At what age did all of you moms introduce food to your babies?

Leanne - posted on 06/09/2010

I was also raised old school and my kids had their first cereal by spoon NOT in a bottle at 1 1/2 -2 weeks old.( just a bit like a few baby spoons) and I built up what they ate from there, by 6 months they ate everything I did within reason. ( no steak or ribs stuff like that) Just mashed up. some moms say the baby wont take to the spoon well that is because they need to learn how to use it, wether 2 weeks or 5 months they need to learn how to eat from a spoon. We never had any problems with any of the kids bowels or digesting etc. the health nurse and doctor said they couldnt be more healthy, and the bonus is they are not hungry at night so when they get their last feed at night they will sleep though the night, all 3 of mine slept thru the night at about 3-4 weeks. they would eat around 11 and sleep until 6-7am cause their tummy's were full. Final call is up to you and what makes you feel comfortable, if feeding to early makes you feel weary then dont, you know your baby better than any one :)

Kelly - posted on 06/09/2010

I think it depends on the child...2 of my kids I started at the normal 4 months but one of my children was just never full from the bottle and so at a month and a half I had to put him on cereal and so he was an early food eater!

Angel - posted on 06/09/2010

Thank you everyone, Thanks Amy for the link!

Jamie - posted on 06/09/2010

Baby Cereal in his bottle at one month old (he was sucking down formula like it was goin out of style!), baby food at about 3 months old, solid foods around 8 months old, whole milk at 10 months, and so on. He is now a 3 year old, 38 lb 41inch tall monster! :)

Teressa - posted on 06/09/2010

You should wait until the baby is at least 4 months old. This seriously decreases the chances of diabetic problems later in life.

LaKita - posted on 06/09/2010

6mos

Kayla - posted on 06/08/2010

i started feed my son at 6 months.

Faye - posted on 06/08/2010

Ideally babies should be on just breast milk for the first 6 months unless the mother is unable to nurse. The best information I have found about feeding babies in the website www.westonaprice.org. My daughter needed more than I could give her with breast milk at about 5 months so I started giving her vegetables and meat then, added fruit and rice a little later. Definitely no glutens until at least 1 year old. Introducing glutens, especially wheat, too early can cause allergies.

Heather - posted on 06/08/2010

I started my son, now 15 months, at 4 months on stage one foods. I decided at that time he was ready because he was able to sit up (hold his head up straight) in a high chair.



I just followed gerbers recomendations. You can visit their website and sign up for coupons there.

Sherri - posted on 06/08/2010

You can't do that Vero if you are bottle feeding. Pediatricians recommend 4-6mo's for solids. Most babies in the US are bottle feed by 3mo's only 22% of Americans make breastfeeding to the yr mark. As the US only gives you 12 wks of maternity leave.

Amy - posted on 06/08/2010

I was a breastfeeding, stay at home mom with all four of my kids. The first three didn't begin eating solids until a year. They were fat and happy with my milk and I figured they had all they needed. Now, I did give them some "tastes" of things before a year, but they really didn't eat solids until a year. My youngest had some issues with the way she sucked and it became so painful I had to start supplementing with solids at about 9 months with her. But they all breastfed until 18 months. This was easy for me, and my kids are extremely bright children now, so I don't believe they missed out by not having solids before then. Of course...what I did was "different" from most moms, but I recommend it for kids whose moms stay at home and nurse. That breast milk is so, so good for them!

Vero - posted on 06/08/2010

I know and trust that you are all wonderful, loving mothers but I think there is considerable proof (scientific) out there showing the benefits of not introducing cereal or other foods before 6 to 9 months. Especially on the iron front, it seems that if you give fortified foods (i.e. chemically added or altered stuff) then they will be less likely to produce it on their own later...I say, distract your infant and hold off feeding any premade stuff as long as possible. Pure breastmilk is so much easier to give and the benefits outweigh a little "jealousy" from your child. Resist. My two cents.

