When did you start feeding them infant cereal?

Question

Well, I'm exclusively breastfeeding. She eats, about every 2 hours for 10-15 min on each side. I am a very healthy person and drink tons of water. My breast milk is a lot. I know that I am producing well, taking into consideration her poopy diapers and wet diapers. I went and saw the pediatrician a few days ago and forgot to ask her when my baby can eat the infant cereal. She just doesn't seem like she's full easily. She's showing some of the signs that she's ready for cereals, but I just want to see what everyone else's experiences were. When did you start giving it to your child and what time of the day did you give it to them? Thanks in advance!

I am sorry you guys! She's 3 months old!

Answer 1

I'm not sure how old your baby is, but babies go through growth spurts at both 4 and 6 months which would explain the increased nursing. Mamas often think that means baby needs solids, but it's just another normal growth spurt. Breastmilk has more cal/ounce than rice cereal, so even though it's heavier and takes longer to digest, you're not giving her any more fuel. I personally decided to skip the cereal and give baby real food to play with at 6 months. She eventually ate some of it when she was around 7 months, I think. If you want to do purees, try mashing some avocado or banana (46 and 25 cal/ounce, respectively). Another awesome thing you can try is baby-led solids. We took this route and LOVED it. As did baby, of course! You can get info on it at http://www.borstvoeding.com/voedselintroductie/vast_voedsel/rapley_guidelines.html

I think the biggest indicator of solids readiness (aside from reaching over, grabbing a hunk of food, chewing it up and swallowing it) is the loss of the tongue thrust reflex. If you put food into baby's mouth and she pushes it back out, don't scoop it off her chin and back into her mouth. Wait a week and try again. Loss of the tongue thrust reflex coincides with GI tract development.

ETA: Thanks for posting the age. DEFINITELY WAIT!! Here's the loose timeframe of growth spurts, copied from www.Kellymom.com:

When do babies have growth spurts?

Common times for growth spurts are during the first few days at home and around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months and 9 months (more or less). Babies don't read calendars, however, so your baby may do things differently.

Answer 2

I actually started my baby with mashed zucchini and then mashed pumpkin and some other soft seeded vegetables similar to these. I was advised to leave the cereal til a bit later as it is a bit harder for them to digest as a first food.

It worked really well for me, once he began eating - which was at 8 1/2 months. He would take a mouthful here and there before this but wasn't really interested. My lactation consultant said that some babies go for 12 months before being properly ready for solids.

I made breakfast his first meal, then tea/dinner and then gave a mid-day meal when he was eating a lot better. Now he is a great vege and fruit eater - just what a mother wants!

It is recommended that babies remain exclusively breastfed until at least 6 months. Before this, their tummies aren't able to breakdown some proteins in solid food properly. Don't rush, and be prepared to feed a little more before she begins solids if you need to.

All the best. When you have a chance, have a look at these websites from the Australian Breastfeeding Association. The American equivalent is the La Leche League and they both provide some great info.

Answer 3

There are recommendations published, but they are based just on averages. Remember that every baby is different. My 1st daughter started solids around 7 months and got her 1st tooth at 8 1/2 months. My 2nd always seemed hungry and got her 1st tooth at 2 months! So I started her on cereal and bananas around 3 months when I couldn't take her fussiness anymore - it worked out great and seemed to be exactly what she needed! She was eating everything we did by 9 months old. I remember getting a funny look once when I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich for her when we were on vacation. My 3rd started showing signs around 4 months so I started her on cereal got her 1st tooth around 5-6 months. Makes me wonder if maybe their bodies are more ready when they are getting teeth. I never had any problems with any of them digesting food.

Answer 4

I started cereal at 6 months. I think that this is pretty average. There isn't a right or wrong time to start. Your baby will let you know when she is ready and if you think she is then try. She may have a hard time with it at first and if so try again later. Make is really runny and not very much at a time and she should do fine.

Good luck!

Answer 5

My son sometimes will breastfeed every few hours. Sometimes 3 times an hour! I wont' give him rice cereal till about 6 months. I am excited to feed him.. I love interacting with him and feeding is another thing to do with him. (not much to do with them when they are tiny). I am waiting until 6 months because if you breastfeed exclusively for six months and co sleep your chance of SIDS goes down over 80%. The digestive system also is not ready until 6 months

Answer 6

Exclusively bf for both my kids. 1st one started cereal at 5 months. 2nd I tried at 4.5 months, but still isn't ready and now is 5 mon. In general they say to give it to them between 4-6 months or later. A sign as to when is when they start reaching for your food. Also if you feed at night the cereal it may help with sleeping at nighttime. Eventually you can transition to veggies then fruits slowly.

Answer 7

My first, I started at 3 months that was 11 years ago and before all that "You cant feed a baby before 6 months" thing but I started my baby girl at 4 months. shes 5 1/2 months now and all is good.

Answer 8

you forgot to say how old she is! I would do it at 5-6 months. Start off with rice cereal mixed with breast milk. She may take to it right off, she may reject it. If she does not take to it, give a few weeks and re-introduce it again. good luck, and good on ya'!!

Answer 9

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you wait until 6 months to starts solids. Your baby's tummy is too immature to handle food before then and you could be setting her up for a lifetime of allergies and other fun stuff. People start their babies sooner than that all the time, but I wouldn't risk it with my baby. Congrats on breastfeeding.

Answer 10

you can start as early as 4 months, it has to be really soupy at first. but if not taken well can wiat until 6 months. I gave my son some in the morning the first time. and the next day he had it at night. he did better with it in the morning.