started solids!! rice cereal

Kristina - posted on 02/18/2010

My son, Jacob, was born on Sept 15. I started him on rice cereal on Jan 25, even though the doctor urged us to wait. He was having trouble sleeping through the night. In order to get him back on his normal night schedule . . . making me and my husband happier parents. Jacob seemed like he was hungrier, but wouldn't take more formula. He gets a tablespoon every day between 1-2 pm ET. He loves it and enjoys eating with a spoon. I also add one teaspoon of 100% baby juice, per our nurse's recommendation. He was having trouble with his stools (extremely tough). Jacob also gets a 2 ounce juice bottle (a mix of 1 ounce juice, 1 ounce water). I believe parents know better sometimes when their baby is ready depending on the frequency of bottle feedings. Jacob still takes a 5-6 ounce formula bottle every 3 hours.

Susan - posted on 02/14/2010

Cayden was born Sept 7th..I started him on rice cereal at 3 1/2 months...fruits and veggies at 4 with dr permission. I really had no choice unless I wanted to keep feeding him every 1 1/2 hrs!! He gets food 3 times a day with a small bottle and a large bottle in between meals and at bedtime. (I can no longer breastfeed) You just have to go with your baby's signals and trust your instincts. Every child is different. When they are ready, they are ready.

Olivia - posted on 02/13/2010

My first child didn't really get interested in food until he was a year old. My second child, who is four months, started pulling the plates of food towards his mouth. I just started him on rice cereal and he loves it. My ped. said four months for rice cereal and six months for solid food like bananas.

Brenda - posted on 02/12/2010

My daughter was born Sept 22nd. At her 4 month check-up last week, the doctor said she doesn't need anything but breast milk for the first six months, but if we want, she can start the cereal since she's reached the 4 month mark. We were planning to wait til 5 months, but right now she's having a growth spurt so we may try it next weekend if she doesn't settle back to her routine this coming week.

I know breast feeding is all supply and demand, but I don't know that she's getting enough because she gets distracted at feedings (no matter how quiet and boring it is) and it doesn't seem like I'm pumping any more than I did before. (I pump to try to increase my supply.) I'm actually anxious to see how she takes to cereal! If she's not ready, I'm still happy being her only source of food. =)

Emily - posted on 02/11/2010

I hear the same things about breast-fed babies, but my little one started getting teeth at 3 months old! For my two year old, I did wait, but this time around I thought I might do things differently. She seems to eat it really well. Lately she has been biting down towards the end of nursing, which is usually when I assume she is all done. Part of me wonders if I am cutting her off too early, which is why I'm diving into solid foods. The biting down thing isn't pleasant for me, to say the least. But for your situation, I really don't think it will hurt him as long as you continue to nurse him enough. Hope this helps. By the way, do you feel that spicy foods can effect the breast milk? My pediatrician says no, but sometimes I wonder.

Jodie - posted on 02/03/2010

Seth was born Sept 18th , And we started feeding him a tablespoon of cereal for weeks now. There was never a problem with him. He slept better and longer, he is alot more satisfied and over all a happier baby. Tho the public health nurse and dr both seems to try and tell me i was hurting him.

Tori - posted on 02/03/2010

My son was born on 9/15...and I started him on rice cereal at exactly 4 months...he loves it! Our pediatrician also said start him on the stage one vegies...so he's had carrots and now sweet potatoes. He is a hungry boy, and it makes more sense to have a breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedule. He is a happy boy and sleeps all night! All pediatricians are different though, and who knows what is more right than the next?! :-) You know, as a mom, what is best for your little one!

Anne - posted on 02/03/2010

i'm doing some rice cereal mixed with expressed milk, but she just spits it back at me and laughs. oh well...i'll keep trying. congrats on your success!