Tracie - posted on 06/08/2010

My baby is just a few days shy of 4 months and I'm thinking of going to get him some cereal today. He is starting to act jealous when he sees the rest of us eat. He cries and reaches for our food. So, I think it's time. His doctor reccommended waiting until six months, but since he's showing signs of being ready I don't think I should wait.

Mandy - posted on 06/07/2010

My son's pediatrician said to start giving food whenever he started showing interest in what I was eating. For him, it was around 4 months.

Tchertut - posted on 06/07/2010

As an exclusive breast feeder I did not introduce food until my children were 6 months old. I have 3 children the middle child, a girl, was the only one that had an issue with that, before she was 5 months old she would cry to eat big peoples food, physically grab at my plate and my mouth if I was eating anything. Consequently, she was not fond of baby food, even the kind I made at home. I ended up making her food very grainy or with some kind of texture, she would not eat smooth food unless it was thick. I think it depends on the child, she also cut teeth earlier than the other 2. good luck.

Vero - posted on 06/07/2010

With my first child, I started with bananas (mashed) around the 7 month mark. Every four days or so I would try something else (mashed brown rice, mashed papaya, mashed virgin coconut meat, mashed sweet potato, mashed breadfruit, mashed quinoa, mashed carrots, beats, etc.--all of these are local fresh grains & fruits--I live in Brasil.) I strongly suggest to make your own, too. It is healthier, albeit a little more time-intensive. With my second, I have been watching him show "signs" for over a month now, but he isn't six months old yet, and I believe the studies that say that the longer babies get strictly breastmilk the better (more nutritious and more immune supporting it is) so I'm holding off for at least another month. I was/am a little cautious though cause he didn't get as much cordblood as his sister did after birth. He didn't get any of it actually, and that makes me wonder about his iron stores. However, he has good coloring and never got jaundice so I am trusting that I gave him a full supply while he was in my belly. :) The color of their skin (red flags include flushed or grey or yellowy, etc.) and eyes (if the white are really white or not) are good signs of overall health but blood especially. And I also don't think that his interest is solely on my food, he grabs at everything in our hands these days. . . so it's not like I'm a give him the cellphone just cause he seems "ready" or "interested," you know?!

Ivy - posted on 06/07/2010

my little boys 15 weeks tryed a few weeks ago he wasnt very keen so we tryed again last night on a cow n gate puree jar and he loved it i know its abit before you should but he was trying to get his hands on my food so i thought why not.

Nurhuda - posted on 06/07/2010

I breastfed my son,Rafiq,for only a week.I've been trying to eat healthy foods to produce more milk,unfortunately,he can't wait for that to happen.He kept on crying as my milk can't satisfy his hunger.I started giving him milk formula recommended by doctors,until by the age of 5 months,I tried mixing his milk with nestum.At the age of 6 months,he can eat baby cereals/biscuits until 10 months.I started giving him homemade rice porridge until his 1st year.On his 1st year onwards I introduce him every meal that we serve on the table,including vegetables.He likes eating spinach,carrots,potatoes,green peas and even eggplant.I also give him Vitamin B,C and cod liver oil.

Ashlee - posted on 06/07/2010

my baby boy is almost 4 months and I have started to introduce a spoonful of baby cereal a day. This is on the advice of my doctor and backed up by my mum and aunts. The doctor said to start on small amounts of solids when they are drinking 250ml of milk or formula 5 to 6 times a day but still seem hungry, look interested in food and begin chewing on anything and everything! and if you are afraid of allergies make your own baby food, mashed veggies and the like. its cheaper!!! and you know what your baby is getting. Also I have read that exposure at an early age or even during pregnancy to common allergy causing foods, like nuts prevents allergies.

Shoshana - posted on 06/07/2010

I started feeding my baby at 6 months. They will tell you when they are ready. They start to really want to touch your food...and they do resist a spoon going into their mouths!
so fun! enjoy

Candice - posted on 06/06/2010

6 months!

