Human milk is low in iron. Although it provides many essential nutrients to the baby, it does not meet all of a baby’s needs after about 6 months, since iron stores are depleted by this time. This iron deficiency leads to a form of anemia. To prevent such iron-deficiency anemia in infants, it is wise to begin feeding them iron-fortified cereal between 4 and 6 months of age. In addition, to prevent anemia, some pediatricians recommend giving iron supplements to breastfed infants beginning shortly after birth.
Typical breakfast foods include cereal, eggs, toast, and pancakes, but any food can be a breakfast, lunch, or dinner food as long as it is nutrient dense. If Tim doesn’t like the traditional breakfast foods but enjoys a sandwich, macaroni and cheese, or yogurt, his parents can offer them. These nutritious foods are no more beneficial at lunchtime than they are at 7 A.M.
The depletion of carbohydrate stores that occurs during the night can cause children to be lethargic and inattentive in the morning. Eating early in the morning replenishes carbohydrate stores. Many experts believe that the nutrients consumed stimulate attention in children, allowing them to perform better in school.