Alyss - posted on 02/03/2010

That's great and exciting news! My little Ashley born 13/09/09, has been drinking me "dry" by the afternoon and I was starting to get a little upset, not to mention sore!!! I took him to the child health clinic and they told me he was underweight and I need to feed him more often! He's not at all underweight, he's a very healthy breastfed baby, I'm small and so was my husband (before we put on weight during our pregnancy!). I have given him tastes of banana (wasnt too sure), peach (loved it so much he sucked the entire piece I was holding for him to taste, into his mouth! had to fish it out quickly) and pear (he vomited his feed and kept gagging-didnt like the taste). He has had 1 try of rice cereal and was opening his mouth and sucking the spoon and swallowing the small amount he didnt squish out with his tongue. I think our babies are perfectly fine to start trying things, just need to make sure that we do it slowly and 1 thing at a time with a few days in between to monitor any allergic reactions. Ashley is lactose intolerant like both of us :( and I've been able to monitor that through what I eat as it was passing through my breastmilk. We need to make sure we know exactly what we are feeding our bubbies! My erky feeling is that I'm not producing enough milk and I'm being too confident in trying things! He loves it though, he thinks mummy is playing games, he laughs and slaps his hands around and is always keen to open his mouth for a try. Precious aren't they!

Victoria - posted on 02/02/2010

My husband and I started our wee girl on solids at 4mth also. She's been eating the rice cereal for a while now, and we have recently started adding pureed apple to the mix. Seems she enjoys it more so now with the apple! I think you have made a great decision. I was disheartened by alot of people telling me I was 'forcing' my daughter to accept the solids, but just like you, she was more than ready! You're gut feeling will always help you make those sorts of decisions, and besides, babies usually have their say one way or another anyway. : )

Bridget - posted on 02/02/2010

My ped said to wait until 4 months to start solids. I started at 3 months as my son born sept 14, 09 had all the signs he was ready. He started on first foods for a few weeks and then moved on to the 2nd stage foods by 4 months. He now eats 3-4 jars a day plus his bottles, he is thriving and at 4 1/2 mos weighs in just under 18 pounds. The drs worry about intestinal problems if they start to young but if your baby is stooling ok eating solids why wait/

Melissa - posted on 02/02/2010

I am going to start my son this week I think after reading all of this. I am from England but have lived in Canada since I was 9, and I am almost 20 now. Over here they say wait until 6 months, but in England they start at 4 months so I am going to give it a go.

Melissa - posted on 02/02/2010

I really want to feed him rice cereal, but the same as you, people tell me not until he is 6 months old, and I am trying to be careful. I am so impatient its like I am rushing things to see what new things he does. I am trying to wait until 6 months old but my nephew is 10 months now and he started at 3 months. Go with instinct. all I have to say is that before they decided what months to start them on, babies were fine then too.

Erika - posted on 02/02/2010

I started giving my baby boy rice cereal when he turned 4 months because he was constantly hungry, my ped said it was ok. He likes the oatmeal cereal better and I recently started giving him fruit in purees and he loves them. Since I stopped working for now I have enough time to make the purees I think they taste better than the store bought, try visitng www.wholesomebabyfood.com they have a lot of great advice for starting solids.

Mylene - posted on 02/02/2010

My little Sept 4th girl also had all the signs and I started this week too. She does not like the rice cereal at all, but she will gobble up the oatmeal one. She has had no side effects at all and doc said it was ok.

Kathy - posted on 02/02/2010

Your welcome Ashley, I'm still on a little thicker than soup and my girl gobbles it up. She'll make a funny face like she doesn't want it the first few mouthfuls then she sucks it right up. She still wants to use the sucking on the spoon, so I can see why the Dr said to start that way.

Lindsey - posted on 02/02/2010

My doctor said to start our baby on rice cereal at 4 months! So i guess every doctor and book say something different!

Julee - posted on 02/02/2010

I started my Sofie (born 9/13/09) on solids after her four month check-up on the 19th of January. She is not really loving it...makes an awful face when I put it in her mouth, and doesn't really "eat" yet, but, I try everyday. I am feeding her oatmeal cereal, as I was putting it in her night time bottle for over a month (tried rice cereal, but it constipated her something awful!). So, we'll see. However, to answer your question, her pediatric nurse praciticioner suggested to try cereal now...so I did! Also, he is still getting breastmilk, right? Don't "erk," if it felt right to you, then it was time.

