Can I give my infant Cereal at 2 months?

C. - posted on 12/10/2009

Quoting Michelle:

Quoting Christina:

Quoting Michelle:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

Christina - chill out.

First of all, both my boys started cereal at 3 or 4 months old. I bottlefed, but they were taking 24 ozs in 24 hours and were still hungry (they were both big big boys lol).

You can ABSOLUTELY give your baby cereal at 2 months, but I suggest not putting it in the bottle only because it clogs the nipples, frustrating baby. And what our friend here doesn't realize, is that cereal can be made to whatever consistency you want. I suggest making it very runny, warm it up and spoon feed a tablespoon to start in between regular bottle/breast feeds. You'll find it fills their tummy a bit more. At two months, depending on baby's weight and size of course, he should be taking almost 4 ozs a feeding (breast or formula, or a mix of both). I suggest giving the cereal with the nighttime bottle (make it a bigger feed), this should keep him happy and hopefully start sleeping in 5 hour sets.

It's not so much a myth that it gets them to sleep longer, but it does take longer to digest, hence the reason why they actually feel fuller longer.

As for doctors, they are brilliant, but nothing works like a mothers' instinct. Think you baby is hungry and ready for a little cereal to supplement? Go right ahead.

First of all, you don't have a right to tell me to chill out when I did nothing! I didn't do anything to anyone. And asking her doctor before she gives her baby cereal is the best thing, especially if she listens to them! I started my son on cereal at 4 months b/c his doctor told me to. Had I known at the time that it could cause problems, I would have waited b/c ever since then he has had problems with constipation. Also, I would like to remind you, and everyone else, that just b/c it was Ok for YOUR baby, doesn't mean it will be Ok for HERS. And you may want to read my reply to Marjorie. Here are the first few sentences:

"One of my sister's boys was well over 11 pounds at birth. When he was just a couple months or so she had to start giving him 10-12oz bottles of milk about 6-8 times a day. My son was also a hefty eater when I started giving him formula. I come from a family of babies with healthy appetites."

In case you haven't noticed, my nephew was given 60-96 ounces of breastmilk and/or formula in a full 24 hours. He STILL didn't get cereal until about 5 months. Cereal too early can lead to MANY health problems for the baby now AND later in life. If you're willing to take that chance on your baby, then that's your prerogative, but you don't need to imply that, Everything will be fine b/c it was for my kids.. It doesn't work that way. Every baby is different.

Apologies if the intention was incorrect. My point being was that your post indicates MUSTS and DO NOTS. Your responses seem to indicate that there is no grey area.

I am certainly not reccomending that everything I did for my children will be fine for hers. Both my boys were well over 18 pounds by four months, cereal feeding was the healthiest option in my opinion and according to what I felt. I wanted to encourage her to follow her gut instead of listening to the many absolutes that many mothers and society can indicate. As you pointed out, every baby is different.

Not giving her child cereal and increasing fluids to a ridiculous amount may also result in overfeeding on liquids, which can cause severe spitting up, eventual lactose intolerance and many other health problems, including very loose stools causing baby to want more fluids which just perpeptuates the cycle. My boys would be so full of formula that their little tummies were extended and sloshing when I moved them around. One week on cereal eased their tummies and helped them feel fuller and happier.

Regardless of our difference of opinion, this is Amy's concern. 8 weeks is young, yes, but if she feels as if baby is still hungry after a full feeding (and I mean of course that baby is still insisting on feeding), then there are other options avaialble. I agree to consult her doctor, but even you have pointed out that you feel your doctor was incorrect. If her gut is telling her to try rice cereal (which by the way has an incredibly low low percentage of allergic reponses as well as creating any long term food allergy), then she should feel free to go ahead without worrying about the judgement of others.

Again, my apologies that my comments were taken the wrong way. Amy is the only one who can truly know what she feels is best for her baby.

 

 

First of all, it wasn't "ridiculous amounts of fluids". All babies need until the first 3 or 4 months is breastmilk and/or formula. They do not need cereal, no matter how bad the parents think so (and to be honest, most parents think so b/c their baby isn't sleeping long enough so they can get their sleep.. I've got news for them.. Infants don't usually sleep through the night! Should have thought of that before they had that baby!).. But I understand the rest of what you're saying. However, I think it would be in her baby's best interest to at least consider her doctor's answer since giving cereal too young can cause serious health problems down the road (and I wasn't just meaning the allergies.. It can cause digestive tract issues in babies, children and even wait until adulthood). 

Carol - posted on 12/10/2009

No his digestive system my not be able to handle it

Ailysh-Hope - posted on 12/09/2009

If you are already using a formula to supplement... why not try the same formula that is thickened??? You are there for not introducing any new food groups and the thicken agents are all natural. BUT also i agree with Sharon Grey, check it out with your Doc or Health Care Nurse, gather all your information to make your own informed choice! Good luck!

