When introducing veggies...

Maureen - posted on 12/11/2009

I give her her food first then her bottle, she takes less of a bottle after her food.

Donna - posted on 12/10/2009

bub will tell you what he wants and go with it. To start with he will only take a little bit at a time but then you can gradually increase how much he is taking in. I would not think that his waking in the night has anything to do with the introduction of solids as generally it has quite the opposite effect. Of what i can read you are doing everything correct at present, so the best thing i can say at the moment is keep going with what you are doing and just keep trying, it will all come together for you in the end. Good luck Carrie and if you want let me know how it is going you can even send me a message via facebook if you like.

Rachael - posted on 12/10/2009

Bananas will make their poop dark. Also, those sound exactly like teething symptoms. Waking up in the night, a runny nose and cranky sounds just like my little guy, and he's been teething horribly!

Carrie - posted on 12/10/2009

As of right now Im giving him 6 oz when he first wakes up, three hours later 5 oz bottle and fruit with rice cereal, then for lunch 5 oz bottle and veggies, and 5 oz bottle with some more veggies for dinner and 6 oz bottle before bed. He wont eat too much of the fruit/veggies at a time maybe a tablespoon or two. Hes a tall baby but not too chubby. So its seeming to work out ok. I just introduced the fruit and it made his poop dark. Anyone know what this is? Also, Hes been waking up in the middle of the night after hes been sleeping through it since 3 months. This started about 2 weeks ago. Could this be teething symptoms? Hes been kinnda cranky and runny nose?

Donna - posted on 12/09/2009

Quoting Carrie:

When introducing veggies...

How do you do it? Right now im giving him a bottle then either rice cereal or a veggie. But I want him to be taking less formula and more food. He is still drinking 6 oz 5- 6 times a day, anyone have any suggestions?

The way i was advised was to give a bottle in morning approx hour to hour and half later give farex with a bit of fruit make it fairly smooth like a puree. Around 11.30 give lunch time meal - start with fruit for a couple of weeks then introduce veggies as well as the fruit (remember to make the fruit a desert) and late afternoon give night feed of vegies.

Bub will likely take the fruit quite easily but refuse vegies just persevere. To start with you will still be giving around the same amount of bottle until bub starts taking more solids but will eventually take less milk and more solids. My bub now takes only 3-4 bottles a day and sleeps through the night from around 6-5am.

Rachael - posted on 12/09/2009

Griselda - this was not a confrontational or rude post, so I think perhaps you should have stepped back and refrained from being so rude yourself. When you become a medical doctor or join MENSA, then by all means, get back on your high-horse. But for now, understand that Carrie is just looking for feedback, not insults about her parenting. Using aggressive language in response to a perfectly resonable post on Circle of Moms is below you or anyone else on here. And you're right, her baby is HER baby, but if that is how you speak to people and treat others, the only baby here being done a disservice is yours.

Jeannie - posted on 12/09/2009

Hi Carrie...I give my 5 month old 7 oz of Similac Advanced at 6:00 am 7 oz more at 10:00 am at 1:00 or 2:00 he has a 3 or 4 tablespoons (depending on his mood) of pureed home food (because I just can't get him to eat store bought baby food) followed by 7 oz of formula then around 6:00 the same as the earlier feeding...if he's awake at 9:00 or 10:00 he'll take about 5 oz and he's off to sleep through the night...let your baby guide you and indeed ...it's just practice..so they can learn to eat and lose the push tongue reflex...

Rachael - posted on 12/09/2009

Actually, you don't want him to take much less formula, since that's where he's getting pretty much all of his nutrition right now. As far as taking more veggies, he will! Tyler was taking full portions within a week or 2 of starting him on them, so no worries. Now, he gets mad when the container is empty, lol.

Monique - posted on 12/09/2009

Try mixing the rice cereal and the veggie, I tried cereal and yellow beans with my son and he loves it.