Tuia - posted on 02/02/2010

My son started eating rice cereal & the baby food (pureed apples and etc...) a week before he turned four months. He still has breast milk but one feed a day he will have a type of solid, either the baby food or rice cereal. We use farex for the rice cereal which is great stuff because I can mix my breast milk in with it so he's still getting the goodness of my breast milk. He has about a quarter of the jar and LOVES it. but he's also a bit of a fatty when it comes to eating. He's my chubba bubba. (:

Dottie - posted on 02/01/2010

My baby will be 5 months on the 9th and I started her on Baby Rice cereal at 3 months Dr. said it was okay then I added Barley cereal at about 4 months she had a diaper rash so I used desitin & poder cleared that up & recently tried again no reaction so I started her on stage one green beans she spits them out I don't think she likes them! lol She's a chunky monkey now 19 lb She's Breastfed

Roschelle - posted on 02/01/2010

YES I HAVE STARTED MY GIRLS WERE BORN ON THE 5TH SEPTEMBER AND THEY R LOVING THE RICE CEREAL. THEY HAVE STARTED DEMONSTRATING CHEWING MOVEMVEMENTS WITH THEIR MOUTH AND TONGUES

Lynea - posted on 02/01/2010

I started my little guy on solids at exactly 4 months. My doc did say that it isn't neccesary till 6 months but found no problem with starting at 4 months. I actually skipped cereal all together because my little guy gets gassy easily. So we started him on sweet potatoes and a new food every four days after.

Sandrella - posted on 02/01/2010

Jasmine was born Sept 30, 2009 and I started her on organic brown rice cereal a week ago. I give her two teaspoons a day-one mixed in with her formula and the second serving after another bottle. She loves it and opens her mouth if I'm too slow feeding it to her! So cute.

Jennifer - posted on 02/01/2010

we are my baby was born on sept 10th and we started him on rice cereal giving him 2 tablespoons in the morning and before bed...and about a week later we gave him some regular baby food and he loved it....we started with vegies and then moved to greens and now he is on fruits. his doctor said he is absolutely fine to eat like that. I don't know what i would do if he didn't get his food now because he eats it all up so fast....

Ashley - posted on 02/01/2010

Wow thanks Kathy!!! I will try that b/c Miriam certainly seems ready for cereal as I stated earlier she use to take it out of the bottle now she eats it off the spoon I never thought about making it a bit thicker than soup.
Thanks

Kathy - posted on 02/01/2010

I know I already put my reply in, just wanted to tell you how our Dr said to start solids, and when I told my mom she said that even sounded right to her. First the rice cereal, start off just thicker than soup so that the baby can learn to swallow it, and gradually get thicker to let them gets used to it. Then introduce the oatmeal cereal, then mixed cereal, and once they are used to those three she said to start veggies because if you start fruit some babies don't want to eat the veggies because they don't taste as good. She also said to introduce meats last as they are the hardest for the baby to digest. She told me that starting a baby on something that her system isn't ready for, regardless of if she likes it or not can result in an allergic type reaction leading you to believe your child is allergic to something that they just weren't ready for.

Sophie - posted on 02/01/2010

My daughter (born 27th Sept.) weighing 6lbs (13lbs at 15 weeks) has been on solids since 15 weeks as she was only drinking about 600mls of formula per day! She now has at 18 weeks - breakfast, cereal made using some formula and then the rest of the formula after, lunch - puree fruit follwed by formula, tea - puree veg followed by formula then bedtime at 10pm - formula. She eats quite alot of solids a good 3 tablespoons at every meal but she loves it and is still drinking the same amount of formula so i'm happy, I went against the advice of my Health Visitor but I don't care she's thriving and that is all that matters!

Ashley - posted on 02/01/2010

I meant to say also I fully breastfed Miriam

Camille - posted on 02/01/2010

Hi my daughter was born on September 11th 2009 she breastfeeds only, but was showing signs of readiness for solids so I stated her on rice cereal and she is happy and full.

