Finger Food Help!

Maribell - posted on 12/13/2009

I too started my little one @ 4 months and he is now 8 months and he is still not ready for food with chunks. Just puree everything in the blender. I mixed banana and avocado. I prefer that than mashing it. Some foods tend to stay with some chunks and it makes the babies gag.
The website below is very helpful in making your own baby food.
http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com
Good luck!!!!!!

Bobbie - posted on 12/13/2009

Wow, I didn't realize I would start such a controversy:) But I did do my research and found a lot of varying advice. That's why I asked. I have to say, I really like the advice on never having used purees. I've heard that before and really, what did people do before purees were sold or blenders were available? lol. And, I guess I did use the wrong term when describing her as "choking" because it was right when it would hit her lips. Gagging is definitely more appropriate. I might try buying the mesh pacifier. That sounds like a great idea. I bought the Gerber puffs and tested them out myself. They really don't seem any different than Cheerios, in my opinion, so I'm going to hold off on those. I really don't see anything wrong with starting cereal at 4 months. My baby is exclusively breastfed and I wanted to start her on something with plenty of iron early because after six months breastfed babies can tend to have low levels (and I don't get enough myself). Obviously, she wasn't benefiting much at 4 months from the nutrition of the cereal, but I wanted her to get the hang of spoon-feeding. I have heard mothers who waited too long to introduce solids and they have difficulty with their one-year-olds taking anything other than milk. I don't want to encounter this problem (as I still feed my baby from the breast every 2 hours and it's quite demanding sometimes!) As far as cereal not containing nutrition (someone compared it to a bag of potato chips?) the label shows that it is fortified with lots of vitamins, most importantly 45% of an infants daily intake of iron. Once I found out that it can be constipating, I did switch to oatmeal which contains the same nutrients. Again, I appreciate most of the very helpful advice (but could have done without the rude comments). Like a few people said, research is constantly changing so I definitely don't strictly follow one source. And I'm not in a huge hurry. I've been holding off on trying anything for the past couple weeks, but she's 8 months now and I will probably try again soon now that I know that gagging is normal. It is a giant leap from the boob! lol

Richelle - posted on 12/10/2009

wow, dont you love it when some people think they are the only one in the whole world with a baby.. and they always assume they are right in every way.
each to their own. Good on you for trying to feed your bubs, because every year, there is another concern to add to the list for babies/pregancy..

Clair - posted on 12/09/2009

All babies are different and go at their own pace i sit and eat with Bella and she mimics my chewing(it's so cute) i started her with graduates puffs at 5 months now she wants everything not that i give it to her but if i feel that it is safe then i'll let her try it. Her older brother is the pickiest eater known to man so having Bella wanting to try everything is awsome.

Tessa - posted on 12/09/2009

Amber-I'm a little curious about where you got your information about what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends as the age for starting solid foods. I was looking on their website today and found this article on feeding your child solid foods.



http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Solids.ht...



So, before you bash parents with information and "facts", I suggest that you make sure that you are accurately quoting your sources. You can not simply make up facts in order to scare parents into believing the same way you do.

Tessa - posted on 12/09/2009

Bobbie - I bet you had no idea you were starting such an explosive topic. (=

When researching when to start solid foods for my own daughter, I found that there are very few topics that have quite some many differing opinions. I believe that you should do what is best for you and your own child's situation.

I began feeding my child cereal at four months because her tongue thrust reflex had disappeared and she was showing interest in food. I watered it down and never gave her more than a tablespoon a day. Now, four months later, she has tried a variety of foods, is breastfeeding well, and gaining weight appropriately. I am beginning to make her fruits and vegetables more chunky in order to accomodate her needs. I believe that a person can not learn about something until they are exposed to it. For instance, a baby can not learn to eat chunkier food until they are given chunkier food (at the proper time, of course). My eight month old daughter seems to be doing well with chunkier, not pureed, foods (such as banana that has been semi-mashed with a fork) but I don't think my little one is quite ready for actual cut up chunks of fruits and veggies. She seems to have too much difficulty with getting them down safely. But, I do use a mesh baby feeder (http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Fresh-Foo...) with larger chunks of fruits and veggies. She loves frozen fruit in it when she is teething. By using the mesh feeder, she is learning the motions of chewing, but I do not have to worry about her choking.

I hope this helps and wish you and your sweet baby all of the best.

Nicole - posted on 12/09/2009

My pediatrician told me to start my baby on rice cereal at 4mo., stage 1 at 6mo. and table food at 9mo. You can find many different views on any subject. You should just do what you think is best and what your doc suggest. You picked them for a reason, right. I also use the star puffs, the bitter biscuits, and the yogurt drops by gerber. But I started her out with the little mesh feeder. You can put anything in it and they learn to mash with their gums to get it out. Also,I know that breastfeeding is important and the best for your baby, but not everyone can breastfeed!!! I could only partially breastfeed and had to supplement with formula, soy formula. Posting false and negative information about formula is not only insensitive to mothers who have to formula feed, but socially irresponsible!!! This is a site to help mothers, not shame them.

