Background Maternal anemia and several complications of pregnancy can affect fetal iron acquisition. Aim Because it is unknown whether the effects of demographic and maternal risk factors are summative, we examined cord iron status in newborns with multiple risk factors for acquiring iron deficiency (ID). Methods Cord blood indices from healthy control newborns with and without risk factors for newborn or infant ID were studied. Results Newborns with greater risk factors had poorer erythrocyte and storage iron status. Poorest status was seen if mothers with comorbid obesity and diabetes delivered large-for-gestation newborns. Findings highlight the importance of identifying risk factors.