Ashley - posted on 02/01/2010

Oh yes, I have Miriam was born Sept. 26th 2009. She wld take cereal out of the bottle then she started teething and wnt take a bottle now. So we feed it to her by spoon as well she dsnt take too many bites so I figured she dsnt care for the baby cereal. She likes real food lol. When I give her fruit or potatoes she loves it. You always kno what's best for you baby dnt second guess yourself every baby is different.

Amanda - posted on 01/31/2010

yup! my girlie is eating rice cereal, but shes not taking to it well :/ i was actually told by our pediatrician to start her on it at 4 months! so you made a good decision. she shows the signs of readiness, just wants her bottle more. and shes smart, she knows where i put it, and stares at it and cries if i try the cereal first, middle or last!

Tara - posted on 01/31/2010

Ours was born on Sept. 11th. We started ours on rice cereal about a tablespoon in the bottle about a month ago. He was always hungry and yes we have now at 4 months started him on solid foods and cereal. The dr said that most say wait until 6 months but most boys he said were too hungry to wait past 4. He is not a chubby baby either. At almost 5 months he is at 13.6 pounds which the dr said must be muscle since he is still in 0-3 month clothes. Hope this helps.

Sharee - posted on 01/31/2010

I was told the WHO World Health Organisation 2010 states that babys can start solids from 4 months. I think my baby is also showing the signs she is ready as I feel she is no longer satisfied on milk alone anymore. she is 4.5 months and weighs 7.4 kg. she has slept through the night since she was 10 days old and recently has been waking for feeds, do you think this is a good sign she is ready? or do you think I should just increase milk feeds?

Carly - posted on 01/31/2010

i know right the doc told me that my daughter was more than ready at her 4 month checkup so that was enough encouragement for me. i think next week we will start the pureed foods! i am starting her twice a day on the cereal tomorrow! MY daughter isnt fat but she is chubby she weighs 17lbs and 6 oz today!

KIMBERLY - posted on 01/31/2010

This is very encouraging to hear! I thought I was crazy for wanting to give her ceral but I see so many have started. I keep seeing her go to eat my food and she doesn't seem satisifed after she eats right now, so we'll see if the DR will listen or fight me on it!!

Maya - posted on 01/31/2010

My son was also born on 9/4/09 and he now eats a 2.5 oz. jar of organic baby food twice a day. He loves it and opens his mouth right away for more. He's not a fat baby at all so that part doesn't concern me. I never had to force it with him, I think we can tell if our baby is ready and mine was at almost 4 months old.

Lauren - posted on 01/31/2010

my son has the same birthday and we started him on rice cereal about 3 weeks ago and he loves it! i want to move onto pureed fruits and veggies

Carly - posted on 01/31/2010

I totally agree! i started my little on the cereal about two weeks ago and now she stays staisfied more especially since she is teething she wasnt nursing that much anymore. now she is happy and loves to get in her chair cuz she knows what is coming! now i have her on two tablespoons cuz before she was screaming afterwards! She wouldnt take it very watery so i kept making it thicker till she liked it and now it works out great and she is still pooping good too!

Rochelle - posted on 01/31/2010

My daughter turned 4 months on the 29th of jan and i started her on solids wen she was 3 and a half months. She was also showing all the signs, she enjoys her food. I have now moved her on to pureed fruit and vege as she has got bored with the rice cereal.

KIMBERLY - posted on 01/31/2010

My daughter was born 9.25.09 and the DR has not yet been willing to start her on solids. But everytime I eat she stares and opens her mouth like she wants it! I feel so bad!! I went and bought the ceral and am waiting til the next apt this week to see if he will allow me to do so. I think DR are great but I think sometimes since we are with them everyday all day, we know better! It is nice to see other moms are doing it and it is okay!!!!

