My son is one month old, and weighs 11 pounds. When is it okay to start feeding him rice cereal?

Answer 1

My son was also a large baby. I was formula feeding him, but he was still not getting enough. My pediatrician recommended starting him on rice cereal at 2 months rather than increasing his amount of formula. I started my second son on rice cereal at 3 months.

The reason why so many people wait to give their children "solid" food is becuase very young babies have not yet developed their mouth muscles enough to eat off of a spoon properly, but it is something that they can learn fairly quickly. If you do decide to start on ceral, be prepared for a big mess! Your baby may not take very much of the ceareal at first, but he will get the hang oof it.

BTW-my Mom is an Early Intervention Specialist and she recommends starting solid foods before 6 months of age so that babies can start to develop the mouth muscles that they will need for speech. She says it is also good for babies to get used to having textures in their mouths because that can also help with speech development.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

4-6 months, that's the average age of the baby when people start feeding them their first cereal. I waited until my baby was 5 and 1/2 mos. old before I introduced the rice cereal to her.

Answer 3

Rice cereal is usually started between 4 and 6 months old. Check with your pediatrician and see what they recommend. Right now your baby needs what is in his formula and not to be filled up with cereal yet.

Answer 4

Size is irrelevant. The only people who say that big babies need solids earlier are manufacturers of so-called "baby foods" because it increases the size of their own wallets.

Babies are *not* ready for solids until they are 6 months old. But look at the baby, not at the calendar. If he sits unsupported, has teeth, and has developed the "pincer grasp" (where he picks up small objects with his thumb and *one* finger), he is probably ready. Otherwise, just wait.

When you *do* start solids, real foods are tastier and more nutritious. And you can't have "manufacturing errors" in a carrot!! There is no possibility of food poisoning or botulism when you give him *fresh* food. If you want to start with grains, give him a teaspoonful of brown rice that you just cooked. But fruits are usually even better. You can give him a chunk of banana and let him take a bite.

Answer 5

Rice cereal is just a filler and not necessary for babies. Breast milk or formula is MUCH more nutritious. We skipped cereal and went straight from breast to food at 7 mos.

Answer 6

3-1/2 to 4 months. And only a tablespoon at a time. Check with your Dr to see what they say

Answer 7

Four to six months minimum - it's an old wive's tale that infants need solid food before then. For one thing, their little tongues haven't developed the needed muscles yet to "pull" the food to the back of their throats effectively. (when they nurse or drink a bottle, their little tongues go forward).

Answer 8

4-6 months usually

Answer 9

When your pediatrician says its okay.

Most pediatricians will NOT okay it until 4 months minimum, due to the risk of allergies.

Answer 10

please please please wait - the sooner you start him the more likely he is to develop allergies. Typically you should wait until they are 6 months old because they get all the necessary nutrients from breastmilk/formula. Best thing to do is talk to your doctor and ask his/her advice. Even though he is strong, big and heathly he doesn't need cereal yet. Congrats on the new baby boy!