I've heard some mothers say that they only feed their baby formula for the first year. Is that really healthy?

Question

I alway thought they should have at least some kind of baby food.

Answer 1

they should start baby cereal at 4 months and baby food one new kind a week at 6 months....formula dosent have quite enough iron by its self once the baby hits 6 months, but the baby still needs 24 oz a day

Answer 2

There are two mindsets about introducting baby food for the first year. Some people believe that introducting foods other than formula or breastmilk sets babies up for allergies. Babies can get all their nutritional needs met with formula or breastmilk but my babies were hungry. I started my boys on cereal at around 3 to 4 months and when I was sure they tolerated that well added one food at a time. They were happier and slept better. On the other hand feeding as well as all the other decisions a parent is called upon to make is a very personal choice and as long as the baby is healthy and happy that is what matters.

Answer 3

It depends on the baby, but generally, babies should be on some kind of solid foods (baby food) by the 6th month, or even the 4th.

But formula or breast milk is supposed to be given the entire first year, in most cases. I have known a little 10 month old whos pediatrician wanted him on whole milk at only 10 months, but he was an early walker and kinda skinny and small.

I used to put a little baby food into my sons bottles (like a teaspoon) just to thicken it a little, and help him sleep longer, when he was about 2-3 months.

Hes 7 now, and very healthy, lol. (a little short, but my whole family is short)

Answer 4

While breast milk is best, if that isn't an option you can use formula. However, when the baby grows, they will need more than just the formula. Start by adding things like the baby rice cereal mixed with the milk/formula, then as the baby adjusts to the food, start introducing little by little more things. By they time they are 12 mos, they could be on to things like bananas, and other "adult" foods.

Answer 5

I think it's different for everyone. But most people I know feed their babies formula until they start teething, then it's in with the chicken bones which inevitably leads to them eating semisolid foods. I've seen babies at young as 4 months eating baby food, it depends on their weight and development too tho. My goddaughters mother was "fortifying" her milk with baby rice from about 3 months because she was growing so fast.

I think once 8oz isn't enough every 3 hours the baby needs something else!

Answer 6

formula 4 the first 4 months....then baby food 2

Answer 7

no, you breast feed! who's telling you formula? do they work for a company that makes the stuff.? babies also eat food when they are ready. when they start to take an interest in what u r eating, at around 4 to 6 months. just because you give birth, doesn't mean you have the slightest clue, does it.

Answer 8

Formula isn't really healthy at all. Breastmilk is fine for the first year. Any eating of solids is for practice only, the baby doesn't really need them.

Answer 9

actually when u sit back and take in all the complaints from mothers with babies that have food allergies, no its not a bad idea. Most babies grow out of allergies by the time they are 1 year old..

Answer 10

I think you might have misunderstood them. I think they met between breastmilk and formula they used formula for the first year. They probably fed them baby food as well. But in case you were wondering, breastmilk is the healthiest thing for them. Kids who were breastfed as infants grow up with less sicknesses and allergies and tend to be smarter.