Chastody - posted on 12/08/2009

My daughter still drinks 5 oz 5-6 times a day and she eats 4 oz baby food at night. she is very petite too.

Robyn - posted on 12/08/2009

just keep doing what you're doing Carrie! Mothers just seem to have an instinct on what's best for their child. I was always wondering these things when I had my first son, who is now 21 months. My friend always told me...listen to your doctor's advice and do as you please...I give my 6 month-old rice cereal mixed with fruit and a jar of veggies around dinner time, and bottles in-between. I still get concerned with my second child because he's so much different than his brother was, that is, he eats a lot more. I always feel discouraged that I'm feeding him too much, but babies will know when they're full, and he's a healthy, happy boy, so keep up with what you're doing...you know what's best for your baby!!

Donna - posted on 12/06/2009

i started my bub on solids at 5mths farex for breakfast, fruit at lunch and vegies at dinner. I have been doing this for 2 weeks now and she is thriving and now i am about to add vegies to her lunch as well.

Laura - posted on 12/05/2009

Also Oliver was last weighed at 4.5 months old 18lb 8oz and he is approx 26 inches he was born a big un!!!!

Laura - posted on 12/05/2009

My son is 5.5 months old and has 210ml/7.5oz of formular 5/6 times a day but i use milk out of this to make up his baby rice (rounded dessert spoon of dry baby rice mix) then i add puree'd fruit/veg to this as i find some of the flavours a little strong for his taste buds at the moment i only give him this 3times a day morning/lunch/tea if he appears to ask for more i will make a little more then he has whats left of the milk in his bottle after sometimes he finishes it all sometimes not. Your baby will lead you as to what he/she wants but all i can suggest is do what YOU feel is right as all our babies will be different but try this web site for more info www.healthvisitors.com its run by health visitors and you can ask them any questions for a second opinion to what yours is telling you i was given this weening book by my health visitor and have found it very helpful.

Carrie - posted on 12/05/2009

Thank you ladies for these last few post they are helpful!!

Jordan - posted on 12/03/2009

CARRIE DAVIS- My son's pediatrition told me the same thing yours did. He didn't say to decrease his formula/breastmilk intake but he did say that 24-30 oz of formula a day is plenty for a 6 month old. In the morning I give my baby rice cereal mixed with apple juice an6 oz bottle of formula. About 3 hours later I give him a half jar of fruit. An hr after that I give him a 6 oz bottle. Three hrs later I give him a whole jar of veggies. An hr later I give him a 6 oz bottle. Then before bed I give him oatmeal mixed with either apple juice or formula and a 6 oz bottle. He gets apple juice for constipation and doesn't really drink it. That's why i put it in his cereal but I also try and get him to drink it every day too. The reason I give him a half jar of fruit is because he gets the juice which is the same as fruit and I don't want him to get too much fruit because it gives him a diaper rash. I DON'T THINK YOU'RE WRONG!!!!! My son is 27 inches long and 18 lbs and completely healthy! He's not hungry and reducing formula doesn''t mean your child will go hungry because you're giving him some solids in it's place. And I'm sure if your child was hungry and you thought he needed a bottle you wouldn't deny him that because it would go over the 24 oz limit for the day. You know your baby better than anyone so do what u think is right!!!! Don't worry about what others say and keep posting!!! Most people are pretty helpful.

Dianne - posted on 12/03/2009

Carrie don't be discouraged, some people are just passionate in their posts and forget that as mothers especially first time mums that we are all learning and you unlike anyone on this site spends 24 hrs with your baby so you definitely know what is best for him, plus if you didn't care you wouldn't ask the question. I have asked quite a few questions on this site and did find majority of the replies helpful and also soothing to know what others are going through and that one is not alone in trying to do the best by your child. So please do ask when you need reassurance or a different prospective. You are a great mum and may God continue to bless you and yours always. Wishing you the best and all of us mums the best in our daily duties

