My son is 4 months old. How long do I need to wait before I can feed him solid foods. My wife wants to give him stuff like gravy, mash potatoes, soft stuff. I am not for sure if it is safe yet or not. If you know, please explain the reasoning why I can or can not feed him food like she wants to feed him.
Thanks
2006-11-23 14:14:50 · 10 answers · asked by killwolve 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Sure. Follow your instincts. Some babies are very ready for nibbles of soft foods as early as four months. Some aren't interested. Just make sure, though, the majority of your baby's nutrition comes from sucking for quite awhile, yet. RN
Later: Killwol ... here's a good site for parents. Also, the American Academy of Pediatricians approves introducing solids at 4-6 months.
http://www.babycenter.com/solidfoods/
2006-11-23 14:26:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I started my son on stage 1 foods such as applesauce, sweet potatoes, peas, etc. when he was 4 1/2 months because he had a hard time passing bowel movements. I would not give it to him often, just a few spoon fulls a day. Many parents start the baby's on food when they are between 4 - 6 months. Giving your son soft stuff such as what your describing is fine as long as it is chopped up very fine.
2006-11-24 01:06:24 · answer #2 · answered by happynay 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Solid foods for a 4 month is too early reason being baby will not be getting the nutrients he
needs, and when its time to potty baby will have a struggle. At least give the baby a fighting chance. Wait at least 7 to 8 months.
2006-11-23 22:32:35 · answer #3 · answered by linda1774@sbcglobal.net 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You will get a truck load of different answers here, it's best to ask your Ped. A general guideline is between 4-6 months, and when your child shows signs of readiness. Start with single grain cereal first (rice, barley then oat). DOn't give him too many different things at once, start once a day, then increase to twice a day etc... Wait 3-5 days, once food at a time to rule out allergies. This is so new for the baby, you need to make the transition easy on his little tummy. Start with runny cereal then increase the consistancy. Good Luck
2006-11-23 22:19:09 · answer #4 · answered by Liandrew00 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You can not give him mashed potatoes and gravy just yet. Especially if she makes them with milk, because cow's milk can cause allergic reaction in infants under 12 months.
Start with single grain rice cereal, mixed with lots of liquid (either breast milk or formula) Once he learns how to swallow it, make it gradually thicker. Then try barley and oat cereal. Wait at least 3 days to give a new kind of cereal, to check for allergic reactions. (vomit, stomach ache, etc)
Once he has accepted cereal, try veggies, following this order: green, yellow and orange. Again, give about 3 days before giving a new kind of food.
At around 6 months you can give fruits. (a new kind ever 3 days)
Potatoes can cause a lot of gas, I'd wait until at least 7 months.
It is recommended to introduce table foods around 9-12 months. Nothing too salty or greasy!
Don't forget that until their first year of age, the main source of nutrition for babies is breast milk or formula. Solids are only for learning how to accept new flavors, and to check for allergic reactions.
Good luck!
P. S.: kudos for being so concerned about your child's well being!
2006-11-23 22:38:27 · answer #5 · answered by Feed the models! 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yikes! you certainly dont start with table food.. its best to wait till a baby is 4-6 months but honestly most children arent usually ready until 5 1/2 -6 mos. if they are pushing the food out with their tongue, they are not ready yet. and you shoudl start with baby cereal first, rice. and introduce foods every 4 or 5 days or so.. in case there is a reaction you would know what the child is allergic too.. something like mashed potatoes is a bad idea at this age.. too thick, plus it contains milk and butter, babies arent reaady for that at 4 months old. start with the cereals, move on to stage one foods like mashed bananas, applesauce, greenbeans..
2006-11-23 22:18:17 · answer #6 · answered by Mina222 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
About 5-6 months before folids become a regular part of his diet. It's fine to start introducing solids.
2006-11-23 22:25:04 · answer #7 · answered by Lottalove 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It's perfectly fine to give him tastes of things. Giving him little tastes here and there won't harm him. As for regularly feeding him solids, that should wait until 5 or 6 months of age.
As for the mashed potatoes and gravy--that's a taste treat and he'll enjoy it very much. A small spoonful of that will be a nice little treat and won't harm him :-)
2006-11-23 22:16:52 · answer #8 · answered by CelebrateMeHome 6 · 1⤊ 5⤋
You are not supposed to feed your baby solids, not even cereal until 6 months.
Reasons why:
1. It constipates them
2. Their bowels aren't mature enough to process it
3. It can cause problems with their digestion later on in life
4. They can become very sick from foods that their bodies can't process becuase they are not ready to break down complex nutrients.
2006-11-23 22:31:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Hi my nephew is a baby and it depends on the kid. consult his/her pediatrician. baby books help with that too... stage 1 gerber is great for 1st food, with a lil rice cereal mixed in and a l il formula to make it soupy/kinda watery so he can swallow it well. it's prob. ok to give cereal and a lil potatoes and gravy cant hurt unless he has known allergies. babies can enjoy a little thanksgiving too!!! congratulations on the new baby.
2006-11-23 22:24:35 · answer #10 · answered by njchica 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