whats the best age?

Question

my daughter will be 6 months old on the 22nd and i was just wondering how long i should wait to introduce new foods to her, like rice cereal? I've heard 6 months, and i've heard 4 months...i just want to hear some of your different opinions and tell me when and how you did it. thanks

Answer 1

With my son I introduced solids around six months and started with avocados. I made them at home with a baby food grinder. He loved them! I think it is a great first food, they are packed with omega 3 fatty acids which are great for the brain. I've also heard of using pears as a first food. However others prefer to start with vegetables. I personally shied away from rice cereal because I heard it was hard on their digestive tract.

This site has some great information:
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/first-foods.html

I hope that helps. Take care.

Answer 2

My pediatrician said it depends on how you feed. While all babies can generally handle rice cereal and other such things at 4 months, most pediatritians recommend breastfed babies be fed exclusively breast milk for the first 6 months and then introduce solids after that. But even though my baby is 5 months and I breastfeed, I still give her tastes of food (stick my fingers in it and let her taste it that way). It really depends on when you feel you and your baby decide to try solids. Usually your baby will give you clues, like seeming less interested in the bottle or breast, and watching you with fascination when you eat or drink. Just talk to your doctor about it and see what he/she recommends. Good luck!

Answer 3

They usually say 4months, if your child is 6 months he/she is more than ready. Try rice cereal first, add a small amount to each bottle, then the next week try about a tablespoon with banana(baby food). After your baby is used to that you can introduce other baby foods like green beans. Try one food a week. MAKE sure you moniter any allergic reactions and take your baby to the doctor if any occur. Around this time you can also try finger foods if your baby can sit up on his/her own. GOOD luck!

Answer 4

Definately after 4 months and then watch for the child's "signals". She should be watching you eat, reaching for the spoon or food, and maybe even pretending to chew when watching you eat. Don't expect the first bites to go down. Just give her one bite for the first few days. When she begins to swallow, give her 3 and gradually increase. Remember to start with rice cereal, and then veggies and fruit. Only introduce one new food a week.

Answer 5

I had my 3 boys on food at 4 months and shortly after they were eating table foods. But they all asked, in their own way to eat. It is up to you and your baby, watch her signals. Is she waking up at night, changing her nap habits, less time between feedings? All these things indicate milk is not enough anymore. If she is maintaining the same schedule you don't have to put her on anything if you do not want to. I liked having food as an alternative but they all started waking up at night. Just know once you start solids her milk intake will diminish. By 6 months she has gotten what she needs from breastmilk, if that is what you use, so this is a great time to start introducing foods. But if she is not intrested don't feel overwhelmed, let her tell you!

Answer 6

I heard that babies stomachs are not ready to handle food until 6 months. I started giving my son food at around 5 months. He did not like rice cereal. he ate a lot of fruit. It took a while to get him used to the idea of eating instead of having his bottle. I think it took about two weeks. The idea is to give her one type of food at a time so not to overwhelm her.

Answer 7

I always started all of mine at 4 months with rice cereal. I would usually add the rice cereal to their formula first for a few times, so it would be easy for them to swallow, and then I would eventually thicken it a little and introduce a veggie or something

Answer 8

it is safe for the baby to eat cereal from 4-6 months, if you give the baby cereal to early it could damage the babies digestive track. when you introduce food use one kind of food for a week straight so you know if the baby has an allergy to the food.

Answer 9

My son had his 1st expiernce with cereals at about 2 months old.. A lil here and there just to help fill him up. Reg food started about 5 months just be careful of the fruits.. Carrots and such.. Give them a few days before trying something new. Let your pedi now what your doing he/she may have some ideas for you...

Answer 10

For me it was about 6 months! My son was getting to the point were it seemed as though he wasn't full. So I decided to give him cereal and other foods. It worked out fine. He didn't have any allergies and he didn't get sick as most said he would.

I think it was the best thing I did. But some moms are skeptic because in-laws always think that you should raise your child the way they raised there's it's up to you to decide. I did ask my son's doct about it before I did it.