Erica - posted on 12/03/2009

I have a 6 month old and he eats a 4oz bottle with about 3 or 4 teaspoons of oatmeal cereal (which i find fills him alot more, i had him on rice but it just wasnt satisfying him) and then around lunch time he has two different veggies with probably 3 oz's of milk (but sometimes i use cows mike, like what normal people drink) and then he doesnt eat very much until around 4 or 5. Sometimes he might have the odd drink when he is thirsty but thats it, and then at night I give him an 8oz bottle with some cereal in it and he sleeps almost all night, he might wake up in the night but only for a few mins and then falls back to sleep. I find Carrotts, Squash, & Sweet Patatoes are the most filling for him. And now I have started giving him a little dessert like banana or blueberry. He loves them. Just make sure you get all the veggies in before you give them fruit because then they wont eat the veggies. Hope this helps. I know how hard it can be when they arn't on a shedule!

Carrie - posted on 12/01/2009

Ugh people that think they know everything are soo ANNOYING, we are all moms just trying to figure this whole thing out. I am giving my child everything he needs. Don't make assumptions on what I am and am not doing like abriuptly decreasing his formula. As of right now he is still getting 30- 36 oz a day. Trust me he is getting enough formula and I would never do anything to compromise what his needs are. All I wanted was a little advice, not someone talking down to me. I think this will be the last time I post any of my concerns if people are going to make comments like that.

Katie - posted on 12/01/2009

My son is 5 months old and he eats 4-8oz bottles a day and he eats 2 tablespoons of dry cereal mixed with formula in the morning, half a jar of veggies at lunch and half a jar of veggies at supper. He is 17lbs and is 26 inches long. His doctor thinks he is doing just fine. Do what you think is right for your own child.

Hina - posted on 12/01/2009

please have a look at following link. it has a great info.

http://baby.families.com/blog/help-what-...

my boy is turning 6 on 3rd and right now is eating three meals breakfast with rice cereals and fruit, veggies (i introduced him boiled and mashed rice with his favorite veggies yesterday) for lunch , and cereals with veggies for dinner. he takes milk 6-7 times a day and a bit of snack in between meals. he likes mum mum infant biscuits for snacks.

Laurie - posted on 11/30/2009

I understand your concern - but you have to do what you think is best for your baby and take into consideration what your doctor and your gut tells you. If you don't think you doctor's feeding formula is giving your baby enough formula/breastmilk, don't use it (or don't use all of it). You have to see how your little one takes to eating solid foods. As a whole, I have started upping my daughter's solid intake but keeping her formula at the same level. She will get anywhere from 18-30 oz of formula a day, depending on her naps, wake up and bed time. She is happy, healthy and has been gaining weight appropriate for her. In the end that is all we are looking for here.

Griselda - posted on 11/30/2009

Quoting Carrie:

Actually Griselda, his pediatrician is the one that gave me his feeding schedual and it says he should be going from 26-32 oz when hes 4-5 months to 20-26 oz 4-5x a day. Then that stays consistant until hes a year. Im just decreasing it by a few ounces.

I like to see the BIG picture. Let's see. 4oz x 5x/day= 20oz or 5oz x 5x/day = 25 or 6oz x 4x/day= 24 . So you are saying that you will only give your child 4-5oz of formula from now because he'll be on solids. 6oz is a little questionable since you can only do 4 bottles because 5 bottles would bring you up to 30 oz and it's too much according to your doctor's feeding schedule.What do you do then? Feed him more solids to satisfy his hunger?

Quite frankly, I still think that it's too soon to start decreasing his main source of nutrition (formula). Not only that, it seems like you are abruptly decreasing it as well. What if he's used to taking a 6oz bottle every 3-4 hours, are you going to tell your son "Sorry son, doctor's orders calls that you  start taking in less formula"

I"m not trying to contradict your decision on formula intake and solids, I'm trying to convince you to  make a wise informed decision. Don't just listen to your doctor's orders (or me or anyone else). Do your own research.

