Do you think it's okay to give a two month old rice cereal once a day in her bottle?

Bethany - posted on 02/01/2009

I wouldn't do it.

Introducing anything other than milk before 6 months is associated with food allergies, obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

Stasia - posted on 02/01/2009

to Sara Price's post.

just because they say it on the box does not mean it is healthy. It is in these companies best interest to write these things on the box. They care firstly about their profit and next about the children.

Colleen - posted on 01/28/2009

In my opinion...and according to many nurses, ped's, midwives, and lactation specialists I've spoken to say it's not needed. the best thing in the world for baby is breast milk for the first 6 months. Nature made it that way! It has EVERYTHING he/she needs!

Sara - posted on 01/28/2009

Quoting Cora:

uhhh wow.. some of you ladies.. are very ill educated.
no, solids should not be given before 6 months, especially as young as 2 months! giving solids that early in life has been linked to higher risks of food allergies, AND early on-set ibs. why would you want to risk your childs health like that? in a sad attempt to save some money on formula? to stop your boobs from hurting? suck it up.

then we get to sticking it in the bottle, are you joking? like seriously? not only does that increase risk of inner ear infection, but IT'S A CHOKING HAZARD.

seriously, give the child more boob, more formula, that's all it needs. don't force your babys body to digest things it isn't ready for.

firstly, if children should not have solids until 6 months, why oh why is baby rice and food aimed at 4 months plus???? surely if it was that unsafe they would produce it.

secondly, when you say linked it does not mean proven, and higher risk, well just drinking water gives you higher risk for everything. 20 years ago this advise etc was not avaliable and parents did what they thought was best, never did me any harm.

every baby is different, some babies need more food than others and some babies digestive systems mature quicker than others, its up to the parent to decide what is best for their child. im sure if any parent noticed an bad change in their child once they have started baby rice they would stop. you can only try these things.

although syaing all this, my baby is 12 weeks and i just give more formula, she is now on 7floz of hungrier baby milk around every 2 hours, very time consuming, but still i wouldn't risk baby rice just yet.

Charlotte - posted on 01/28/2009

Quoting Patricia:

My baby is 9 weeks old and I have head this advice from EVERYONE. I have looked up the facts (The link above from erica may is very helpful) and if there is even the smallest possibility it may harm my baby in ANY way, then I don't think it's worth the risk. I would rather have a healthy baby more than a few extra hours of sleep. 

Don't let nosy people push you to do something that doesn't feel right to you. YOU are your child's mother and you know what's best for him/her. 

Yeah i totally agree i started my daughter at 7 weeks and shes fyn i dont see the problem what i say is what happened in the old days and health vistors and midwifes are always changing things. Aslong as my baby is healthy i fyn with tryin her on new foods

 

Naomi - posted on 01/28/2009

Quoting Brenda:

And just to add to the dicussion, some facts for everyone.  Recent research in the medical magazine Pedicatrics has demonstrated that early food DOES NOT as previously thought lead to food allergies.  This is the reason many doctors in the last year or so have changed their advice on what age to start.

From Parents.com: "While babies develop at their own pace -- for example, one baby might be ready for solids at 4 months, another at 6 months -- even the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says there are no rigid rules on expanding your child's diet. "  Pretty much this is what I said in my own words previously.

I agree with you Brenda on the fact that some babies are ready earlier than others and vise versa. But unfortunatly I have to point out the research that you have quoted from Parents.com. As the quote says "4 months and another 6 months". Unfortunatly it doesn't say anything starting from 2 months.

Yes I agree that birth weigh has a lot to do with it but I'm also a firm beleiver in finding out as much as you can before acting on it. It has been proven that tiny little stomacs of a 2 month old baby isn't equipt to digest much less anything other than milk at that age.

But again, it depends on the mother's gut feeling also. If your baby is 2 months old and downing 8 oz bottles every 2 hours, Yeah for sure give him some cereal.

Anyways, it's ultimatly to the mother's choice but I suggest to learn more about it and ask the pediatrician.

