified as a "high iron source"....the label should tell you that when you are shopping, and if not, ask someone at the grocery store to point you to one that is high in iron. Please do not keep juice from him, especially ORANGE JUICE...it not only contains a great source of vitamin C, but it helps his body to absorb the iron in higher quantities than without having the juice at all. Very important. You can also feed him other fruits and vegatables that contain vitamin C which will help also.
Don't forget that you can find on the grocery shelves a great many different brands of cereal that are high in iron for children. They don't just have to eat them at breakfast time, they are also great little snacks throughout the day.
Hope this helps you and God bless.
T. H.