Erin - posted on 12/09/2009

No you should definitely not feed a 2 month old baby cereal. Feeding every 3hrs is perfectly normal, and you really should have expected it. You can not control a young baby's hunger patterns, and to attempt to make him sleep longer by adding solids when he is FAR from ready for it is irresponsible. He is hungry. So feed him his milk (breast or bottle) as often as he needs it.

Angie - posted on 12/09/2009

There is not a credible expert in child nutrition that would suggest this. He's hungry, give him what he needs - breast milk or formula. I am not exaggerating a bit when I say that my son nursed for a good 30 to 45 minutes of every hour he was awake. He woke up twice at night (between 10pm and 6am) and he would nurse for a good 30 minutes each time. I know it's inconvenient to have to wake up at night, but that is just part of being a mom. Now that my son is 16, some of my best memories of his infancy are those middle of the night feedings when it was just the two of us. Enjoy this time with your baby, before you know it, he'll be grown and gone....

Latania - posted on 12/09/2009

Yes you can give him cereal! What I did was put just enough cereal so that when you rotate the bottle it just lightly coats the inside of the bottle to give it a slight haze when mixed with the formula. (like a tablespoon). See how he does with that! every child is different and mine was fine with that slight bit of cereal at night and he slept like 6 hours because he was so satisfied and content.

Michelle - posted on 12/09/2009

Quoting Christina:

Quoting Michelle:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

Christina - chill out.

First of all, both my boys started cereal at 3 or 4 months old. I bottlefed, but they were taking 24 ozs in 24 hours and were still hungry (they were both big big boys lol).

You can ABSOLUTELY give your baby cereal at 2 months, but I suggest not putting it in the bottle only because it clogs the nipples, frustrating baby. And what our friend here doesn't realize, is that cereal can be made to whatever consistency you want. I suggest making it very runny, warm it up and spoon feed a tablespoon to start in between regular bottle/breast feeds. You'll find it fills their tummy a bit more. At two months, depending on baby's weight and size of course, he should be taking almost 4 ozs a feeding (breast or formula, or a mix of both). I suggest giving the cereal with the nighttime bottle (make it a bigger feed), this should keep him happy and hopefully start sleeping in 5 hour sets.

It's not so much a myth that it gets them to sleep longer, but it does take longer to digest, hence the reason why they actually feel fuller longer.

As for doctors, they are brilliant, but nothing works like a mothers' instinct. Think you baby is hungry and ready for a little cereal to supplement? Go right ahead.

First of all, you don't have a right to tell me to chill out when I did nothing! I didn't do anything to anyone. And asking her doctor before she gives her baby cereal is the best thing, especially if she listens to them! I started my son on cereal at 4 months b/c his doctor told me to. Had I known at the time that it could cause problems, I would have waited b/c ever since then he has had problems with constipation. Also, I would like to remind you, and everyone else, that just b/c it was Ok for YOUR baby, doesn't mean it will be Ok for HERS. And you may want to read my reply to Marjorie. Here are the first few sentences:

"One of my sister's boys was well over 11 pounds at birth. When he was just a couple months or so she had to start giving him 10-12oz bottles of milk about 6-8 times a day. My son was also a hefty eater when I started giving him formula. I come from a family of babies with healthy appetites."

In case you haven't noticed, my nephew was given 60-96 ounces of breastmilk and/or formula in a full 24 hours. He STILL didn't get cereal until about 5 months. Cereal too early can lead to MANY health problems for the baby now AND later in life. If you're willing to take that chance on your baby, then that's your prerogative, but you don't need to imply that, Everything will be fine b/c it was for my kids.. It doesn't work that way. Every baby is different.

Apologies if the intention was incorrect. My point being was that your post indicates MUSTS and DO NOTS. Your responses seem to indicate that there is no grey area.

I am certainly not reccomending that everything I did for my children will be fine for hers. Both my boys were well over 18 pounds by four months, cereal feeding was the healthiest option in my opinion and according to what I felt. I wanted to encourage her to follow her gut instead of listening to the many absolutes that many mothers and society can indicate. As you pointed out, every baby is different.

Not giving her child cereal and increasing fluids to a ridiculous amount may also result in overfeeding on liquids, which can cause severe spitting up, eventual lactose intolerance and many other health problems, including very loose stools causing baby to want more fluids which just perpeptuates the cycle. My boys would be so full of formula that their little tummies were extended and sloshing when I moved them around. One week on cereal eased their tummies and helped them feel fuller and happier.

Regardless of our difference of opinion, this is Amy's concern. 8 weeks is young, yes, but if she feels as if baby is still hungry after a full feeding (and I mean of course that baby is still insisting on feeding), then there are other options avaialble. I agree to consult her doctor, but even you have pointed out that you feel your doctor was incorrect. If her gut is telling her to try rice cereal (which by the way has an incredibly low low percentage of allergic reponses as well as creating any long term food allergy), then she should feel free to go ahead without worrying about the judgement of others.