Chloe - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting amber:

OH MY GOSH!.Who told u to even start cereal at 4 mo .. American peds says to not start solids until ATLEAST 6 months.OBVIOUSLY ur kid is not ready for solids. YOU SHOULD not have even fed puress until at least 6 mo .There are professionals out there that study a babys body and its proven a baby can not properly dijest solids correctly until at least 6 mo .Just because ur baby might show signs they are ready and they want it doesnt mean u give it to them .The body cant handle it .Kids eat candy but it doesnt mean its good for them .Seriously not to be rude but please do research.Also if u are breastfeeding keep it up .Its the best thing u can do for ur baby ! and benifits go WAY beyond the first six months .So if people tell u to wean at 6 mo its a crock of bull.By the way the gag reflex is the babys body telling them they are not ready for solids .

Amber, rice cereal is not an actual CEREAL. its like almost as fine as formula and when you mix it with water it makes a very liquidy paste. You can adjust it to the thickness you desire, but you're supposed to make it very liquidy to begin with. My pediatrician says you can start it at 4 months.

Dominique - posted on 12/07/2009

i would try the gerber puffs first, that what my son started on it helped him learn to mash his food on his own by chewing on it, but they dissolve in their mouths too, so you dont really have to worry about them choking on it.

Shelly - posted on 12/06/2009

My son has been eating small things for the last few weeks, and he is 2 weeks younger than your daughter. I gave him cracker crumbs first, and I mean crumbs. I pound on a ritz cracker and put a few crumbs on my finger for him. We are now giving him cheerios, but I bite off tiny pieces to give him. We literally give him about an 1/8 of a cheerios at a time. Don't give up. It's not too early. Just give her small small pieces. Make sure whatever you give her can melt in her mouth like crackers or cheerios. Test everything yourself. I also give Chase Gerber biter biscuits. Just watch her with these. As they get smaller, pieces fall off, so I just throw it away at that point.

Whitney - posted on 12/05/2009

wow this is a hot topic. i wouldn't have commented but I noticed that some were suggesting the puffs that "disolve" in the mouth....DONT give them to your baby especially if he's choking on stuff like bananas! My baby is a GREAT eater/gummer/biter and she chokes on those things sometimes because they DONT disolve fast enough. I even tried swooshing them around in my mouth and it took a bit too long (in my opinion) to disolve. Anyway, id stick to what you are doing as long as your baby is healthy and gaining enough weight, hes fine!

Alana - posted on 12/05/2009

As long as your baby can sit up well unsupported there is not much risk in choking as i have read in many books about solid foods. I think it just takes getting used to the different texture. Keep trying a bit each day. I too started my son on rice cereal at 4 months and he also had to get used to the lumpier texture of things at second stage weaning. Now im offering him small bits of soft vegies and fruit through the day to get him used to feeding himself.

Kerry - posted on 12/05/2009

"ma lil boy is the same i fink its just 2 early the stage 2 foods have got lil bits ov food in but not enough 4 them 2 realy notice. when eva my lil 1 puts solid food in 2 his mouth he chokes and it makes u panic cose u fink they carnt breath i fink if u try some fin hard that they carnt bite and get them used 2 haveing solids in there mouth that will be alot beta like carrot sticks

Kelly - posted on 12/05/2009

there could be a number of reasons why she choked and puked on these foods. My advice is keep giving the food. Its new for her. my 20 mth old son did the same thing to me. One other thing she might not like the food or she could have trouble chewing it. Just remember every child is different. good luck.

Jennifer - posted on 12/05/2009

Wow, is all I can say! Understand that each person loves their baby just as much as you do and everyone is doing what they think is best for their child. Obviosly there are alot of different, not right or wrong ways, to feed your baby. Do what you think is right and relax, most likely all of these children will grow up just fine. These little decisions will have little to no effect on the person they will become. Loving your child, doing what you think is best and teaching them to be unjudgemental will though.

Sarah - posted on 12/04/2009

I am not trying to be rude but when I read in my What to Expect The First Year book that babies were supposed to start cereals and solids around the 4th or 5th month I was shocked, then it went on to suggest that babies should begin sippy cups and finger foods between 7 and 8 mos I about lost it...maybe I dont want my baby to grow up too fast, but my son is not ready for finger foods yet and I would not want him to start finger foods yet either....reguardeless it is your decision as a mom whether you want your baby on finger foods yet or nit, but if your baby is gagging or choking so badly it makes them puke or turn red I would say wait on it for a few weeks if not a few mos.

My PED also told me to start my baby on solids at 4-5 mos. And I am on WIC, which told me to feed my son cereal because it has Iron, which your baby needs to grow and develop correctly, so if your baby is getting enough iron from breastmilk or from his regular foods then make sure he or she is eating iron enriched cereal and/or taking a multivitamin such as tri-vi sol, which my PED also perscribed, but you can get over the counter as well.

