Whats the best time to start babys on pureed food?

Question

My babys 4 months and is currently breastfeed, but has never gone 3 hours without feed, sometimes she is looking for food hour after feed!... i think she may need something else? any suggestions from a mother to anouther?

Answer 1

Every baby's different, but we started our breast fed daughter on cereal at 6 months (as recommended by her pediatrician) and then pureed veggies and fruits at 7 months.

We could have started the pureed stuff @ 6 months too, but we were waiting for her 6-month Doctor's appointment and it got rescheduled.

I started her off tasting things on the end of my finger though before this, and she was very interested in food (which is a good sign that they're ready for solids.)

Talk to your baby's doctor if you plan to start solids before 6-months. And let your baby be your guide. At 4 months some babies still have the tongue-thrust reflex and aren't ready to eat solids yet. If your baby isn't showing any interest in foods and is displaying signs that she doesn't want it and you force her she'll get frustrated and you'll have an even harder time getting her to eventually try solids.

If you wait much past 6-7 months though some babies resist and don't want solids then either. It's like a weird window of opportunity when they're developmentally ready and interested in solid foods.

Oh, and remember the 3-day allergy rule when introducing new foods to rule out allergies and digestive problems with each new thing you give her.

Good luck & have fun!!!

Answer 2

People have some many answers for this!!! And really people in Child care are always changing the rules of when you can or can't do something. Or what was once allowed, is not allowed now. Every child is different with different needs that surpass the " guidlines."
I started feeding my daughter rice cereal at 4 months. I made sure it was quite runny at first, so that she would get used to it. Then I kept making it a thicker and thicker, until it was made the way it was meant to.
Also I have always found that breast fed babies always fed more. I never breast fed. My sister in law did. And I must say, Breast is NOT ALWAYS the best choice. Your breast milk is only as good as what you put into your body. My sister has poor eating habits, hence her breast milk lacked much of the proper nutrience. Both my niece and nephew constantly have colds, and other mild ailments that are supposed to be less likely to occur in Breast fed babies.
But my dear, YOU ARE THE MOTHER. If you feel that your baby is not getting enough to eat, then do what YOU think is right. Feed the baby some sort of rice cereal( This is what they start on because it is EASY to digest) If I were you I would....Hey...I DID.....and My baby has NEVER had ANY ailments what so ever......she is 5 years old now, Perfectly Healthy!!!

** Another pointer, if you are nervous about the rice cereal, alternate between breast milk and formula. I know women who have done this. Since formula is thicker ( more filling for baby) you may be able to feed her a little less often!!! Great for the Before Bed time feeding!!!

Answer 3

Don't start solids until 6 months of age and when baby is sitting up well and showing ALL signs of readiness for solids. The AAP recommends waiting until 6 mos. Starting earlier can increase the risk of diabetes, obesity and allergies. Babies aren't really ready to digest solid food until around 6 months of age.

Feeing every 3 hours is very normal for a breastfed baby that age. Also, keep in mind that babies nurse for reasons besides just being hungry. Comfort, teething relaxation, being close to mom, etc.

You can try to do breast compressions while nursing to help him get more hindmilk. There is a chance that this might help him to space his feedings out a bit more.

Answer 4

My baby started eating solids at 4months. Each baby is different. I understand that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not to start until 6months. But this is just a guideline. If you want you can start off by giving the baby cereal and mixing it with your breastmilk. Try that and wait a couple of days to see how she likes that. It's all about trial and error. Not every baby is going to go by the book.
If you have any questions a seek a doctors advice.
Good luck.
ps...my baby is almost 9 months and is eating table food and still breastfeeding. She's yet to be sick or overweight.
...

Answer 5

At 4 months you can safely put your baby first on rice cereal. Then after two weeks you can try yellow baby foods, make sure you try the same food for two or so days in case of an allergic reaction.

Answer 6

American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not giving baby food until 6 months.

Answer 7

first I would start with pablum if you feel your baby needs it no puree a good way to tell if baby is ready is if you are eating does the baby open her mouth to accept your food? but doc dont feel that anything other than breastmilk/formula is needed before 6months

Answer 8

Anywhere between 4 and six months. It depends on when you feel they are ready. As her mother, you know her better than anyone, if you feel she isn't getting enough follow your natural instincts.