Ally - posted on 01/31/2010

Hey Chick iv got a lil girl Mia born on sep 4th and iv had her on solids for about 4weeks the only one she really loves in pumpkin potato and beef she is starting to like more now though. i was the same as you wanted to wait till 6months dr told me that they only need milk till then but all babies are diff if your lil one loves it like you say then it must be right if th bub wasnt ready then they wouldn eat it...dont stress about what people tell you do what you think is right. trust your heart.

Tsegi - posted on 01/30/2010

At 4 month, My son started on rice cereal as well, he loves being fed by spoon that he refused to take his bottle for a couple of days. He still loves breasfeeding.

Tracy - posted on 01/30/2010

i started my son at 4mnths and he was born in sept.hes a hungry baby so i was told to put him on sma white.he only has bout spoonful evry mornin followed by a bottle.i think too many people go by the book.it doesnt do any harm.

Heather - posted on 01/30/2010

My son was born September 9th. I started giving him rice cereal at 4 months. He hated it though and wouldnt eat it so I bought Organic Oatmeal and Make it kinda runny and he Loves it! He is also eating stage one Organic gerbers. He loooooves Carrots, Yams, Apples and Bananas!! In the morning I give Him oatmeal and a fruit and then he has his bottles throughout the day and a veggie and fruit for dinner then a bottle at bed.

Tabetha - posted on 01/30/2010

My son was born Sept 13th and I started him on rice cereal a few weeks ago. He doesnt take it off the spoon nearly as nice as your son tho, lol. I consulted my dr as to why the recomendation was to wait till 6 mo to start cereal when just a few years ago when my 5 yr old as a baby the recommendation was to start cereal at 4 mo. She stated that new research showed that although infants seemed ready and willing to eat it their digestive tract couldnt break down the nutients in the cereal. All you are doing by feeding the cereal to baby less than 6 mo old is easeing their hunger not actually feeding them.My doctor told me that I coulld continue givig him the cereal just at night if it was a small amount so that he would sleep thru the night since he was up every three hours to eat if he didnt have the cereal. My Dr said to be careful to watch his weight. Because there is no nutritional value if I gave him to much cereal he wouldnt gain enough weight.So I have been Giving my lil guy 1 tbsp at night before he goes to bed and he only wakes up once to nurse now!

Tessa - posted on 01/30/2010

They changed it because they have a better understanding now of baby's digestive system. It is just best to not have any solids before 6 months, because their digestive systems just can't handle it. They aren't meant to break down food yet - only mama's milk.

Also, we americans have this notion that babies should sleep through the night... some people are even so obsessed with this idea tat they will let their babies cry it out. Fact is, it is natural and normal for babies to wake during the night. They will sleep through the night when they are good and ready. We don't need to pump their immature digestive systems full of solids too early to get them to sleep through the night.

Michelle - posted on 01/30/2010

my son has been on cereal and fruits for about 2 months. he was born 09/13/2009.he is my 6th baby.My oldest is 21 and the does and don'ts with babies has changed so much since 1988..I was getting confused on what to do.I decided I was going to go by what my baby needs and how he is developing.I made the decision to start him on cereal in his bottle because he was waking up all night long and I believe he was just hungry all the time.He loves his food and he gets all excited when he see'"s the bowl and spoon! although he still now at almost 5 months does not asleep at night he is a happy full baby! I do not regret starting him on solids when I did..p.s. wait till your son tries applesauce lol...
I wish I could get my son to sleep at night all the docs tell me is let him cry and I just cant do that..have any ideas I can try besides the bathes and massages and stuff...

Elisa - posted on 01/30/2010

since my little girl has been introduced to the dinner a day plus her normal bottles she sleeps better she goes to sleep at 10.30pm and can sleep until 9.30am next morning i now get the sleep i was missing when she was first born its great

June - posted on 01/30/2010

Yes I have my baby girl is 4 months and I startd her on rice cereal and she loves it I also started her on stage one foods too. I don't know now they are saying to wait til your baby is 6 months when My older two were babies I started them on solids at 3 months so I don't know why they changed it.

Mandy - posted on 01/29/2010

yup! and she's doing great