why are some people so against giving a baby cereal in their bottle?

Question

I had a 10lb 21in baby girl and at 2 weeks she was eating 5 oz every hour and was crying all day and all night wanting more not being satisyfied so i gave her some cereal with my doctors approval b/c she new my situation. She compleaty changed she went to 4 oz every 2 1/2 hours and stopped crying. she is 5 months now and is just fine and never had a problem. Y are you people so rude and judgemental to parents like me that do what we have to for our babies?

Answer 1

Because they don't have kids of their own and have to pick on those of us who do.
I love giving my kids cereal in a bottle. I think it's a better introduction to cereal than in a bowl. I think it's easier for them to get used to cause they have the flavor of their formula aiding them in their cereal transition i guess you could say. I don't even feed my kids plain cereal. I've always mixed it with fruit or juice.
Just ignore all the mean people in the world and raise your little one how you, with your doctors advice (See you are right right there) feel is best to raise her. You sound like a good mom to me i would trust you with my little one. Hugs.

Answer 2

I understand where you're coming from. I too had a big baby. My son was 9 lbs 14oz, 22 inches long. It took my milk 1 1/2 week to come so you can imagine my experience with an unhappy child. So during that time I supplemented with formula. But once my milk came in, I didn't have to anymore. I introduced solid food at 4 1/2 months and through a spoon, not the bottle and it worked out.

You just have to do what you have to do, you know? The main reason why people are against it (even me) is that it can cause a choking hazard and usually, people who introduce cereal through a bottle do it way too early. Too early for baby's digestive system. But since your pediatrician OKd this, then I don't see any problem with it. For others, I would also consult with a physician before proceeding.

Answer 3

I like your question. I agree that it seems like instead of just giving friendly answers/advice people are very judgemental. If it makes you feel any better I had a 9 lb baby and was in a similar situation. I started giving my 6 week old son a few bites of single grain rice cereal (from the spoon) with his bottle and he has been fine and much happier. Many said I was wrong to do so because of the digestive system and swallowing reflex etc but there has been no problem whatsoever. I think it is safe to say that alot of people who are at least 30 and older had cereal at an early age because that's what they did "back in the day" and we survived just fine! Society tries to enforce too many "rules" when it comes to raising our children. I believe that sometimes the PARENT really does know best.

Answer 4

Exactly every baby is different. My first didn't get cereal until 5 1/2 mo. My second started getting it as early as a month. She spit up constantly (we have a flap on the top of our stomach and some babies aren't fully strong enough to stay down so every time the stomach clenches to digest the food it shoots back up) and our pediatrician said to put 1 tsp. in because it actually weighs the food down.

And for those who are judge mental you are right to a point! Every mom should take care to hold off on solids of any kind because it IS what is best for the baby but if the baby has any issue that conflicts and a small amount of rice cereal will help it then THAT is what's best for the baby...Even ENFIMIL has created formula for INFANTS with cereal already in it.

The most important thing is to make sure that the lil angel is as healthy as possible.

Answer 5

Yes each child is different...

But-It has been shown.. Cereal adds extra calories. It's also been shown to constipate... Infant tummys are developing.. Cereal is harsh and hard to digest. Its also been linked to food allergies if given too early.
You have to poke holes in the nipples of the bottles.. which baby can then choke on...

Also, if you're giving cereal, you're prob not breastfeeding.. and some people have a big problem with people who don't breastfeed.

To each their own.. Most people say give em cereal to make them sleep longer at night.. If they go too long between feedings they are getting extra calories and not enough nutrients...

But you gotta do what you gotta do.. And if you can't handle the comments that are given, perhaps don't ask.. or just ignore the ones you don't like ;)

Answer 6

right what the second answer said--when they process the food through licking and smacking it makes them take their time in eating and is actually better on their stomach--it is better cause they will not get too overfull which is often what happens when it is in a bottle. Let me further explain..they are in essence chewing the food instead of swallowing then shortly they are full--Drinking however they are use to drinking fast as they are hungry and drinking a lot too. When they have cereal in the milk they end up engorged with food and it really sets them up to have a very large stomach as they grow up.
I really don't see too much wrong with it some children have no patients when they are hungry, just take the bottle out and sit him up at least a couple of times to let the food hit his stomach and to catch his breath. That way he won't get too full to fast.
There are times when putting the food in the milk is just the best situation so use your judgment. And relax cause you will get a lot of advise from people and even scorned by some people will always find a reason to judge others, but you know your baby so don't worry about any of them
Enjoy parenthood....it lasts forever!

Answer 7

Because what people don't understand is that EVERY baby is different. My doctor told me to start my baby out with super thin cereal...there is no WAY he could have eaten that with a spoon. The only reason people say that is because sometimes the transition from the bottle to the spoon is not so easy, especially when the baby associates the fullness of cereal to a nipple.

Answer 8

unfortunatly, its the bad moms out there that make it so difficult for everyone else. There are parents who give the cereal in the bottle to fill their baby up so they'll sleep at night which makes them miss feedings and drink less formula. Babies (escpecially at 2 weekd old) stomachs usually cant handle the cereal and they have a hard time digesting it. As long as you have your pediatricians ok and you know she is doing better, there is nothing wrong with it.

PS. As your baby gets older you'll see: Moms are most critical of each other. We are our own worst enemies. Being a mom is the most stressfull and rewarding thing you'll ever. Its sad that we have to face the wrath of other moms who may have done things differently.

Answer 9

Even though all the experts talk about the dangers of this, my first son was in the same boat as your baby. I could never satisfy him and he was eating over 40 ounces of formula a day. We were also advised to give him cereal-he is 11 today and perfectly healthy. Don't listen to the critics out there-they are not in your house listening to your baby crying from hunger!

Answer 10

I believe that there is so much brainwashing going on when you become a mum - everyone says breast is best and not to feed solid until 6 months because you will end up with an overweight child etc, etc,. I have a 5 1/2 month old daughter and what I'm finding out is that every child is their own unique being with their own needs, and everyone who makes judgement on how you choose to raise your child should go jump!!