Is 4 months to young to start solids?

Zoë - posted on 02/02/2009

Thank you all so much for your feedback I think I am going to wait until he reaches 6 months and agree that it probs is just a growth spurt heres to gorgeous healthy growing babies!!! Thanks again XX

Angela - posted on 02/02/2009

He may not actually be hungry, but may be used to you feeding him whenever he demands.  Try to calm him down without feeding him.  My doctor told me that starting cereal at 4 months is just for practice and fun--not for nutrition.  Also, current research states that you should never put cereal into a bottle.  It does not help the baby sleep better and does not teach them how to "eat" food.

Betsy - posted on 02/02/2009

I've been told by my cousin (pediatrician and Neonatologist) that solids dont actually help them sleep longer, they do help them get to double their birth weight faster which then helps them sleep. The point is, its not a sinle meal of solids that helps its the weight gain that helps. My son started on rice cereal with breast milk (fed during our dinner time) and is sleeping through the night, hopefully this helps.

Angie - posted on 02/02/2009

I have to agree with the other moms who suggest waiting until 6 months. I started all my kids at 6 months - I have two that will eat anything and one that will eat nothing. I don't believe when solids are started affects how picky they will be. I think that trusting the American Academy of Pediatrics is a wise choice, they have been studying children for a long time. It's just a little bit longer and believe it or not you will miss the time you have alone with your baby in the middle of the night - at least I did! Good luck!

Ashlee - posted on 02/02/2009

Rice cereal is god's gift to mankind. I started that and oatmeal cereal in a bottle, (cut the nipple) before bedtime and my daughter slept all through the night. She seemed fuller, happier and more rested too. :)

Megan - posted on 02/02/2009

Completely agree with both Becky and Nicola. I strongly suggest you hold off until 6 months. I've been through this topic a lot, and it's important you wait a little longer. If your baby is going through a growth spurt, increase feedings (as Nicola suggested).

Nicola - posted on 02/02/2009

Our pedatrician was quite firm on no solids before 6 months telling us that out daughter would be more likely to develop gastro problems and food allergies as their systems are not yet developed enough to digest/process the foods properly.  If you feel your 4 month old needs more I would suggest it's just a growth spurt and to increase the feeding amounts or frequency.

Brenda - posted on 02/02/2009

Quoting Becky:

The current recommendations are to wait until 6 months to start solids. Starting foods too early can result in digestive or allergy problems later in life. Babies intestines need to mature, the maturing intestines secrete IgA , a protein immunoglobulin that acts like a protective paint, coating the intestines and preventing the passage of harmful allergens. 

 

I agree with this.  I also know that at 4 months your baby is likely going through a growth spurt.  

 

 

Brenda - posted on 02/02/2009

Quoting Becky:

The current recommendations are to wait until 6 months to start solids. Starting foods too early can result in digestive or allergy problems later in life. Babies intestines need to mature, the maturing intestines secrete IgA , a protein immunoglobulin that acts like a protective paint, coating the intestines and preventing the passage of harmful allergens. 

 

I agree with this.  I also know that at 4 months your baby is likely going through a growth spurt.  

 

 

Becky - posted on 02/02/2009

It's also very normal for a 4 month old to wake more often to nurse / bottlefeed because of a growth spurt.

Becky - posted on 02/02/2009

The current recommendations are to wait until 6 months to start solids. Starting foods too early can result in digestive or allergy problems later in life. Babies intestines need to mature, the maturing intestines secrete IgA , a protein immunoglobulin that acts like a protective paint, coating the intestines and preventing the passage of harmful allergens. In the early months, infant IgA production is low (although there is lots of IgA in human milk), and it is easier for potentially-allergenic food molecules to enter the baby's system. Once food molecules are in the blood, the immune system may produce antibodies to that food, creating a food allergy. Baby also needs to sit up on her own and should not have the tongue thrust reflex. The tongue thrust reflex protects the infant against choking. The reflex gradually dimishes around 6 months of age.

Frances - posted on 02/02/2009

With my oldest (he's 8 1/2 now) the word was start at 4 months. With my youngest (she's 17 months) it had changed to 6 months. She is by far the pickiest of my three, and I think this is why. That being said...I would talk to your doctor first and make sure there isn't another reason your baby is waking up. All of mine slept through the night from 2 months until 6 months and then started waking again. Seperation anxiety/teething/going poop...there could be many reasons.

On a side note regarding another post in this thread. My youngest HATED any vegetables/fruits I tried unless I mixed them with the cereal which she loved

April - posted on 02/02/2009

I disagree with that. I have a son that has feeding problems and he sees and occupational therapist once a week. He is 2 1/2 and I also have a 15 month old. I asked the OT about when to start solids and things like that and she said so many parents start their children on solids way to early just so their children will sleep through the night, but what they don't realize is that they put their children at a greater risk of having allergies. She said she sees so many children that have major allergies and most of those moms gave their children solids really early, like 3 and 4 months. She said to wait till 6 months, start with cereal that is thin, then thicker, then add one vegetable with at least 3 days in between something new, then add fruits the same way.

Amber - posted on 02/02/2009

No, it's not too early to start it at all. You could even start giving him stage one baby food if you wanted. It says on the jar that you can start it at 4 months.or when he is a supported sitter. My daughter is 7 months now, but she actually started eating stage one baby food at 3 months as reccomended by our doctor because she had trouble going potty. She also does not like any of the baby cereal and will not eat it. So the baby food was my only choice. Good luck!

Elaine - posted on 02/02/2009

my 5 year old started on baby rice when he was 14 wks. i just knew he was ready for more, and if thats what the nurse says its sound advice. hope this helps.

Lisa - posted on 02/02/2009

Our pediatrician recommended starting solids around 4 months. Our daughter started them a little before that, and she has done wonderfully with it. Some people will tell you not to start before 6 months, but my daughter, too,was needing a little something extra and I think you have to do what is right for you and your baby!

Christina - posted on 02/02/2009

I think he is ready for it. My son went on cereal at 3 months because of the same problem. If he eats cereal before bed he will sleep better and wake up a happy baby! Good Luck!