Babies can benefit from a delay in cutting the umbilical cord. Leaving it intact for three minutes can increase a newborn’s iron levels and reduce the risk of anaemia, research shows. It is usually cut within the first minute after birth amid concerns that waiting may cause jaundice. But researchers say there is no evidence that delay causes problems – on the contrary it should be standard care to wait before clamping or cutting the cord. In a study of 400 infants born after low-risk pregnancies, some had the cord clamped after at least three minutes while others had them clamped less than ten seconds after delivery. Babies who experienced delays had better iron levels at the age of four months and there were fewer cases of anaemia. Swedish researchers estimate that for every 20 babies having delayed clamping, one case of iron deficiency would be prevented. There were no adverse health effects caused by the delay, they said in the study published online in bmj.com. Symptoms of anaemia in the first year of life can include tiredness and rapid heartbeat, although there may be no symptoms at all. If it is not corrected in time, usually with iron supplements given in drops, it can lead to permanent mental and physical problems.