When is it ok to introduce baby cereal?

Question

My friend started giving her baby cereal in a special bottle made for cereal feedings when she was just a couple weeks old. Just curious if this is considered healthy, because I thought I heard that cereal is supposed to be introduced much later.

Answer 1

Every doctor will tell you something different. I think it is funny that it is okay for reflux babies but dangerous for any other baby....that is crap. I had three with reflux and was told to put rice in the bottles and it worked. They are also healthy, great eaters, no allergies, no health problems. If it is fine for them it is fine for any other baby. Some doctors say yes and some say no, probably because none of them know whether it is good or bad. Enfamil makes formula with rice in it....maybe this should be taken off the shelve then wouldn't you say? Doctor's don't know everything. I work with both doctor's and surgeon's on a daily basis and they don't know everything. As a surg tech we have to watch the surgeons like hawks in the OR to make sure they don't contaminate themselves or anything else since they have no clue on how to maintain sterility. They also have no clue how to gown and glove. Listen to your own instincts because nobody knows your baby bettert than yourself.


Enfamil AR is has the same effect as rice added to formula. If you look at the product features for Enfamil AR it will tell you that it is easier with fewer steps than adding the rice yourself. It does the same thing, it just depends on how you want to do it and whether or not your child can have the Enfamil AR. My kids had to be on soy formula so I had to add it myself. Rice startch is no different than the rice you feed babies.

http://www.meadjohnson.com/app/iwp/Content.do?id=/HCP_Home/Product_Information/Product_Descriptions/EnfamilARLIPIL

AS STATED ABOVE there is NO difference in the consistency of Enfamil AR and rice added to formula. I really hate it when somebody tried to argue with me when I deal with this kind of subject matter daily. I rotate into neonatal and peds on a weekly basis and have tons of experience with reflux babies. Hypoallergenic formulas are not an option and rice should NOT be added to any hypoallergenic formulas, that defeats the whole purpose DUH!!!! Why would anyone medicate a child with mild allergies????? I had milk allergies when I was little and I still do, so I guess that meand I would have had to been on medication my whole life, NOT I just cannot drink milk. People with no medical knowledge should refrain from posting comments that they just simply ASSUME, you know what they say about people that ASSUME.

I think I have a little more experience and knowledge than you. I have said nothing that is incorrect about reflux. You obviously have no clue as to the difference between AR formula and added rice. Why don't you talk to an actual gastro doc. or surgeon for that matter. Most of them actaully tell out patients when they are sent home to use formula and add rice so you can control the consistency of, which is harder to do with the formula, but THEY ARE THE SAME OTHER THAN THAT. I'm glad you're not my nutritionist. Maybe you need to go back to school. I have 8 years worth of schooling under my belt and still continuing, how about yourself???????

It sounds to me like some people are still confused as to what reflux and GERD are. Hypoallergenic formulas have nothing to do with reflux as that has to do with the cardiac (pyloric) sphincter not functioning correctly. If you would like facts about GERD and the treatments along with any information about the use of rice in formula or using Enfamil AR please let me know and I would be happy to mail you the Q & A information pamphlets we have available in our office. 4 years, looks like I have 4 more on you and I actually have worked in surgery with patients that have reflux and GERD so I know a lot about this.

Answer 2

Baby's should not have ANYTHING besides breastmilk or formula until 6 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics is very clear about this.

It is also VERY dangerous to give a baby cereal in a bottle. It can cause upset stomach, sudden excessive weight gain, and choking.

Once the baby is 6 months old, cereal can be given, but should only be given with a spoon. Just because they make special bottles for it does NOT make it okay, and just because some babies eat solids early and turn out fine does NOT mean that it should be done. There is scientific research to prove that giving solids before 6 months and putting cereal in a bottle are BOTH dangerous.

Please see the site below for more information on starting solids.

Answer 3

Unless the child has a problem with reflux and it is recommended by the doctor it is not a good idea to add any cereal to a baby bottle. Besides the fact that it can be very constipating the child can choke if the milk is too thick and children who are introduced to solids too early tend to have more problems with food allergies.

The recommended age is 4-6 months but 6 months is better because it allows the baby's digestive system more time to mature.

Answer 4

That is way too early. Most doctors say between 6 and 7 months. The babys digestive system isn't developed enough at 2 wks. Also, cereal should not be given in a bottle. Serious choking hazard and should only be given by spoon when baby is able to handle it.

Answer 5

There are alot pf physicians that suggest putting cereal in bottles of babies, they should advise you of the possible risk of food allergies and make sure there's not a high risk in your family. I also read recently that starting cereal after 7-8 months will increase the risk of food allergies in young children. The 6 month window is best.

It's all about what your dr. advised, make sure you listen to him/her!

Answer 6

I have never heard of this bottle...I don't think it is a good idea.
Anyway, I was told to start baby cereal around 4 months with my first child (she is now 2 1/2, and now they (doctors and nurses) recommend to start at 6 months (with my second who is now 8 months old)
I wouldn't rush it and start at around 6 months or so.

Answer 7

no its not healthy. its downright dangerous.
a baby that youngs digestive tract isn't capable of processing solids, even jsut rice cereal. it can lead to constipation. early introduction of solids has also been linked with diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
babies need nothing more than breastmilk or formula for the first year. many people are unable/unwilling to do this and to give the baby a liquid diet. the AAP and WHO now recommend waiting till at least 6 months to introduce solids.
if a baby isn't ready to take from the spoon then the baby isn't ready for solids. putting it in a bottle is jsut lazy

Answer 8

at 2 weeks old and in a special bottle,I suggest this mum has been advised by a doctor for feeding problems.It is not normal to feed cereal to a newborn infant.the earlies t I would suggest it is about 8 weeks on....and only then after advice.3 to four months is the norm for baby cereal.There are some advocates who won't give anythign until 6 months, but for most babies this is unrealistic.

Answer 9

My pediatrician insisted on giving our daughter rice in her formula....she had acid reflux. This in addition to other techniques cured her of the problem. 1Tablespoon rice cereal for every 2 oz prepared formula.

Answer 10

u r suppose to introduce cereal about 3 to 4 months old. it might harm the baby because the baby's stomach is that big. and the baby might get sick too fast.

Answer 11

Maybe ask the Company who makes the cereal. They would have guidelines from the American Peds Assoc.