when to give solids?

Question

my baby is almost 4 months , when will it be o.k. to give her some rice cereal

Answer 1

Actually, the AAP's recommendations are to start solids between 4-6 months, with your doctor's guidance. Get your doctor's opinion when you take your daughter in for her 4-month checkup.

If you're not able to speak to a doctor, a good rule of thumb is anytime after four months AND when the baby is consuming more than 32oz. milk/formula per day. (For breastfed babies, determine how much they're eating by weighing them before and after feedings)

Other signs your baby is ready for solids: she is intensely interested in the things you eat... she tries to grab for your spoon when you're eating... she can sit up without support...

Answer 2

Six months is the minimum. And rice cereal has little to no nutritional value. best to start on simple vegetables and fruits then grains. There are certain signs that will inidcate that your baby is ready for solids. No need to rush it.

From kellymom link below:
"Developmental signs that baby is ready for solids

Solids readiness depends on both the maturity of baby’s digestive tract and baby’s developmental readiness for solids. Although the maturity of baby’s digestive system is not something that we can readily observe, research indicates that 6 months appears to be ideal for avoiding the allergies and other health risks of too-early solids. After this point, different babies are ready for solids at different times -- developmental readiness for solids cannot be determined using a calendar. Most babies are developmentally ready for solids somewhere between 6 and 8 months.
Signs that indicate baby is developmentally ready for solids include:

* Baby can sit up well without support.
* Baby has lost the tongue-thrust reflex and does not automatically push solids out of his mouth with his tongue.
* Baby is ready and willing to chew.
* Baby is developing a “pincer” grasp, where he picks up food or other objects between thumb and forefinger. Using the fingers and scraping the food into the palm of the hand (palmar grasp) does not substitute for pincer grasp development.
* Baby is eager to participate in mealtime and may try to grab food and put it in his mouth.

We often state that a sign of solids readiness is when baby exhibits a long-term increased demand to nurse (sometime around 6 months or later) that is unrelated to illness, teething pain, a change in routine or a growth spurt. However, it can be hard to judge whether baby’s increased nursing is related to readiness for solids. Many (if not most) 6-month-old babies are teething, growth spurting and experiencing many developmental changes that can lead to increased nursing – sometimes all at once! Make sure you look at all the signs of solids readiness as a whole, because increased nursing alone is not likely to be an accurate guide to baby’s readiness."

Answer 3

Blossymom is mistaken, as the AAP currently recommends waiting until at least 6 months of age until solids are started. Here is a portion of their statement from the AAP website: "Gradual introduction of iron-enriched solid foods in the second half of the first year should complement the breast milk diet." NOT 4-6 months, the second half of the first year, i.e. 6 months or later.

Answer 4

it is highly recommended that you give nothing but breast milk or formula until 6 months. Earlier than this can cause allergies later in life and can cause stomach pains as their bodies may not be ready. Don't make your baby grow up to fast. Savour each stage and don't rush, soon you will be sending your baby to school wondering where the years have gone

Answer 5

i started giving my daughter cereal at 2 months on the advice of a childrens hospital and a doctor because they all said milk wasnt satisfying her,,,and if she wanted more give her a little cereal(very runny) here and there

Answer 6

Not until 6 mos of age, or around then.
The AAP suggests waiting to 6 mos.
Starting earlier puts baby at increased risk of allergies, diabetes and obesity.
They really can't digest it until around 6 mos of age.
Solids are mostly for fun and practice during the first year....breastmilk or formula should continue to make up most of their diet.

Answer 7

Most doctors will tell you to wait until the baby is at least 6 months.

Answer 8

My Dr. recommended baby cereal at 4 months, but it is probably different for each child.

Answer 9

When you notice that your child is drinking more bottles than usual, it is probably time for them to have something extra. If you are afraid of choking mix some in the bottle first. Then gradually move up. I figure if your asking a question like that then it is probably time now. Expect his or her poo to change. If you think they are constipated give watered down juice after cereal,(have water half juice). If you notice running poo thicken the cereal.

Answer 10

my daughter is five months and in the past two weeks or so i have started giving her mashed potatoes and pudding. She has been eating jar food for about a month. Make sure you start with Veggies because if you start with fruit she will never eat them. Try orange ones first, like carrots. Mommyblues