Again, my apologies that my comments were taken the wrong way. Amy is the only one who can truly know what she feels is best for her baby.

C. - posted on 12/09/2009

Quoting Michelle:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

Christina - chill out.

First of all, both my boys started cereal at 3 or 4 months old. I bottlefed, but they were taking 24 ozs in 24 hours and were still hungry (they were both big big boys lol).

You can ABSOLUTELY give your baby cereal at 2 months, but I suggest not putting it in the bottle only because it clogs the nipples, frustrating baby. And what our friend here doesn't realize, is that cereal can be made to whatever consistency you want. I suggest making it very runny, warm it up and spoon feed a tablespoon to start in between regular bottle/breast feeds. You'll find it fills their tummy a bit more. At two months, depending on baby's weight and size of course, he should be taking almost 4 ozs a feeding (breast or formula, or a mix of both). I suggest giving the cereal with the nighttime bottle (make it a bigger feed), this should keep him happy and hopefully start sleeping in 5 hour sets.

It's not so much a myth that it gets them to sleep longer, but it does take longer to digest, hence the reason why they actually feel fuller longer.

As for doctors, they are brilliant, but nothing works like a mothers' instinct. Think you baby is hungry and ready for a little cereal to supplement? Go right ahead.

First of all, you don't have a right to tell me to chill out when I did nothing! I didn't do anything to anyone. And asking her doctor before she gives her baby cereal is the best thing, especially if she listens to them! I started my son on cereal at 4 months b/c his doctor told me to. Had I known at the time that it could cause problems, I would have waited b/c ever since then he has had problems with constipation. Also, I would like to remind you, and everyone else, that just b/c it was Ok for YOUR baby, doesn't mean it will be Ok for HERS. And you may want to read my reply to Marjorie. Here are the first few sentences:

"One of my sister's boys was well over 11 pounds at birth. When he was just a couple months or so she had to start giving him 10-12oz bottles of milk about 6-8 times a day. My son was also a hefty eater when I started giving him formula. I come from a family of babies with healthy appetites."

In case you haven't noticed, my nephew was given 60-96 ounces of breastmilk and/or formula in a full 24 hours. He STILL didn't get cereal until about 5 months. Cereal too early can lead to MANY health problems for the baby now AND later in life. If you're willing to take that chance on your baby, then that's your prerogative, but you don't need to imply that, Everything will be fine b/c it was for my kids.. It doesn't work that way. Every baby is different.

Michelle - posted on 12/09/2009

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

Christina - chill out.

First of all, both my boys started cereal at 3 or 4 months old. I bottlefed, but they were taking 24 ozs in 24 hours and were still hungry (they were both big big boys lol).

You can ABSOLUTELY give your baby cereal at 2 months, but I suggest not putting it in the bottle only because it clogs the nipples, frustrating baby. And what our friend here doesn't realize, is that cereal can be made to whatever consistency you want. I suggest making it very runny, warm it up and spoon feed a tablespoon to start in between regular bottle/breast feeds. You'll find it fills their tummy a bit more. At two months, depending on baby's weight and size of course, he should be taking almost 4 ozs a feeding (breast or formula, or a mix of both). I suggest giving the cereal with the nighttime bottle (make it a bigger feed), this should keep him happy and hopefully start sleeping in 5 hour sets.

As for doctors, they are brilliant, but nothing works like a mothers' instinct. Think you baby is hungry and ready for a little cereal to supplement? Go right ahead.

Teri - posted on 12/09/2009

most moms actually DO produce enough milk for their babies -- I bf-d twins, so I know how much milk one can produce. the only reason taht milk supply can wane is that you are giving too much formula and not stimulating your breasts enough -- esp at night btw 1 and 4 am when you need to feed to spurn your supply.

I'd talk to an LC as they are well versed in this stuff and can totally help you.

babies got through so many growth spurts before 3 mos old, it may feel like you need to feed all the time, cuase you pretty much do -- my sons grew fast and neede dto be fed often (every 2 hours -- but I fed on demand) it was tough 00 but soooo worth it. formula is not the best nutrition for babies so increasing your milk supply would be great.

Teri - posted on 12/09/2009

food allergies have been linked to babies who get food other than bf or milk before 6 mos. it's a risk that our family was not willing ot take. babies under 12 mos are not supposed to sleep through the night (esp before 6mos). BF babies take longer. if you feed your baby laying down, you can sleep while you feed and it's not that much of a big disruption. I did this iwth my daughter and she's a great sleeper and weaned herself from night feedings by 6 mos old or so.

