If the mother of my 2 month old son feeds him peaches, can I give him formula only?

Question

I share custody of my 2 month old son. Recently his mother started feeding him baby food peaches. From what I read this is way too early and fruit should not be a first food. So when I have him I give him formula only. She gives me a written schedule of what and when he should eat and wants me to write down what I've fed him. Any suggestions for how to deal with this?

Answer 1

At two months, an infant should be nursing or taking formula for all caloric needs. When foods are started, single grain cereals, beginning with rice, are slowly added to allow your child's digestive system to adjust to the changing diet and allow easier determination of possible allergies. Personally, I have always started fruits as the last additions to my children's diets because I preferred to introduce vegetables before sweeter fruits.

Because you share custody, you cannot control what the other mother feeds unless it is detrimental to your little one's health; however, you do not have to feed your baby foods that are likely more complex than is ideal for his/her young digestive system either. The best you can really do in this situation is to keep the record of feedings, and be honest about your reservations regarding early solid food feedings. You cannot change the other woman's actions, but she cannot force you to feed what she deems appropriate either.

Answer 2

Their is lots of disagreement on the age when babies should start getting regular food. Most sources though will tell you to wait until about 3 months of age. She should start him with veggies before fruit. They are more likely to like the vegetables if they haven't yet tried fruit. At this age he gets all the nutrients he needs from formula so he doesn't even really need the other food. You should sit down and have a talk with her. You guys should be in agreement since you share custody and if something she is doing concerns you than she needs to know that. It is very important for you guys to be on the same page. If you cant agree on things now with his food what will happen when he is old enough to discipline. When you talk with her make sure you don't do it in an accusing way. Let her know that you are just concerned about your son and would like for you guys to be in agreement about things like this. Good Luck and God Bless!
p.s. You might also try this book "The Everything Cooking for Baby and Toddler Book"
It has recipes as well as tips on what foods to avoid in babies first year and lots of other great ideas. You can get it at Target.

Answer 3

There are a few things you can do: #1 Give the baby some diluted juice...apple or pear works the best. If you are not comfortable giving him regular apple juice most grocery stores carry the baby apple juice already diluted. I have used this several times on infants and it works pretty well. It is common for infants this age to get constipated since they are getting a lot of fiber and no fruit and acids to help their muscles get rid of this waste. Some other things you can do is put 1 tablespoon of Karo's white syrup in a full 8oz bottle and feed it to him/her. If you don't have Karo's syrup regular syrup with 3oz of warm water works as well. A friend of mine told me this worked with her son at 4 months old. And the last thing I know of is to apply a very warm cloth to the baby's anus and gently stimulate the area by rubbing so that the muscles will relax, this is especially helpful in breastfed babies. A little Vaseline on a cue tip inserted into the rectum often helps as well. Hope your baby feels better soon, it's so hard to watch the little ones struggle with things beyond their control!

Answer 4

If you have joint custody over your 2 month old son - you should be able to be in contact with his pediatrician. As I am a mother also I have been told that giving fruits is not the first thing you'd want to give your baby. And also at 6 months is when you'd want to initiate the baby food. They really only need formula or breastmilk first the first part month 1-5. I started my son on baby food when he was I beleive 6 months. Cow milk is 1 years old. She should try cereals, veggies, meats, fruits. Question babies pediatrician on what they recommend.

Answer 5

We made this mistake with our daughter trying too early to give her solid food and started with fruit. She wound up with diarrhea and stomach cramps. We learned quickly to stick with breastmilk for a full five to six months.
Certainly give your baby's mom a schedule of what you fed. It should be very easy to write down what formula and how much of it you gave the baby.
If you think the baby is at risk for what she is feeding him, I suggest you get a doctors opinion and consider further action if the baby is showing deleterious effects.

Answer 6

My pediatrician said no solids until 6 month because the stomach isnt ready to take that one yet. Also- we didnt start with fruits since they tend to cause bowl movements. Stick with the formula for at least 4 more months!

Answer 7

just feed the formula, she is putting your son at increased risk of health problems by feeding him the fruit so early. She can actually make him allergic to foods as well as increase his risk of diabetes and she can make him like sweets and he will have a harder time adjusting to veggies. Just do what is best for your son and give the formula.

Answer 8

No way, that baby is too young too have peaches!!! Even when my baby's Dr said to introduce rice cereal at 4 moths because of her teething I waited until 4 months and a half . I gave it to her really soupy like and it was hard to do even then. Peaches!! Sorry that just over whelms me.

Answer 9

I'm shocked! 2 months old is way too young! The intestines are not ready at all for that. I would fight for full custody - obviously this mother is clueless!

Formula only until 6 months old -- good luck!

Answer 10

He should only be getting formula right now. Also, introducing sweets to a baby at too young of an age has been shown to cause significantly higher incidents of diabetes and heart disease.