Stephanie - posted on 12/04/2009

every baby is different, and they all develop at their own pace. dont stop trying, but maybe offer smaller amounts at a time... my baby is eight months, and i too started her on cereal at 4 months, and now she is really chewing, loves to feed herself, i give her small pieces, but only small amounts at a time or she shoves a handful in her mouth and has that choking problem. so give smaller amounts at a time on her tray, or spoon, she will get the hang of it. oh and those gerber puffs, they also encourage chewing, but disolve safely, give her things to encourage chewing.

April - posted on 12/04/2009

I would try 3rd foods, which have some small chunks in it, before moving onto the solids. Maybe it is just too much of a texture change for you baby. As far as chewing, get their attention while you are eating and he/she will pick up that you chew your food and they have to too!

Rachel - posted on 12/04/2009

Lots of babies will gag because they arent used to the new texture instead of the food being runny. My daughter did the same and our DR told us to wait a few days and try again. Now she eats no problem.

Kerri - posted on 12/02/2009

Quoting Jane:

Hi Ladies, I just have to add that sometimes people have very strong opinions on things & when you ask a question on here I would assume that you would want all sides. I would never tell another mom she is a bad mom & I've been looking thru this thread to see if anyone said that & as far as I can see I couldn't find it. But what I did find is that some people are very passionate about the subject & just like politics, religion and abortion your going to find a huge difference in opinion. We are all moms & have worries & concerns & if there was a book that came with our babies we wouldn't have a website like this. We just all have to remember that we shouldn't take things personally. I think we should try to appriciate all points a view (even if we don't all agree) but all of us our taking time out of our day to put our 2 cents in & that alone should be a sign that all of us care. We should take the advice that best suits ourself & our babies & leave the rest.
Now I'm going to tell you what my ped. said about cereal which is something that surprised me & hasn't been said here yet. Dr.Beno said to never give my son baby cereal that it has no nutritional value & is loaded w/ empty calories & also makes a baby constipated, when I gave him a surprised look he compared it to an adult sitting down to a bag of chips. I was to start my son on pureed veggies 1st then onto fruits & meats last. At my son's 6th month check up there wasn't even mention of finger foods yet & his next appointment will be next month when he's 9 months & I would imagine that he will mention the start of some finger foods. I have a 13 year old son & he grew up sssooo fast & I'm not sure why everyone is in such a rush for their babies to crawl, feed themselves finger food, talk, walk ect. Trust me when I say they grow up so fast so just enjoy the stage they are in now. Don't worry our babies will do everything in their own time & there is no baby out there that will allow itself to starve (unless there is a medical problem). Just remember that if you have a major concern it's probably best to ask your peditrician & do some of your own personal reserch on the web because it's loaded w/ information. Ok I'm done now! (-; good luck to everyone!!

Well said and i do agree i did get upset with mothers making people feel bad for there choices. If i came across rude in anyway i do owe a apology. I just get angry when people feel there way is the only way. :) Thanks for the reply

Jane - posted on 12/02/2009

Hi Ladies, I just have to add that sometimes people have very strong opinions on things & when you ask a question on here I would assume that you would want all sides. I would never tell another mom she is a bad mom & I've been looking thru this thread to see if anyone said that & as far as I can see I couldn't find it. But what I did find is that some people are very passionate about the subject & just like politics, religion and abortion your going to find a huge difference in opinion. We are all moms & have worries & concerns & if there was a book that came with our babies we wouldn't have a website like this. We just all have to remember that we shouldn't take things personally. I think we should try to appriciate all points a view (even if we don't all agree) but all of us our taking time out of our day to put our 2 cents in & that alone should be a sign that all of us care. We should take the advice that best suits ourself & our babies & leave the rest.

Now I'm going to tell you what my ped. said about cereal which is something that surprised me & hasn't been said here yet. Dr.Beno said to never give my son baby cereal that it has no nutritional value & is loaded w/ empty calories & also makes a baby constipated, when I gave him a surprised look he compared it to an adult sitting down to a bag of chips. I was to start my son on pureed veggies 1st then onto fruits & meats last. At my son's 6th month check up there wasn't even mention of finger foods yet & his next appointment will be next month when he's 9 months & I would imagine that he will mention the start of some finger foods. I have a 13 year old son & he grew up sssooo fast & I'm not sure why everyone is in such a rush for their babies to crawl, feed themselves finger food, talk, walk ect. Trust me when I say they grow up so fast so just enjoy the stage they are in now. Don't worry our babies will do everything in their own time & there is no baby out there that will allow itself to starve (unless there is a medical problem). Just remember that if you have a major concern it's probably best to ask your peditrician & do some of your own personal reserch on the web because it's loaded w/ information. Ok I'm done now! (-; good luck to everyone!!