Stephany - posted on 01/28/2009

Most doctors and pediatricians will tell u that it's not necessary, but it's simply up to the parents. If u feel that your child isn't getting full on formula alone then naturally formula would b the next step. Formula helps some babies sleep longer at night. All u can do is try it and see what works for you. No one should make those decisions for u.

Erica - posted on 01/28/2009

I just don't think a baby should be fed rice cereal in a bottle in an effort to extend sleep. Not saying that's what everyone who does it is after, but seems to be a common idea. There are behavioral signs for when a baby is ready for solids in addition to age. I don't think size is really the main consideration. Remember that many a 6 month old is fine on just mom's milk, as are many big babies. I just don't think many 6 or 8 week olds are grabbing for a spoon or sitting upright well.

Although I never was a big proponent of the allergy theory, the possibility of circumventing a natural system that tells a baby when he/she is full at a young age contributing to a predisposition to obesity (something LOTS of Americans struggle with) is another reason to wait until your baby is ready developmentally/metabolically/etc.

The lack of sleep with babies sucks but it doesn't last forever. It's part of parenting them. It makes me uncomfortable to think people are willing to take risks, however minor, to avoid that.

Cereal for another reason is more a personal choice or doctor's recommendation (e.g., reflux, practice with spoon).

Brenda - posted on 01/27/2009

And just to add to the dicussion, some facts for everyone.  Recent research in the medical magazine Pedicatrics has demonstrated that early food DOES NOT as previously thought lead to food allergies.  This is the reason many doctors in the last year or so have changed their advice on what age to start.

From Parents.com: "While babies develop at their own pace -- for example, one baby might be ready for solids at 4 months, another at 6 months -- even the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says there are no rigid rules on expanding your child's diet. "  Pretty much this is what I said in my own words previously.

The point is, you know what is best for your baby, and can tell when they are ready to progress forward.  And people that tell you otherwise have not done their homework about the facts and current research on the issues.  In fact, in the area of allergy study, there is more evidence non hydrogenized infant formula is more likely to cause them than any food introduced early.

Natasha - posted on 01/27/2009

They say you should'nt, I say why not?  I did (Just a tip of a teaspoon in her bottle) she slept well and is now 10 months old,  and loves her food..... Try it with her night time feed, you might have to get a bottle with a variable teat so the slightly thicker milk can pass through...

Brianna - posted on 01/27/2009

I wrote earlier about my son. It is up to you. I did not ask the pediatrician...I went ahead and did it. You should ask your child's doctor. But all they will tell you is they don't recommend it until a certain age. They are going on an average for babies. All babies are different. If the child is digesting well then it is fine. All my friends with babies and my mother and mother in law did it. Every one of those children are fine. My husband was actually given rice in his formula at 2 weeks(doctor told my mother in law to) My point is every baby is different. A little rice won't hurt as long as the child is digesting it okay and not getting constipated. And no it does not cause allergies or whatever that Cora person is saying. If your baby turns out to have an allergy ..its not because of the rice....its because the allergy was always there and anything that contained rice would make the child have a reaction. Just like if you were to give your child peanut butter...the peanut butter doesn't CAUSE the allergy...the allergy was already there and the peanut butter gave a reaction. Thats why doctors do not want you to feed babies nuts, eggs, shellfish until a certain age so if there is a reaction ..it is more noticeable and can be treated better. I think Cora just wants to cause drama.Take the opinions of the other moms and talk to your pediatrician.

Melissa - posted on 01/27/2009

I don't think it is a wise choice.  They say that sooner than 6 months and they can develop problems because their bodies can't handle it plus in a bottle they could choke on it.  At least that is what I read.  Don't rush the eating.  The baby will be eating soon enough.

