Researchers estimate that nearly one-third of deaths of children under the age of 5 years might be prevented if four nutritional goals are met. These include (1) exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, (2) continued breastfeeding after 6 months along with appropriate complementary feeding (iron-rich foods), (3) zinc supplementation (or adequate zinc intake), and (4) vitamin A supplementation (or adequate vitamin A intake).

Appropriate complementary foods are those that satisfy a baby’s nutrient needs. It’s important to choose foods that are nutrient-rich (high in iron, zinc, and vitamin A). The nutrients also need to be easily absorbed (bioavailable).

The typical order in which complementary foods are added to the diet of US children is iron-fortified cereal first, followed by fruits and vegetables, and finally meats. Even though meats and liver are known to be better sources of iron and zinc compared to fortified cereals (corn, wheat, rice), meats are often not introduced until at least 8 months of age and more commonly after 10 months.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that meat be used to meet babies’ iron needs, but these recommendations have generated little change in feeding behavior.

So if you are parent of an exclusively breastfed baby, you might want to think about passing the meat instead of the cereal!