Yvette - posted on 06/06/2010

I gave my daughter baby cereal and Gerber when she was three almost going to four month. The dr's usually make you wait until the baby is like 5-6 months but as long as you mixed the baby cereal and give her small quantity is small ur good

Brittany - posted on 06/06/2010

We gave our son baby cereal at 5 months but he didn't like it at all so we didn't actually feed him cereal. We started on vegetables at 6 months and we started putting rice cereal in his fruits. There is no way to tell for sure if your baby is ready for food you just have to try it here and there and use your insincts.

Kathy - posted on 06/06/2010

None of my girls were interested until about 12 months. Tried bits and pieces before that but were quite happy with the breast and didn't take to all my carefully mashed veggies etc!

Corena - posted on 06/06/2010

You will know when they are ready. They start watching you eat with great interest, start reaching for your food...things like that. My son started at 3.5 months.
I would urge you to make your own food though, other than cereal, it is cheaper and better for them. It tastes better too.

Claudia - posted on 06/06/2010

I started at 4 months, advised by my pediatrician, liek the other ladies have said introduce only one kind of vegetable in case your baby develops an allergy, my son could not take cereal b/c it was too much for his stomach, he would get a lot of gas (any kind) and will start vomitting, that;s the only thing I didn't give him until he turned one...just remember that every person is their own individual, what I mean is that every single person reacts to food, medication and some other stuff differently do'nt base your decision by our opinions but by how your baby reacts to the food....:)

Zoe - posted on 06/06/2010

i started about three months.

i think it all depends on how far along your baby is and how hungry he gets and how quickly he does. when i did start my son i only started him on breakfast so he could adapt to the eating .

Noelia - posted on 06/06/2010

I introduced single cereal at 4 months with all three of my kids (starting with rice, which is the easiest to digest) and single fruits and veggies strained then at about 6 months mixed cereals and mixed fruits and veggies. At about 8 months I added meats and more textured foods. I pretty much did it by the book. I believe that babies digestive tracks and stomachs need to be mature enough to handle solids and also by introducing one food at a time it`s easier to pinpoint allergies and food sensitivities.

Sherri - posted on 06/06/2010

First at 3mo's pediatrician said he had too, he was intaking way to much formula, 2nd-3rd at 4mo's.

Sapphire - posted on 06/06/2010

My son hated the cereal so we skipped right over that. Banana was his first food at 5 months and was quite ready for food. I also made his own pureed food until 10-11 months. No food allergies here, and my kid is nice and tall, lean & athletic.

Jessie - posted on 06/06/2010

We started introducing at 4 months, when the pedi said we could, but my little one didn't truly start eating until 5ish 6 ish months. She wasn't really ready until then and pretty much skipped stage 1 and at 6 1/2 months only eats around 2 jars of stage 2 a day. She wasn't really ready and when she was finally ready she wanted more b/c she was past 6 months. Every baby is different, but I would caution starting before 4 months b/c I feel that can be too early. For some obviously it isn't I just don't know that I would do it even if my child was ready. Even though they are ready doesn't mean their bodies are. That is just me though, just do what your comfortable with! Good luck!

Chatty - posted on 06/06/2010

Exclusively breastfed til about 5 1/2 months when my doctor recommended starting solids. I did everything very slowly, made my own baby food....all the first foods 3 days at a time etc. to watch for allergies. My hubby had a ton of food allergies as a child and I wanted to be cautious. By 9 months she was feeding herself pretty much whatever we ate!

Amanda - posted on 06/06/2010

At 3 months I started my daughter on cereal because she was developmentally ready. The health nurse wasn't overly impressed with my decision but it was my decision to make. One of the things she told me is that with smaller babies cereal can take up too much room in their tummies and they won't drink as much milk. I didn't have that problem but it's something to consider. Sit down with your doctor and discuss whether your baby is ready. Ask about the signs to look for when your baby is ready and what tostart with. That's why your doctor is there.