Have you hear of Dr. Jim Sears? He's a trusted peditrician... check out his site on formula feeding and solids.

http://askdrsears.com/html/0/T000100.asp...

Carrie - posted on 11/30/2009

Actually Griselda, his pediatrician is the one that gave me his feeding schedual and it says he should be going from 26-32 oz when hes 4-5 months to 20-26 oz 4-5x a day. Then that stays consistant until hes a year. Im just decreasing it by a few ounces.

Jessica - posted on 11/29/2009

Check out this website, it has lots of GREAT info: www.wholesomebabyfood.com

I agree you don't need to actually replace formula feedings yet since baby still gets all his nutrition from that for now. Solids right now are practice. What I do is still nurse my son the same as I normally would (about every 3 hours or so... he's 5.5 months) but a couple times a day in between feedings I give him a little bit of solid food. Usuallu a couple oz of oatmeal with fruit in the morning and a veggi in the afternoon.

Karen - posted on 11/29/2009

the baby food manufacturers will tell you to serve lots of solids at this age but until 9 months they only need breast milk. i have started my little one on solids to introduce foods to her but she only gets a few teaspoons of rice cereal and 2 tsp of a veggie per day. babies at this age will still nurse 6-8 times a day and should only be getting a small quantity of solids 2-3 times per day. most dr's will recommend giving solids after nursing so the milk is the bulk of calories/nutrition. hth.

Nira - posted on 11/28/2009

i was wondering about this myself. we've only just started introducing veggies and so far so good. i've only given my baby girl 2 spoonfulls a day just to see that she's ok with it and likes it and every 4 days we switch veggies. i was told that only from 6 months they need solids in addition to the normal formula/breastmilk intake. either way you should consult your pediatrician. a lot of alternative medicine ppl belive that a baby needs solids only when his teeth start appearing but i went with what the baby care nurse told me just to be on the safe side.

Beki - posted on 11/27/2009

i'm confused with how much i shud be feeding my 5month old too...health visitor told me to increase her solids to 3 times during the day...but how often shud i be breast feeding?

Griselda - posted on 11/26/2009

"I want him to be taking less formula and more food"

With all do respect Carrie but your son's main food intake should be formula/breast milk NOT solids. He needs to be drinking more formula than solids and the formula should NEVER be decreased just so you can feed your baby solids.

For your information, the purpose of solids during their first year is to get them accustomed to eating.

Keep in mind that formula has ALL the nutrients your baby needs for the first year... solids lack some of the vitamins and minerals that formula/breastmilk has...

I fully understand that your baby is YOUR baby and you can raise him anyway you want I just hate that you'll be doing him a disservice if you decrease his formula intake just to give him more solids.

You don't have to take my word, ask your peditrician and I'm confident that he's going to echo my words.

Virginia - posted on 11/23/2009

I started my daughter on oatmeal cereal at 4 months and did 2 heaping baby spoons a day for 3 days, then the same with rice cereal. Every three days i introduced a new veggie until we made it through all of them. She always ate off the breast before the cereal but she got half of what i would normally give her so she was still hungry. After she got the hang of eating i moved her up to 1/2 container of veggies and if she was still hungry i would finish with cereal. She's gradually eating more at her one sitting and now at 5 1/2 months we're just now going to introduce fruits. I didnt want her to love the fruit and not eat her veggies.

Jennifer - posted on 11/23/2009

My son gets cereal with fruit in the morning followed by 7 oz of formula/breastmilk (around 7:30-8:00) then around 12:00 -12:30 he gets veggies and fruit (half of each) followed by another bottle, then another bottle around 4-5pm then veggies and fruit (half of each) around 6-7pm the bed time bottle at 8:30. He also gets juice mid morning and mid afternoon. So he only gets 4 bottles a day. You might try giving him the cereal or veggie first.