Nicole - posted on 01/27/2009

I gave my son cereal in his bottle around 2 months also. he was a big baby when he was born so it was very hard keeping him full. i would just put 2 Tbl spoons in his 6oz bottle. it also helped with sleeping during the night. he is almost 5 mo now and healthy as can be

Elizabeth - posted on 01/27/2009

I was thinking of starting my daughter on cereal early, but my doctor has very strong feelings against it. He says that she may create allergies due to her digestive system not being ready for "food" yet. But I have friends that did it, loved it, and have had no problems with it.

Samantha - posted on 01/27/2009

yes thats fine, if they want it then give it to them, my kids were eating rusk and cerials young, do it on a spoon and they will learn quicker.

Brenda - posted on 01/26/2009

Wow. I am amazed at some of this. First off, dear, to address your question, the use of cereal in a bottle is generally not recommended for reasons that it can cause problems. That being said, my son was a large baby, and required a LOT of formula. I resisted my mother in law's suggestion (to put cereal in his bottle) for as long as I could. At about two and a half months I started putting about half a teaspoon in his milk. Please note that this amount DOES NOT require widening of the bottle opening (what generally causes choking episodes in infants) nor does it thicken the formula to a consistency to which would require major sucking. My son has no food allergies, and did not start other cereals until five months (not much ahead on the rest of his food). This is MY experience, and my pediatrician (who was not outdated, by the way, she was a younger woman, under thirty five, with children of her own) was fine with this because of his weight and development. He was very big for his age, nearly off the height/weight charts, and simply required more food at his stage of development. Remember, no matter what anyone says, guidelines are there for a reason, to protect the generalized populace. This does not mean that it is right for every baby. There are some babies well ahead of the curve, like mine and many other babies to moms that responded that they fed cereal at an early age. There are others that are right in the center of the curve, and do not require it until six months and there are some behind the curve that do not need solids as soon as other babies. All of these things need to be taken into consideration. Age is one factor of your child's development. Size, height, and weight both, as well as feeding habits and other actions determine what is best. Your best bet is to sit down and talk at length with your pediatrician. That is what they are there for. They have experience and training with YOUR infant, and that is what is important. So the answer is not a "yes" or a "no" because the only one that can answer that question is you with the help of your doctor.

Kristine - posted on 01/25/2009

My daughter is 2 months and 3 weeks.  Our doctor told me to give her a bit of rice cereal each day as she has a problem with constipation.  Since then we have no problems and she is doing well.

Naomi - posted on 01/25/2009

There have been studies that have shown an increased risk for food allergies if your child is started too early on solids (cereals). My personal opinion is that 2 months is a little early. Most babies stomac aren't equipted to digest cereal until the 3rd or 4th month. That's why most studies encourage you to wait till 6 months.

You also have to weigh in the fact that your child might be ready earlier than 6 months. If he or she shows signs like trying to grab your spoon or your food, or is downing 8 oz bottles at each feed and is still hungry or if breastfed is drinking every 2 hours and still isn't satisfied. You also need to talk to your pediatritian about it. I personally started my son at 4 months because he was 16 lbs, 27 inches long was grabbing everything out off my plate, dowing 8 oz bottles and wanted more 1 hour later and his weigh gain was slowing down quite a bit (he was only gaining 1 to 2 oz a week).

Anyways, it is ultimatly your choice but it would be wise to look up some research first.

All the best!

Diana - posted on 01/24/2009

I was told by someone in La Leche League to wait til 6mos if possible because new studies show that when fed food before 6 mos the risk of diabetes later in life increases by 50%. I'm waiting just in case, but it may be worth looking up.

Michaela - posted on 01/24/2009

Quoting Jen:

( my son is usually up hourly to eat from midnight on & formula rather than nursing doesnt make a difference),

I have a ten week old and he suffered really bad from reflux and i found that when i was breast feeding he would be up every hour without fail. now i have started giving him formula aswell as breastmilk and he sleeps from half 11 at night to 7 in the morning, i know every baby is different but it might help him/her feel more satisfied in him/herself.

i breastfeed more in the evening (usually between 7-11.30) and i let him  have as much as he likes. then inbetween 11 and half past he lays in his cot and falls to sleep himself.

however im not sure if my baby is drinking too much too often in the day because he has 5oz every 3 hours. is that too much? 