Erin - posted on 06/06/2010

I started my LO on cereal at about 3 1/2 months.

Faye - posted on 06/06/2010

Iv had 2 start givin my daughter solids 2weeks ago (at 4months) because she wuldnt take her milk any more.. & she loves her food x

Jessi - posted on 06/06/2010

Amy - i'm am glad to see you posted that link! although i don't agree with the whole "6mo liquid diet" thing, i do agree with taking precaution if your family has a history of food allergies. my family doesn't have food allergies but with my son i did take precaution when it came to foods that were commonly known to be allergens like nuts & strawberries or anything with red dye (i have a friend who is allergic to red dye).

Jessi - posted on 06/06/2010

i did the same thing as tiffany & tisha with my son. no person is the same & will respond differently; if they're ready they're ready, if they're not they're not. my mom did the same with both my brothers & i...we have ABSOLUTELY NO ALLERGIES and have NEVER BEEN OVERWEIGHT.

Jen - posted on 06/06/2010

i put my son on the cow n gate stage jars so it was like stage one 6 months then 8 months stage 2 stage 3 10 months n then they had little pts for 0ne yr plus which my 19 month has gne bk on cus he wasnt eating so were told to try him bk to basic.

Amy - posted on 06/06/2010

This is a must-read before you consider giving solids: http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids...

Amy - posted on 06/06/2010

Just shy of 6 months, and I wish I hadn't. I bowed to pressure from other people - including health 'professionals' who didn't know what they were talking about. She was ready some time after 7 months.

Teresa - posted on 06/05/2010

My girls were 3.5 months. They were interested and they were ready.

My son was around 5 months, but he didn't have a clue what to do w/ the food (it just sat there on his tongue) til around 6 months. His interest in food came and went at random and he didn't REALLY start eating consistently til well over a year.

Roxana - posted on 06/05/2010

My son started with baby food when he turned 6 month old. Once his digest system was more matured.

Tiffany - posted on 06/05/2010

I don't know what to tell you.But all kids are different.I started my 3yr old on cereal @ 2wks. Then fruits and veggies when he was about 8wks.Then we tried meats when he was about 3 months.By the time,he was 9 months he wouldn't eat the baby food.However, my youngest had really bad ingestion and didn't take to the cereal early.So we waited until he was 2 months.

Shalah - posted on 06/05/2010

I'm a bit old school myself, so the teething reflex is when I started my babies, anywhere from 6 wks to 3 months. Start with pured fruits/ veggies, and cereal. It is best to try one at a time for allergies. My kids were all on table food but still breastfed by 9 months or so. No matter what, keep breastmilk/formula in their diet for the first year.

Amy - posted on 06/05/2010

pretty much the same thing i did with my baby :)

Amy - posted on 06/05/2010

i started brooklyn on stage one baby food at around 4 months. around 6 months we went up to stage two and she now can eat stage three and the baby snacks. if u go to walmart they show signs on the food to help you decide whether your baby is ready for it yet :)

Lyndsey - posted on 06/05/2010

my son got his cereal at 2months, fruits and veggies at 3, and meats and chunky foods around 6months

Andrea - posted on 06/05/2010

I also started my kids at around four months. I let them eat each new food for a few days until I knew they could handle it by the time they were 8 months they all ate everything. Trust you instincts and start when your ready, and take it at your own pace this is a milestone you should both enjoy not stress over.

Stephanie - posted on 06/05/2010

I started around 4 months, just like the doctor told me to.

Tisha - posted on 06/05/2010

I'm not saying that this is what you should do but I started introducing foods before it was reccomended. I was raised old school in the south. So that's how I raised my kids. With my daughter she was getting cereal at about 2 weeks, fruits and veggies baby food by 8 weeks, and meats by 3 months. She was completely on table food by about 10 months. (She had all of her teeth by then). I took it a little slower with my son but not much.