Michelle - posted on 12/02/2009

Thanks for this question. I've wondered much of the same and thought my little one just wasn't ready yet. We are using the biter biscuits and he seems to really like it but I watch him very closely.



As a side-note, I'm new to Circle of Moms and am thankful to have found a nice support group for various topics; however it is disappointing to read that some mom's come across as very judgmental. We are here for support, encouragement and advice - not to indicate anyone is a bad mother.

Kerri - posted on 12/01/2009

AMBER i would be glad, hey i will even give you an address. And cereal at 4 1/2 months is not by any mean bad for a babies stomach. Good for your opinion but do not put others down, our PEDS know what is best for our each child so again calm down. We would not put our child life in danger.

Gemma - posted on 12/01/2009

Hi Bobbie, your little one just needs to get used to the feel of different foods and how to gum foods before swallowing. My little one is the same age and he prefers to eat finger foods compared to puree foods. At the beginning I remember him gagging quite a bit and often does with a new taste, he now tackles anything and still with no teeth gets the sense of achievement when he conquers it. Stick to it, they do get the hang of it evenually and it will make things easier for you in the long run.

Lisha - posted on 12/01/2009

Try Graduated Puffs... she might need some time to get use to the texture... but the other things are to soon for... she needs to get use to chewing her food instead of just swallowing.

Amber - posted on 12/01/2009

Im not going to ENCOURAGE a mother to feed a child something that the baby CANT metabolize.. Please tell me who ur ped is .. I will be glad to call and ask if u were told to strt solids as early as 4 mo ..if so they are going against what the american peds association says . which is a whole slew of peds that have done research on babys body and what they can handle .. the point in docs saying what is getting bad every yr is because we have advanced in our research and science which means we find out how the human body works and how to make it better .. if it wasnt for research we wouldnt find cures for stuff. Im not going to support a mother to do something that is clearly something that a childs BODY is not ready for .. Sometimes people need to be told whats the right thing and woken up .. some just dont know any better .I will say and speak however I want .. I am speakin for the children not for the moms that make poor decisions . Thanks for ur input on me tho very nice:)

Hannah - posted on 12/01/2009

Well said! It's shocking how some mum's feel the need to put another mum down when they are reaching out for help. Support and encouragement is far better.

Kerri - posted on 11/30/2009

Amber you need to relax, practically every PED suggests starting cereal at 41/2 months. Circle of Moms is not here to bash people of there choices. If a mother feels it is the right time and her PED agrees then it is.
Every year they are saying something different is bad for your children, soon they are going to say no solid foods until a year. So as a mom who loves COM if you want to give advice keep in mind that making people feel bad is not the goal here.

Amber - posted on 11/30/2009

Quoting Jane:

LOL! Our mothers drank & smoked when they were pregnant (not mine but it wasn't looked down upon if they did), there was lead paint on our cribs, we slept on our tummy's (since the "Back to Sleep" campaign SIDS has gone way down) & we didn't even have to be in car seats (can you imagine not putting your child in a car seat?). There's also a link between starting solids to soon & obesity, it may not happen in their childhood but they're more likely to be obese sometime in their lives. Our parents just didn't know any better & there was obviously not as much research but now the information is out there & we should know better.

he he def true.. its amazing how people still use that when I was little .. I turned out speech .. hmmm no they didnt turn out fine .. todays older people have health issues out the waaaa zooo haha .. thanks for putting it nicely  very good info:)

Jane - posted on 11/30/2009

LOL! Our mothers drank & smoked when they were pregnant (not mine but it wasn't looked down upon if they did), there was lead paint on our cribs, we slept on our tummy's (since the "Back to Sleep" campaign SIDS has gone way down) & we didn't even have to be in car seats (can you imagine not putting your child in a car seat?). There's also a link between starting solids to soon & obesity, it may not happen in their childhood but they're more likely to be obese sometime in their lives. Our parents just didn't know any better & there was obviously not as much research but now the information is out there & we should know better.

Amber - posted on 11/30/2009

wow the whole .. when I was little .. LOOK I turned out fine speech .. wow just wow freaky do da day

Michelle - posted on 11/30/2009

Try different, less slick textures, like those starfish puffs or the biter biscuits. I think the bananas and avocados slide down too easily, it doesn't encourage them mashing the food first. My daughter has been on solids since 4 months and is on stage 3 baby food but now only wants to eat finger foods. The Earths Best teether biscuits are favorites as are the Gerber Star Puffs, you can also try small pieces of a soft bread bun. Once she gets used to grinding the food, you can try the slicker stuff again. And, most of all, don't listen to all the scare tactics trying to make you feel like you're a bad mom. Some people worry about everything these days. When we were kids (I'm 35) our parents just fed us small pieces from the table and, as far as I can tell, we all made it through. Good luck!

Amber - posted on 11/30/2009

by the way .. formula companys market formula sayin it has breastmilk qualities to it HAHAHAHAHAH .. these are the ingredients in formula and u tell me if its good for babys?

