Introducing food at 16 weeks, why should I give a baby food at 16 weeks.?

Question

Will something happen if I give my baby food before 16 weeks let's say 8 weeks even if a small bottle of (pureed food). I don't understand how can a baby leave on breastmilk and fomula for such a long time

Answer 1

All the nutritional needs of an infant are met by breast milk and/or formula until about the age of 6 months. An introduction of solids can begin sometime between 4-6 months, but this is strictly for supplementation to the breast milk/formula and should not be replacing it until after 6 months. When introducing solids, do not put any type of pureed food or cereal into your baby's bottle. 2 things happen that make this a practice most doctors don't encourage. First, there is a choking risk since cereal or pureed food thickens the milk making it hard for a baby to swallow at the same rate he is used to swallowing his milk. Secondly, a baby has a built in ability to know when he/she is full based on quantity of milk drank. The extra calories the baby gets when cereal is added to the milk leads to overeating. Early introduction of solids (before 6 months) has shown a high correlation to an increase in obesity. Additionally, a baby's digestive system is not mature enough to digest solids much before 6 months. Before that, much of the solid food he/she eats simply goes through his/her system undigested and can cause stomach distress with excessive gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. When your baby is ready to begin solids and your doctor approves, offer food only by spoon. Often a baby's first food is infant rice cereal mixed thinly with water, formula, or breast milk. There is no need to rush into solids for your baby.

Answer 2

You shouldn't introduce your 16 week old solids. The baby's stomach and intestines are not mature enough to digest that type of food. Breastmilk and formula are enough and full of nutrients for your baby until about 6 months. Did they not teach you this or have you not read this anywhere else? I started my daughter on solids at 5 1/2 months, prior to that she was only on breast milk and that's only because she wasn't gaining the weight that she needed. I hope that you talk to your ped before you give your young baby solid food. Every baby is different so talk to your pediatrician first. AND YOU should never feed your baby pureed food in a BOTTLE.

Answer 3

why are u interested in giving your baby food so early? most babies aren't ready to be fed food this early because the formula and or breast milk is enough until at least 5-6 mos of age. My son is only 7 mos but is a big boy and i felt compelled to feed him rice cereal in bottles and start cereals at month 5.but babies need to develop the tongue thrusting and being able to sit up partially on there own are good signs they are ready for food.4 months is a bit early in my opinion if you can wait you should or at least know the tell tale signs of your baby being ready.Also a baby can live on the formula's and your breast milk for a long time-around six mos is when they are growing more and need more iron or variety but introducing to much too soon may cause your baby to have a bad experience with eating foods or allergies.

Answer 4

Well they can...My son is 4 months old and he hasn't had anything but breast milk and he's 18 pounds!!!

DONT FEED your baby anything but breastmilk/formula before 6 months....or as early as YOUR PEDIATRICIAN ADVISES.

You can cause food allergies and choking hazards by introducing solids too early.

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST
http://www.babyzone.com/baby/feeding_nutrition/solids/a267

"In truth, solid foods are not nutritionally necessary until a baby is six months old, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months of your child's life. In some cases, there is nothing wrong with introducing your infant to baby food between four and six months of age with your pediatrician's consent. If, however, you or any of baby's siblings have allergies, it is extremely important that you hold off for at least six months and then follow any special precautions from your doctor, as your baby may be at high risk for allergies."

Answer 5

Please don't start your baby on food before he's six months old. Their stomachs have not developed the right enzymes to digest food properly. They also do not have the muscle tone in their mouths or throats to swallow properly and they can choke. The only thing a baby under six months should be getting is formula or breastmilk. They get everything they need -- protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals from breastmilk and formula. Around six months, you can begin giving the baby runny cereal and build slowly up to thicker cereals, applesauce and pureed fruits and vegetables. Please hold off on the food.

Answer 6

Babies can live on breastmilk because it has everything in it they need to live. Introducing food can be anywhere from 4-6 months of age. Introducing sollids to early can lead to allergies and obesity. I think if you put purees in a bottle the baby could choke.
Check with your doc if you are unsure, but just be assured as long as your baby is growing and has wet diapers, they are getting everythign they need from the breastmilk and/or formula

Answer 7

If you are breastfeeding, just keep it up. It's the perfect food for your baby's still-developing digestive system! You should not start feeding a baby pureed food or cereal until they are at LEAST 10 - 12 weeks old, and in many cases older.

A baby's digestive system needs time to develop, and by giving it plenty of time, you reduce the risk of your child developing food allergies or intolerances later. Please remember that your baby's body cannot break down foods other than breastmilk or formula, and you will cause him/her to have digestive discomfort by forcing things he/she is not ready for.

Answer 8

Are you kidding? Breastmilk is the perfect food! It's all baby needs for a year, or more! It changes as your baby grows--with changing levels of fat, vitamins, immune boosters, etc. Yes people like to introduce food, as it's fun, and we're so hooked on the idea of food being prepared, and served with utensils. But our bodies make this food for our babies for a reason!

I gave my babies food at 4 months--but just a little bit, and just for fun. Nutritionally they don't need it. I have stopped giving my youngest baby (he's 6 months now) solids because he got bad eczema--whihc I think was from the introduction of solids. It's too much on their systems at this age. Their intestinal lining hasn't fully sealed, so food can get into their bloodstream, which the body can see as invaders--thus developing allergic reaction.

Have faith in breastmilk, and start your baby slowly on solids when she seems ready (there's lots of info on the net about signs she is ready for solids).

Answer 9

Don't give an 8 week old baby anything other than milk. Their digestive system won't cope with it and they cant chew or swallow pureed food, they will probably choke. Sound like fun? (I think not)
Milk gives a baby everything they need until they are ready to be weaned (around 4-6 months) So don't worry.

Answer 10

Babys under 6 months old are not ready developmentally for any food other then breastmilk (ideally) or formula. I would strongly recommend that you do not give any baby anything but breastmilk and formula until they are at least 6 months old. Trust in nature.