Michaela - posted on 01/24/2009

Quoting Jen:

( my son is usually up hourly to eat from midnight on & formula rather than nursing doesnt make a difference),

I have a ten week old and he suffered really bad from reflux and i found that when i was breast feeding he would be up every hour without fail. now i have started giving him formula aswell as breastmilk and he sleeps from half 11 at night to 7 in the morning, i know every baby is different but it might help him/her feel more satisfied in him/herself.

i breastfeed more in the evening (usually between 7-11.30) and i let him  have as much as he likes. then inbetween 11 and half past he lays in his cot and falls to sleep himself.

however im not sure if my baby is drinking too much too often in the day because he has 5oz every 3 hours. is that too much? 

Erica - posted on 01/23/2009

Why is it that we are so often incapable of trusting our bodies and our baby's intelligence? We supply everything a baby needs through breastmilk for the first part of life, and guess what? Most babies need to eat at regular intervals to allow their little bodies to absorb as much of the nutrients as possible through the digestive process. They are doing what's right for them, even if it's not convenient for us. There are also certain levels (i.e, blood sugar) that need to be maintained through regular feeds. Overfeeding calories at one feed is going against all the natural stuff a body does to grow and develop at the rate the baby was intended to. As a baby gets better at doing all of the above, they will begin to sleep better. You can't force it without incurring some risk of creating a problem, subtle or large, immediate or down the road.

Brianna - posted on 01/23/2009

Our son wouldn't sleep through the night until we gave him thick rice cereal with a spoon. We gave it to him in his bottle at a month and a half and wouldnt sleep through the night.(he was over 11 pounds....that is a myth that they will sleep through the night at 11 pounds) so we thickened up the cereal a week later and he was okay. but then he got bored with the flavors. So at 2 months we put baby food(vegetable) in with the cereal to flavor it and he has been eating well ever since. He goes for his 9 month check up in February and we think he is about 23 pounds.( at his 6 month visit he was 18 pounds.) so I think it is perfectly fine to give your child cereal in his bottle once a day. I would do it in the bottle right before you put him to bed so he sleeps longer.(thats what we did for ours...we gave him the cereal mixed with veggies at dinnertime and then he had a small bottle right before bed....he wouldn't go to sleep unless he had a bottle...its the sucking motion.)

Charlene - posted on 01/23/2009

I have been using organic rice cereal in the bottle since my dauhter was 6 weeks old. 1/2 tsp in every bottle helps with her reflux. The Dr. actually told us we could use more, but this amount worked well for her. My daughter is allergic to all milk ptotiens so we are on hypoallergetic formula and organic cereals for her allergies.

Alison - posted on 01/23/2009

My son is two months old and my pediatrician told me that all he needs right now is breastmilk. He is gaining weight well...if he wasn't, she might have told me that he needs something different. Right now, his longest stretch of sleep on average is about four to five hours (I'm lucky). This usually happens as soon as we put him to sleep...once he wakes from that stretch of sleep, he'll then wake up every two hours to feed until he's up for the day.

I've heard from a million women that I should try the rice cereal...my own mother did...but after reading things saying the contrary from reputable sources, I think I'll listen to my pediatrician.

Devon - posted on 01/23/2009

Personally, I think that putting cereal into a bottle is NOT the way to go. I have heard that introducing solids before 4 months could result in health problems down the road. And that right there, regardless of what other moms have done, is enough for me to wait. At 2 months old it is almost impossible to over feed her. She will stop eating when she's full. And I'm not sure what is making you curious about this, but if it has anything to do with sleep, then all I have to say is welcome to Motherhood. We signed up for sleepless nights when we decided to have babies, and as tired as you may be, she'll be 4 before you know it and you'll be wondering where the time went?!