Infant Formula Contains:



MSG

Free aspartic acid

BPA

Fluorosis

DHA/ARA

Hexane

Mercury

Melamine

Cyanuric acid

Formaldehyde

Antinutrients/soy

Bacteria

Patent info on DHA and its extraction

Martek (IF corporation)

International Infant morality rates charts and formula



Here are some reference links to get you going and keep you informed



*MSG in formula

How many parents realize that MSG lurks in every bottle of formula given to their infants?

Patients have stronger reactions to MSG than arsenic or mercury.

In children, however, the destruction of healthy brain tissue is not the only problem associated with glutamate. A child's brain is growing, and it is suspected that excess glutamate causes connections to be made inappropriately. Certain sensors on the neurons, called growth cones, allow the neurons to detect and grow along chemical trails in the brain, ultimately constructing the necessary pathways.

http://www.curezone.com/foods/msg.asp

A child experiencing "innumerable seizures" at 6 months of age showed dramatic improvements after removal of MSG from the child’s diet. Brain Damage in Primates Evident 5 Hours after MSG Ingestion

http://www.chem-tox.com/pregnancy/pregms...

http://www.truthinlabeling.org/formulaco...

http://www.westonaprice.org/children/msg...

http://www.ezhealthydiet.com/msg-side-ef...

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/m...



Some other names for MSG

The following substances contain the highest percentage of factory created free glutamate, with MSG containing 78%:

*msg myths.com/hidename.htm*

MSG Gelatin Calcium Caseinate

Monosodium glutamate Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) Textured Protein

Monopotassium glutamate Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP) Yeast Extract

Glutamate Autolyzed Plant Protein Yeast food or nutrient

Glutamic Acid Sodium Caseinate Autolyzed Yeast

Vegetable Protein Extract Senomyx (wheat extract labeled as artificial flavor)

The following substances contain some factory created free glutamate in varying amounts. Please note that some food labels list several of these items, which can add up to a considerable and dangerous amount in one product:



Malted Barley (flavor) Natural Flavors, Flavors, Flavoring Modified food starch

Barley malt Reaction Flavors Rice syrup or brown rice syrup

Malt Extract or Flavoring Natural Chicken, Beef, or Pork, Flavoring "Seasonings" (Most assume this means salt, pepper, or spices and herbs, which sometimes it is.) Lipolyzed butter fat

Maltodextrin, dextrose, dextrates Soy Sauce or Extract "Low" or "No Fat" items

Caramel Flavoring (coloring) Soy Protein Corn syrup and corn syrup solids, high fructose corn syrup

Stock Soy Protein Isolate or Concentrate Citric Acid (when processed from corn)

Broth Cornstarch fructose (made from corn) Milk Powder

Bouillon Flowing Agents Dry Milk Solids

Carrageenan Wheat, rice, corn, or oat protein Protein Fortified Milk

Whey Protein or Whey Anything enriched or vitamin enriched Annatto

Whey Protein Isolate or Concentrate Protein fortified "anything" Spice

Pectin Enzyme modified proteins Gums (guar and vegetable)

Protease Ultra-pasteurized dairy products Dough Conditioners

Protease enzymes Fermented proteins Yeast Nutrients

Lecithin Gluten and gluten flour Protein powders: whey, soy, oat, rice (as in protein bars shakes and body building drinks)

Amino acids (as in Bragg's liquid amino acids and chelated to vitamins) Algae, phytoplankton, sea vegetable, wheat/ barley grass powders



*Fluoride/Fluorosis

Infant Formula and the Risk for Enamel Fluorosis

http://www.cdc.gov/FLUORIDATION/safety/i...

What is Fluoride?

What are some effects of Fluoride on the body?

Why is fluoride in infant formula?



*BPA

The chemical is bisphenol A, or BPA, a component of the plastic epoxy resins used to line metal food cans. Dozens of laboratory studies show that BPA affects the developing brain and reproductive systems of animals exposed to low doses during pregnancy and early life.

1 of every 16 infants fed the formula would be exposed to the chemical at doses **exceeding** those that caused harm in laboratory studies.

http://www.ewg.org/reports/infantformula

Based on its analysis of existing research on BPA, even a very small amount of the compound may cause a host of problems, from brain and behavioral disorders to cancer, a claim the formula makers and federal regulators adamantly deny.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/12/04/bpa...

Bisphenol A (BPA), known as the 'gender bender' chemical, leaches into liquid baby formula from the linings of cans at levels dangerous to infant health

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Indu...

BPA what is it?

What effects does BPA have on the human body?

Why do the formula companies use BPA?





*DHA

omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, produced in laboratories and extracted from algae and fungus, into infant formulas. The report presents disturbing research indicating that the new additives placed in infant formula are seriously endangering the health of some formula-fed newborns and toddlers. algal-and fungal-based DHA/ARA have been linked to serious side effects such as virulent diarrhoea and vomiting in infants consuming infant formula.

http://www.cornucopia.org/replacing-moth...

http://cornucopia.org/DHA/DHA_FullReport...

