My 5 month old is on solids now. I have been feeding him about 1 tablespoon of rice cereal in the morning and 1/2 of a 2.5 container of veggies at night. He also has five 6oz bottles a day. Am on the right track with a feeding schedule. I know that there is no fixed schedule but I was curious if this seems about right. He has been a little constipated so sometimes I give him about 1-2 oz of diluted prune juice as well. Oh...he's a big boy weighing 18 lbs and is 28 inches long. Thanks for the help.
2007-09-19 06:29:59 · 8 answers · asked by tdangel30 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
The pediatrician has told me to start him on solids and did give me some guidelines but they are not as detailed as I thought they would be :-)
2007-09-19 06:36:30 · update #1
My grandson is 5 months old. He was born April 15. He has had a little cereal, but really isn't into it too much, so my daughter and son-in-law just offer him a little every few days to get him used to it. He's mostly fed breast milk with occassional formula. Each baby and family does develop a feeding schedule that works best for them. When your baby was only getting his nutrition from breast milk or formula, he likely had frequent loose stools. This is common as is for a baby's stools to become less frequent and harder when solids are introduced. This does not necessarily mean he is constipated, just that his system is adapting to a change in diet. True constipation results in tiny, pebble-like stools and may be accompanied by straining or not. Actually, straining while pooping is not a good indicator of constipation as many babies and children do that as a normal part of their elimination. It is something they'll outgrow. A baby's nutrional needs are completely met by formula and breast milk until about the age of 6 months. Solids introduced before that time are for supplementation purposes only. What you are feeding your son now is fine. As he gets a little older, he will begin to show much keener intrest in eating more quantity of solids and by about 9 months many babies are on a schedule that includes 3 meals and 2-3 snacks each day. If he seems satisfied with the amount of food he gets now there is no need to change anything. Probably within a month he'll eat all his cereal and his 1/2 jar of veggies then open his mouth for more, this will be a good sign he is ready to increase his solids. Sounds like you are right on track with him.
2007-09-19 06:51:56 · answer #1 · answered by sevenofus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you started him on solids at 4 months like is recommended, usually at 5-6 months the bottles just aren't doing enough for them. My kids (both big boys) were usually having cereal mixed with fruit (Gerber or what not) instead of formula for breakfast a 6oz bottle mid morning, 1/2 - full container each of veggies and fruit at lunch (maybe with a 1-2 oz bottle if still hungry), 4-6oz bottle mid afternoon, fruits and veggies for dinner, then some cereal and/or 6 oz bottle before bed. -something else that's good for the digestion instead of prune juice is bananas. Mush some up and try giving that to him maybe with breakfast or mixed in his cereal. It's more natural and real yummy..
The most important thing to remember is that you child will know if he's hungry or not. When he is hungry give him food when he's not, don't force it.
2007-09-19 06:49:58 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you're doing great! you could try to cut out a bottle or make a 4 ounce bottle instead and follow it behind an additional serving of fruits or veggies for lunch. give the other half at dinner time like you've been doing. he is a big boy! lol so let him eat! he'll let you know when he's had enough. he'll turn his head from the spoon or start fussing. i'm not saying stuff him! but if you want to try to integrate another feeding of solids in his diet it cant hurt. sometimes constipation can be a side effect of a certain food so i my daughter likes the prune/apple juice gerber makes and it works wonders and tastes a little better! good luck :)
2007-09-19 06:53:03 · answer #3 · answered by Celena F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is a big boy haha.
At 5 months old my daughter ate cereal in the morning and veggies at night, the same as you did.
At 6 months old we started to feed her 3x a day...she's 6 1/2 months old now and is drinking 5-6oz every 3 hours or so and she is about 15lbs
2007-09-19 06:34:26 · answer #4 · answered by Kristy Lynn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him what he wants! I never held food back from my kids, just make sure they healthy choices once you have to make those decisions. Honestly though I think I gave my kids a little more food, but at this point it's really what both of you feel is right at the time.
If he is a little constipated from the transition then mix his cereal with apple juice. That's the ONLY way my kids would eat cereal and it did the job when it came to the exiting part of eating.
2007-09-19 06:35:07 · answer #5 · answered by blanquettedeveau 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah i would say your on the right track...
but i would try cut out 1 of his bottles and try a new flavour of baby food now with a baby pudding with the juice...just for lunch for now and see how you go..
if you are really unsure you could nip and see you health visitor and just make sure.
no1 made a book on how to be a mum ey..
just go with your gut feeling and you will know wen your baby is ready..if hes enjoying the rice breakfast then thats good.
and the prune juice is a good idea if it is working.x
2007-09-19 06:37:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your on the right track. As long as he is happy and not crying for more everything is OK.
2007-09-19 06:46:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should really talk to your babies pediatrician before starting solid foods, especially in a child so young.
2007-09-19 06:33:56 · answer #8 · answered by trish_aug 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