Ashley - posted on 01/23/2009

not in a reg bottle bc they cant get it out of a reg bottle but in a cereal bottle and not until ur ped says its ok which is norm when they can lift their heads up and sleep through the nite , and dont do it too many times in a day

Katelyn - posted on 01/22/2009

I started my daughter on RICE (important not to do oatmeal or barley this young) cereal before bed at about 6 weeks old- I occasionally put it in her bottle but mainly just spoon fed it to her. it took a bit to get the coordination down but she is a pro now at 4 months.  Some drs say not to until 4-6 months, It's purely what you feel comfortable doing.

Samantha - posted on 01/22/2009

i dont think you should babies have a small digestive system. and theres a scare that he can choke on it even if you think it was all  mixed  up well. thats why they say not to introduce any kind of solid foods until 6 months of age. they are only little for so long enjoy the time of bottle feeding and the mom and babie time cause they will get so big you wish you could do it all over again.

Samantha - posted on 01/22/2009

i dont think you should babies have a small digestive system. and theres a scare that he can choke on it even if you think it was all  mixed  up well. thats why they say not to introduce any kind of solid foods until 6 months of age. they are only little for so long enjoy the time of bottle feeding and the mom and babie time cause they will get so big you wish you could do it all over again.

Samantha - posted on 01/22/2009

i dont think you should babies have a small digestive system. and theres a scare that he can choke on it even if you think it was all  mixed  up well. thats why they say not to introduce any kind of solid foods until 6 months of age. they are only little for so long enjoy the time of bottle feeding and the mom and babie time cause they will get so big you wish you could do it all over again.

Samantha - posted on 01/22/2009

i dont think you should babies have a small digestive system. and theres a scare that he can choke on it even if you think it was all  mixed  up well. thats why they say not to introduce any kind of solid foods until 6 months of age. they are only little for so long enjoy the time of bottle feeding and the mom and babie time cause they will get so big you wish you could do it all over again.

Heather - posted on 01/22/2009

my milk did not come in at all. its sad yes. but it does happen and for the record i didnt know the name of the problem either.

Emily - posted on 01/22/2009

It's called primary lactation failure - it's very rare but it does happen.  My understanding is that generally women with plf generally experience no changes in breast tissue during pregnancy.

Darlene - posted on 01/22/2009

is better to spoon feed them the cereal

Cora - posted on 01/22/2009

LOL, excuse me?



1. i'm 19 - soon to be 20, 2nd year university student and the university of alberta :)

2. yes, university students do 'speak' like that, as i type how i actually talk, if i extend a word in real life, i'll extend it online.

3. i tried my best, NO milk came in. i was given multiple differant medications to bring it in, and nothing came. i'm anemic. it was expected my supply would be naturally low, but nothing came at all.

4. feel guilty about not doing what's best for my child? LOL. you're hilarious, grasping at straws much?

i was unable to breastfeed, i couldnt produce the milk he needed, so yes, i went with what was BEST for my child. just as i was considering what was BEST for him when i decided to wait until 6 months to feed him pablum, nobody can POSSIBLEY say that giving their child pablum that young is what's BEST for them.



hope the best for you too - hope your child doesnt suffer a life of illness because of your own stupidity.

Stasia - posted on 01/22/2009

anyone in university would not speak like this:

"i freeeaaaked out the first time i seen it" as quoted from another post.
If you actually tried to breastfeed, you would know the name of a medical condition which prevented you to do so. If not, Im guessing you just gave up.

Your repeated refusal to state your age only further supports my theory you are only a child yourself. It doesn't matter I just suspected I was dealing with someone with very limited life experience. I dont feel much like arguing with children who are angry and confused, or who need to attack other mothers because they feel guilty of not doing the best for their OWN children.

I will not be posting anymore, and I sincerely hope the best for you. I feel really sorry you are so resentful and angry. I hope you feel better soon

Stasia - posted on 01/22/2009

how did they "not work". You must have a better name for this. I dont think you have a right to say these things when you didnt do the best yourself.
Seriously now, how old are you? Im guessing high school by your lack of language skills, temper and in ability for empathy.

