“I never seem to have enough time in the morning to feed the kids breakfast and get them to day care on time.” Parent
“My 2-year-old is a ‘slow eater’ and I always feel I need to rush him to make sure he has breakfast before I leave the house for work.” Parent
Some mornings it can be hard for children to eat breakfast before you have to be out the door, especially if you have an early start. You may not be able to get your child up any earlier than you already do and that’s OK. But it doesn't mean they have to miss breakfast altogether. Read more about the importance of breakfast
We know every family is different but some of these tips may make the morning run a little smoother.
Try to sit down to eat
While it may be tempting to feed your child in the car, it can pose a choking risk. It may also make the eating experience less relaxing for your child.
Offer a snack
If you are finding there is not enough time to sit and eat a full breakfast, try offering a small snack such as a piece of fruit or a milk drink (eg plain milk or smoothie). You can pack more food in the lunchbox or send breakfast for your child to eat when they arrive at care. This can help your child eat at a time when they actually feel hungry and not just at a time that suits us. It can also allow your child to take their time eating and not feel rushed.
Talk to your childcare centre
Ask if they offer breakfast or see if you can send breakfast for your child to eat once they arrive at childcare. It is important that any food you send meets your service’s allergy aware advice, for example it may be best to save the peanut butter toast for when you’re at home.
Food on the go
There are lots of baby and kid foods now available in ‘food pouches’ or Tetra Paks (eg smoothies). These can be helpful to manage busy times, but they are expensive to buy all the time. If you’d like to use these foods, save them for when you really need the convenience. When you have more time offer other options. Read more about our thoughts on food pouches
Eat together when you can
On days where you have more time, sit down and enjoy breakfast as a family, even if it is only on the weekend. This doesn’t mean you need to have all the family members there, or any special food on offer.
Breakfast ideas
These suggestions below may work for you to send to childcare on busy mornings:
- Fruit bread or fruit bun.
- Yoghurt and fruit – fresh or tinned fruit in natural juice.
- Wholegrain cereal biscuits or flakes, or muesli* with milk and fruit.
- Baked beans with toast (your service maybe able to prepare this for your child).
- Pikelets* and fruit – keep pikelets in the freezer and remove the night before for an easy to grab breakfast option.
- Cheese sandwich - make the night before.
*remember it is important any food you send to care meets your service’s allergy aware advice.