April 15, 2008–The Cornucopia Institute filed a legal complaint with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) today, demanding that the agency enforce the organic regulations prohibiting toxic solvents from being used in the production of organic food.



http://www.circleoffood.com/blog/2008/04...

*DHA/ARA that has been extracted from laboratory-grown fermented algae and fungus and processed utilizing a toxic chemical, hexane. Here's a link to the full report: http://cornucopia.org/DHA/DHA_FullReport...



*Hexane

In some cases the oils are extracted from non-toxic algae and soil fungus using chemicals such as hexane, acid and bleach.

Hexane is a volatile liquid found in glue and gasoline. When inhaled in high volumes it can cause nausea, euphoria, headaches and nerve damage. You can read more about the hexane process and formula supplementation by downloading a report at the Cornucopia Institute.

http://www.organic-baby-resource.com/org...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexane



*Mercury

Mercury is simply one of the most toxic substances you can put into the human body, aside from radioactive substances. As human beings, we're the only species stupid enough to actually poison ourselves.

http://www.naturalnews.com/008511.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-hat...



*Melamine

Humans and animals that consume toxic doses of melamine develop kidney stones. These hard crystals can block urinary flow and make urination painful. They can also cause kidney failure and death, pediatric kidney specialist Marc B. Lande, MD, MPH, of the University of Rochester, N.Y., tells WebMD.

http://children.webmd.com/news/20081126/...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/2...

Hiding the truth about melamine formula The FDA exists for only one purpose: To protect the profits of powerful food and drug companies. Babies be damned.

http://www.naturalnews.com/News_000554_m...



*Cyanuric acid

This white, odorless solid finds use as a precursor or a component of bleaches, disinfectants, and herbicides.

When cyanuric acid is administered together with melamine (which by itself is another low-toxicity substance), they may form extremely insoluble crystals,[10] leading to formation of kidney stones and potentially causing kidney failure and death -- as evidenced in dogs and cats during the 2007 pet food contamination and in children during the 2008 Chinese milk scandal cases.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanuric_ac...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles...



*Formaldehyde

It is lethal at very high doses by ingestion and considered a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer

Formaldehyde damages DNA, kills cells and causes cell proliferation

http://stats.org/stories/2009/baby_bath_...

Melamine resin is manufactured by mixing urea with formaldehyde under heat and pressure. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-melamine...

Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in bath products for children. Many products tested for this study contained both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, including the top-selling Johnson's Baby Shampoo and Sesame Street Bubble Bath.

http://yubanet.com/life/Children-s-Bath-...



*Bacteria

Powdered infant formula is not sterile which means it may contain bacteria

Enterobacter sakazakii is a gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium within the family Enterobacteriaceae. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on a fatal case of meningitis in an intensive care nursery in Tennessee. The infecting organism was Enterobacter sakazakii, an unusual but often fatal, invasive pathogen. In the fatal Tennessee case, the infection was traced to contaminated powdered infant formula

http://www.foodpoisonblog.com/2007/06/ar...

http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/food-...



The recent expert meeting recommended that caregivers to infants, particularly those at high risk (see

Q 4.), should be regularly alerted to the fact that powdered infant formula is not a sterile product.

http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publicatio...

Charts on bacteria growth and temperatures (not sure if this is a play it safe one by formula company scientists)

http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/y5502e/y55...



*Soy formula

…soybeans act as potent enzyme inhibitors. These "antinutrients" block the action of trypsin and other enzymes needed for protein digestion. In test animals, diets high in trypsin inhibitors depress growth and cause enlargement and pathological conditions of the pancreas, including cancer. Soybeans also contain high levels of phytic acid or phytates. This is an organic acid, present in the outer portion of all seeds, which blocks the uptake of essential minerals-calcium, magnesium, iron and especially zinc-in the intestinal tract. A reduced rate of growth is especially serious in the infant as it causes a delay in the accumulation of lipids in the myelin, and hence jeopardizes the development of the brain and nervous system.

http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/infant.h...



*Patent info on DHA and its extraction *(assigned by Martek Bioscience corp)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

it is an object of the present invention to provide a single-cell edible oil containing DHA. In general, it is an object of the present invention to produce single-cell oil in commercially viable yields (one that doesn’t smell offensive because of the source of the ingredients fish eyes etc). The oil, characterized herein as a "designer" oil, after extraction can be used in infant formulas, baby foods, dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals.

http://www.patentgenius.com/patent/53975...



*Martek and a look at their finances and ratings in early 2009

Product sales were up 7% versus last years first quarter.

The strength of our core infant formula business, growing consumer awareness of the health benefits of DHA

http://seekingalpha.com/article/124181-m...



