Which infant is at the greatest risk based on their hemoglobin levels?

The infant with a hemoglobin level of 9 is at the greatest risk due to being significantly below the normal range for hemoglobin levels in infants. Generally, normal hemoglobin levels for infants can be considered to range from approximately 11 to 14 g/dL, depending on their age. A lower hemoglobin concentration can indicate anemia, which might lead to insufficient oxygen delivery to bodily tissues, potentially impairing growth and development.

In this situation, the other infants, while also having lower hemoglobin levels than might be ideal, are still above the crucial threshold seen with the infant with a hemoglobin of 9. A hemoglobin of 10 and 10.5 is concerning, but they are not as critical as a level of 9, which could indicate more severe anemia. The infant with a weight of 30 lbs and hemoglobin of 9 is notably at a heightened risk for anemia-related complications, emphasizing the importance of monitoring hemoglobin levels closely in pediatric populations.