Cora - posted on 01/22/2009

lol, i couldnt breastfeed. as in literally, as in, my breasts, DO NOT WORK.

i WISH so so so wish i could have breastfed, i BAWLED when i was told i couldnt.



call me a hypocrite for that if you please, it's a whole differant ballgame sweetheart,

i didn't have a choice, breastmilk banks are only for preemies.

if it were up to me, he would have been strictly breastfed, but it wasn't.



it is 100% up to these ladies to feed their children solids early, 100% THEIR CHOICE,



big differance.

Cora - posted on 01/22/2009

lol, pretty sure i'm right here on alot of things.

don't think a single thing i've said was at all untruthful. hmmmm.

Stasia - posted on 01/22/2009

atleast you are right about one thing

Cora - posted on 01/22/2009

Quoting Erica:

well...maybe not quite counterproductive, for someone who is really on the fence and has a lot calmer disposition than Cora's. I had no clue so many people were actually putting rice in a baby's bottle! Hey look, if we promoted more exclusive breastfeeding, maybe this risk wouldn't even exist....

if i wasn't such a bitch, and you weren't so nice... we'de get along great.

Erica - posted on 01/22/2009

well...maybe not quite counterproductive, for someone who is really on the fence and has a lot calmer disposition than Cora's. I had no clue so many people were actually putting rice in a baby's bottle! Hey look, if we promoted more exclusive breastfeeding, maybe this risk wouldn't even exist....

Cora - posted on 01/22/2009

when i read people about people feeding their kids pablum at 2 weeks old and younger, i tend to get angry.

it's a genuine concern for these children's health.

of course i'm not going to be 'nice' about it when these ladies are telling her that it's 100% fine to give her baby pablum at this age, when in reality it is FAR from okay at all.



the OP hasn't responded, hopefully she is wise enough to take the advise. and wait until her wee one is old enoguh to properly digest it.

as to the rest, too late too sorry i suppose, i sincerely hope your kids don't end up with bowel problem, allergies, none of that. and if they do - i hope you keep in mind that you did that to your child YOURSELF.



let them try and defend themselves, they deserve a good 'attacking' as you put it, maybe they'll stop and think "hey, maybe this chick is so angry and frustrated for a reason! maybe i should reconsider my stupidity!"

if not, sucks to be them?

Erica - posted on 01/22/2009

I'm sorry Cora, I called you Cara before. Yeah, uh, I guess I get your point about being noticed, but I've found that people believe what they want and few people actually want to know what's best, they just want to be reassured that what they want to do is okay. It's nicer to just enjoy each other's company in my opinion, and offer up info without expecting it will be 100% attended to.

Erica - posted on 01/22/2009

And did I mention condescending?

Erica - posted on 01/22/2009

With regards to Cara....

Trying to make a splash? Although I am in complete agreement that a baby shouldn't be eating solids at that age, and that it's really unfair to try to make your baby sleep more by circumventing natural development (I'm currently struggling to not post anymore to a thread regarding leaving infants to "cry it out" at night), I think you are purposely trying to create drama. I think you know as well as all others that insulting people isn't going to alter their opinion and that you are attempting to be inflammatory...perhaps your life is not exciting enough for you? I suggest you vacate the circle of moms or else try to share the important info you have without being so inappropriate.

Heather - posted on 01/22/2009

Wow-so many different opinions! I am also in the August 2008 group and there was a similar thread awhile ago and a lot of them had already given their babies solids, some as early as two weeks!  I think that is a bit too soon.  All the peds on the army base tell all the moms to "introduce" cereal in small amount  between the ages of 4 to 6 months for the act of learning the skill of chewing alone. (then again, I only have one little baby so I don't have any experience in this area)  Oh except I do know to rescue him from any family member who tries to feed him mashed potatoes and gravy! :)

Tracey - posted on 01/21/2009

yes its fine as long as baby is not getting constuipated, trust me i have 6 children

Sandra - posted on 01/21/2009

My babys doctor advised me not to give it till the babt is 4 months old for health reasons. I would check with you babys doctor. :)