*International Infant morality rates charts and formula

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/artic...





also baby food companys market baby food for as young as 4 mo to make MONEY!! DUH!!... JUST LIKE CANDY .Candy companys say how yummy this is but obviously its not good for them . encouraging people to start solids before medical doctors and medical evidence has suggested is not smart.. if they say a babys body cant digest if properly then what is the point .. babys get lil to no nutritional content from baby food its mainly for practice for when they're body IS ready . Babys will pretty much eat anything that satisfies they're taste buds.. the sweetness of baby jar food, the texture of finger foods and so on are appealing thats why ur baby takes them willingly . But it doesnt mean its good nor does it mean they are digesting it properly .. yes it might come out the other end but they arent getting the nutrients from it because they're bodys dont know how to obsorb them yet because they're bodys arent matured enough .. so encouraging solids before 6 mo is not smart and its even more rediculous doing it at 11 weeks or 3 mo or so on before the 6 mo min mark .. there is research everywhere .. so I would advice searching through it and finding out the real facts.

Amber - posted on 11/30/2009

wow.. people baffle me thats all I can say .. get a clue

Lauren - posted on 11/30/2009

By the way, as the mum, you know your child better than anyone so do what u feel is right!!! Dont let anyone tell you your wrong. People say dont introduce solids until 6 months, some say dont until 12 months. I did at 11 weeks (rice cereal), he is now 8 months and I still BF him and he is healthy and happy so each o there own!

Lauren - posted on 11/30/2009

Each to there own but yes its normal in my oppinion. She is just not use to chunks and lumps, babies have such a sensitive gag reflex that she just needs to get use to he chewing motion, she is so use to just swallowing the puree without having to chew etc that she will try the same with chunks until she learns. Give little bits at a time and offer water inbetween. My boy did the same about 2 months ago when I introduced more chunkier food now he loves it, sometimes screws up the face like he hates it but it is just him working it all out. I mash boiled egg with a bit of water, Avo, Banana, Mango. Those litlle mesh things are great to get your bub into chewing motion too, I put a big bit of pear or apple in it or even Ice and he chews on it for ages, gets the flavour without risking any choking.!!! Good luck.

Hannah - posted on 11/30/2009

Try not to worry. You are obviously a very caring and conscientious Mum (having written your concerns here). Yes, it is advised to wean your baby at 6 months but it is also true that you can begin at 4 months (if it was that bad for their development then food producers would not be allowed to create food available from 4 months onwards). I began Ava with baby rice at 5 and a half as she had begun to show signs of hunger and it suited her fine.
The first finger food I tried with her were organic carrot crisps, she was about 7 months when we tried these (they are like fat cigars) and were easy for her to hold, and like some posts above, they kind of dissolved in her mouth. From there we moved onto banana (however, watch out as Ava has such a strong grip she tends to squeeze it in her hands before it gets to her mouth sometimes). We are now giving her bread and this week I will try toast. She has gagged once or twice and no, it was not nice to watch.
Keep trying, but space it out so that he doesn't start associating feeding time with the not very nice feeling of gagging. And just be there for him.

Michelle - posted on 11/29/2009

I have been using the mesh feeder by munchkin. This looks like a pacifier with a mesh holding area where the nipple of a pacifier would be. I found that this works wonderfully for my 7month 2 week old son as I can give him people food... like apples, grapes, pears, mangos, oranges, pineapple, chicken, turkey, beef ect. and he has to mash it (gum it) in order for small non choking pieces can get through the mesh. He absolutely LOVES frozen grapes and apples. I leave the skins on as they do not pass through the mesh. I have been most happy with this. Please keep in mind, my baby did not start solids until he was 6 months old and the pediatrician gave us the go ahead and the mesh feeder is for 6 months or older.

Jane - posted on 11/29/2009

From what I've read Amber (the above reply) is right.

Amber - posted on 11/29/2009

OH MY GOSH!.Who told u to even start cereal at 4 mo .. American peds says to not start solids until ATLEAST 6 months.OBVIOUSLY ur kid is not ready for solids. YOU SHOULD not have even fed puress until at least 6 mo .There are professionals out there that study a babys body and its proven a baby can not properly dijest solids correctly until at least 6 mo .Just because ur baby might show signs they are ready and they want it doesnt mean u give it to them .The body cant handle it .Kids eat candy but it doesnt mean its good for them .Seriously not to be rude but please do research.Also if u are breastfeeding keep it up .Its the best thing u can do for ur baby ! and benifits go WAY beyond the first six months .So if people tell u to wean at 6 mo its a crock of bull.By the way the gag reflex is the babys body telling them they are not ready for solids .

Mex-Tex - posted on 11/28/2009

My son initially started doing that but it is his gag reflex keep trying it! Just make sure that the pieces are well puree and work from there. Keep at it! dont Give up!

Jennifer - posted on 11/27/2009

The docs say that if she is grabbing at the spoon when you go to put the food into her mouth then you can begin to start feeding her small finger foods.They have Gerber Graduates finger foods for babies just beginning to self feed they melt in their mouths.If your little one is doing that sign or any of the signs on the back of the package of the Gerber Graduates finger foods packages then she should be ready to start sampling the finger foods but be very careful and watch her very very closely.I hope this helps!

