Baby food for nutrition?

Question

My mother and I are in a little disagreement. My son is a little over 8 months old and when I asked the pediatrician about feeding baby food, he said that he doesnt need any specific routine, that his main source of nutrition comes from formula or breast milk until hes a year old. He also said until he is a year, feeding baby food is mainly for experimentation. I feed my son baby food almost everyday... some days ( not many ) when I am busy, he might not get any... so, I guess my question is... Does he need to be on a specific schedule for baby food for his nutrition? Or is his pediatrition correct?? Thank you so much.

Answer 1

No, your Doctor is absolutely right. Up to a year old, the baby's most important source of nutrition is still breast milk or formula. Think of solid foods as a supplement, not a source of nutrition. At this point solid foods are for learning how to eat and introducing different foods, for later on when solid foods will be their main source of nutrition. You don't need a routine per say, and don't worry if one day he eats a lot, and one day he eats very little. My daughter is 9 months old and still breast feeds 6-7 times per day. I feed her solid foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but only as much as she wants. Sometime it is a couple of ounces, sometimes its a couple of spoonfuls, sometimes it is nothing at all. Some babies, don't even start solids until close to a year.
It sounds like you are doing just fine, so don't worry.

Answer 2

I don't know, it seems that all of the pediatricians want to keep babies on expensive formulas or breast milk , but if you ask most mothers, especially older ones you will find that they ignore the pediatricians with no bad results. All of my kids were off formula by the time they hit 6 months, and they were eating baby food at 3 months. As long as you are careful about introducing new foods gradually, there should not be a problem. I would have definitely put him on scheduled meals by now.

Answer 3

Your pediatrician is correct in regards to the nutrients in formula/breast milk. If you read the labels on the baby food jars you will not see much in them. Mine is 11 months old and he eats mainly with us. I give him baby food sometimes when I won't have dinner ready in time for his hungry belly or if we are out and he is hungry. But I make sure he gets at least 4 or more bottles of formula a day and try to get some juice in him as well. Good luck!

Answer 4

Your doctor is right on when it comes to the fact that most of your son's nutrition comes from his formula/breast milk. At 8 months my kids were beginning some table foods. Seriously get on track about his feedings. He should be eating 2 jars a day right now and you need to get him used to foods. He may overeat his formula otherwise. Go to your WIC office, they will be able to help you get him on a schedule that you both can live with. An NOTHING is more important in your life than the wellbeing of your child. MAKE the time to tend to his needs.

Answer 5

The pediatrician is correct to a point , introducing new foods is not about how much your baby eats but that hes getting used to different taste and textures.

However as a mother I cant express how important a regular scheduale is! This schedule should include feeding time , bath time , story time , play time and so on !

Answer 6

Your doctor is right, although I am amazed he is not demanding to be fed more, especially when the rest of the family eats. But don't worry about it, once you start switching him to a less milk based diet, he will start eating. All my kids were different, if he is not wanting it yet, don't force it!

Answer 7

the doctor is correct. Baby food isn't made for nutrition, it's made for the baby to learn how to roll his tongue and swallow.