2006-07-01 04:48:16 · 34 answers · asked by Randy B 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Yes. Until 6 months old, babies *can't* digest anything other than human milk. For this reason every health organization worldwide (including the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Health Canada) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. The *only* other alternative is manufactured formula.
The fact is that cereal isn't *likely* to kill or permanently harm your baby (many people have had solids very early), but why risk it when it *could*?
2006-07-01 09:51:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Years ago doctors gave cereal at a very young age. I fed cereal to my children (all 4 back in 1968, 1970, 1971, and 1976) when they were only a couple of weeks old and they all slept better in the night. Now doctors tell you to wait longer; however, my grandchildren (3 yrs old and 17 months) were fed cereal at 2-3 months because formula alone did not satisfy them. The best thing to do is to check with your doctor because this is the person who can tell how well your baby is progressing size-wise. You do not want to overfeed your baby and have a weight problem. I was once told that if food is ingested improperly at too young an age, the child can develop health problems so it is best to first check your baby's development with your doctor.
2006-07-01 04:59:38 · answer #2 · answered by Nancy H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A baby can be started on rice cereal anywhere from 4-6 months of age. The baby should be able to sit supported in a highchair first. Always give cereal with a spoon, never in a bottle.
2006-07-01 05:25:47 · answer #3 · answered by Melissa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They say not to start introducing infant cereal till the infant is at least 4 months old. Unless the infant is having digestive problems. Then they say to mix it in the infants bottle. I personnally don't like this method of introducing cereal.
2006-07-01 04:53:20 · answer #4 · answered by Aqua 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At this age their stomachs are usually too immature to process anything other than breastmilk or formula. If you give a baby this young cereal they'll probably get indigestion. Sometimes, if the baby has a really big appetite the pediatrician will recommend cereal, but it's best to consult first.
2006-07-01 04:53:05 · answer #5 · answered by slackster1998 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's too early.
The World Health Organisation advises that you wait until at least 6 months before introducing solids. Yes, doctors used to advise feeding from an early age, but not as much research had been done then into the problems this can cause.
Feeding solids too early can cause food allergies, gluten intolerance, eczema, digestive problems (leading to even more disturbed nights) and, if baby is breastfed, even iron deficiency anaemia.
Check http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/babys-first-foods.html for advice about starting with solids.
2006-07-01 06:57:07 · answer #6 · answered by alburychristine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are breastfeeding, wait AS LONG AS POSSIBLE to give any solids. I will probably get booed for this, but I don't think giving solids is as detrimental if you formula feed. Formula feeding is artificial anyway and it isn't as much of a change for a formula fed infant, although doctors do want you to wait until 4-6 months and look for appropriate signs.
Breastmilk is perfect for your child and you should wait until 4-6 months (I waited six months) to give solids and interfere with breastmilk consumption.
Even the formula companies say breast is best. Good luck and do what your mommy gut tells you is right.
2006-07-01 05:29:32 · answer #7 · answered by beenthere 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The earlier you give infant cereal to babys the more they are allergic to things. You should really ask your doctor though. Some babys cant' get satisfied so their doctors will allow them to start early.
2006-07-01 04:52:42 · answer #8 · answered by jennjenn09 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they say to wait but I have 5 kids and all mine had cereal within the first 3 months of life and it didn't hurt any of them. our last baby who is one now started infant cereal in formula bottles to thicken it up starting when she was 3 weeks old due to reflux which was advised by a pediatrician
2006-07-01 05:01:51 · answer #9 · answered by lilrunt12001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i just took my 2 month old to the doctor and she suggested i start cereal in the next week or so. she recommends starting it at 4-5 months OR 15lbs. she says my baby won't be satisfied with just milk. my baby is 14lbs and wants to drink milk all the time and never seems satisfied. my first baby was the same way. she started on cereal at 2 1/2 months.
2006-07-01 06:05:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