Jacey - posted on 11/27/2009

Have you tried giving smaller pieces on your daughters highchair tray, my 71/2 mnth old daughter loves blueberries and bananas so i halve the blueberries and cut the banana in to small pieces i then put them on the tray as a snack and it keeps her busy for ages also helps with her hand and eye coordination,

Nicole - posted on 11/26/2009

I have also tried my son on finger food, and the first few times he swallowed too chunky and choked, I have a pat on the back and he spat it out. Now, he mashes it up in his mouth before he swallows and if he tries to swallow too much he can bring it up himself. I think you need to try and let him figure it out, just be close until your sure he won't choke anymore.

Lauren - posted on 11/26/2009

I've been making my son's food since he started solids at 5 months, so he actually prefers the chunkier version of foods. But, he also hasn't mastered gumming down hard finger foods. I gave him some Cheerios and he swallowed them whole. It sounds like he made the same face your daughter did. He got red faced and grunted. I think it was irritating his throat as it went down. So, I tried holding a single Cheerio up to his mouth. After trying to suck it down, he slowly started to gum it out of my fingers. When it was sufficiently soft, I put it in his mouth and he swallowed it. He's slowly starting to chomp more of his chunkier foods now ( like beef ), so I'm going to try finger foods again in a few weeks. Maybe you could try a soft little piece of the banana or avacado and see if your daughter tries to gum it away?
Also, I give my son a big piece of apple or other hard fruit to gum and lick at snack time. He can't break a piece off, but he's starting to try. I think these are safe ways for my son to experiment with chewing, and they seem to be slowly working. I am also a little leary of putting "hard" food in his mouth until he's a little more practiced. So I think it's OK to take it slow.
Good luck! I'm sure our kids will get sick of soft food sooner or later.

Lucy - posted on 11/25/2009

Ok Im going to completely disagree that babies have to have pureed or mushed up food or they'l choke because it is simply untrue!



With Amelia i have done something called baby led weaning or baby led solids (search it) this involves ONLY giving finger foods (whole chunks of regular tablefood) for the start of the weaning process at 6 months. Amelia's first taste of anything other than breastmilk was a finger of wholemeal toast with cottage cheese on, a floret of steamed brocolli, a big chunk of roasted sweet potato and a chunk of banana.



There is noneed to puree or mash food for babies once they are 6 months regardless of wether they have teeth or not (Amelia doesn't have any and manages absolutely everything including meat)



Bobbie, the choking you refer to was probably not choking and was gagging. If a baby is choking they will turn blue in the face and will be unable to cough or make any noises, if they are coughing and spluttering they are gagging on the food. Gagging is a reflex which helps stop babies from choking, the gag reflex on a baby is also much further forwad than on an adult so when they start to gag the food is actually no where near the back of their mouth and their throats. When babies gag they are learning to control the food in their mouth by moving it around to enable them not to choke.



Now im not saying gagging is pleasant, as Amelia gagged on lots of things during the first couple of weeks of weaning and still very occasionally gags now, but after a few goes with solid food babies get much better at controlling it in their mouths and therefore the gagging stops.



Good ideas for first foods that i found didn't cause much gagging were toast with various toppings, squash baked beans down on to it etc, roasted vegetables have always been a favourite, i tend to cut them into finger pieces around 10cm long and 4 or 5sm wide and thick so baby can get a good hold and give it a good chew.



Good luck with everything.

Heather - posted on 11/24/2009

It may be a little too soon, if she is choking. Babies have to be able to mash the food in their mouth before they swallow it, or they will choke. Try the biter biscuits, or the baby mum mums (rice husks) She can practice with these and may be less likely to choke. I tried to give my son, who is also 71/2 months, various soft finger foods to try, and he either did not like them, or he would gag (it could be that she didnt like the new texture) He loves his cookies though (biter biscuits) and he makes a huge mess! There is no rush...its recomended to try finger foods between 7-9 months...but thats not a rule :)

Kerri - posted on 11/24/2009

Hey i was the exact same as you!!! It is not too soon, just try different things. All the moms on here gave me great suggestions.
Graduates by Gerber make these things called Star Puffs, they say the are for 12months plus but they are not. They dissolve in the mouth right away i tried them myself. Also they are cookies called Baby MUM-MUMS. Again they dissolve quickly. That is what these are met for to get your little one used to chewing. Once they get the hang of that try the food by heinz that says from 8months, it has chunks of foods that mash in the mouth easily. Jakob tried it today and loved it. Once they have the chewing down then start with more "big people food".
Also if you each under my name i posted your exact same question, maybe some of there answers can help too. Good Luck!!

Summer - posted on 11/24/2009

Stop. Put down the food. Too soon, too soon, too soon!