Johnny - posted on 12/09/2009

It is completely and totally normal for a baby to eat every 3 hours. In fact, it is normal for a baby to eat much more often than that. Baby's stomachs are very small and breastmilk is easily digested because it is the perfect food for their system. Babies are biologically wired to seek out nutrients from the mother on a frequent basis. Before you make any decision to suppplement or add solids to your baby's diet, try feeding more frequently and see if your little darling seems more satisfied. It might just do the trick. Not only will his little stomach be filled up more often, but the more you nurse the more milk you naturally produce (supply & demand). You can also try various herbal supplements to increase your breast milk supply. As long as your child is having enough wet and dirty diapers in a day and is active and alert between sleeps, you are probably supplying adequate nutrients. Check out www.kellymom.com for more information on infant nutrition, it is a wonderful site.

The earlier you introduce solids to a baby, the greater their likelihood of food allergies down the line. (Not all kids who have solids at an early age get allergies, but it is more statistically likely). Also, feeding solids can lead to constipation. For those reasons, it's best to avoid the solids if at all possible.

C. - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Christina:

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

You don't have to supplement.  If you want to make more milk then put your baby to the breast whenever he wants.  My daughter is 7 months and is EBF.  She ate at least every 2 hours at that age.  Breastmilk is digested quickly which is why breastfed babies eat more often. Adding solids to help them sleep longer is a myth.

Yes, I HAD to. No matter how often I tried to feed my son (AND I tried pumping when he wouldn't eat) I was still only making 1 1/2 ounces out of BOTH breasts. I was drinking enough water and everything, but I would pump more blood than milk (it was almost completely red, not just pink). My son kept losing weight. At his 2 week checkup he had lost more than a pound from his birthweight. I absolutely HAD to supplement. Some moms just cannot produce enough milk, especially when they are stressed, not getting enough rest, not able to eat when they should, etc. So until you are in a position that I was in, and many other moms as well, I wouldn't start the argument of You don't HAVE to supplement. Sometimes it IS necessary.

 

And I wasn't trying to sound rude either. So I'm sorry if I came off that way.

The OP didn't say anything about weight loss, not enough wet diaper etc.  Just that baby wants to eat frequently which is normal in a breastfed baby.

Oh I know that.. Sorry, I misunderstood what you wrote. For some reason I thought that you were saying in general women don't need to supplement. Sorry!

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Christina:

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

You don't have to supplement.  If you want to make more milk then put your baby to the breast whenever he wants.  My daughter is 7 months and is EBF.  She ate at least every 2 hours at that age.  Breastmilk is digested quickly which is why breastfed babies eat more often. Adding solids to help them sleep longer is a myth.

Yes, I HAD to. No matter how often I tried to feed my son (AND I tried pumping when he wouldn't eat) I was still only making 1 1/2 ounces out of BOTH breasts. I was drinking enough water and everything, but I would pump more blood than milk (it was almost completely red, not just pink). My son kept losing weight. At his 2 week checkup he had lost more than a pound from his birthweight. I absolutely HAD to supplement. Some moms just cannot produce enough milk, especially when they are stressed, not getting enough rest, not able to eat when they should, etc. So until you are in a position that I was in, and many other moms as well, I wouldn't start the argument of You don't HAVE to supplement. Sometimes it IS necessary.

 

And I wasn't trying to sound rude either. So I'm sorry if I came off that way.

The OP didn't say anything about weight loss, not enough wet diaper etc.  Just that baby wants to eat frequently which is normal in a breastfed baby.

C. - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

You don't have to supplement.  If you want to make more milk then put your baby to the breast whenever he wants.  My daughter is 7 months and is EBF.  She ate at least every 2 hours at that age.  Breastmilk is digested quickly which is why breastfed babies eat more often. Adding solids to help them sleep longer is a myth.

I wanted to add something.. It may or may not be a myth, I don't know.. But shouldn't mothers, even new mothers, be more worried about whether or not what they are doing can cause bodily harm to their babies?? Serious question. I have read everywhere across these discussion boards where mothers want to give their babies cereal MAINLY b/c they want to be able to sleep longer! I'm sorry, but I see that as kind of selfish. Am I wrong for thinking that??

Don't get me wrong, I took care of my son almost entirely by myself until my son was almost 5 months old. I didn't feed him cereal until he was 4 months old (thanks to his doctor. Wish I would have waited b/c ever since then my son has had problems w/ constipation no matter HOW much water he drinks and how much fiber he eats..) Anyway, I know it's hard and you get tired, but giving them cereal is NOT necessary.

C. - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

You don't have to supplement.  If you want to make more milk then put your baby to the breast whenever he wants.  My daughter is 7 months and is EBF.  She ate at least every 2 hours at that age.  Breastmilk is digested quickly which is why breastfed babies eat more often. Adding solids to help them sleep longer is a myth.

I wanted to add something.. It may or may not be a myth, I don't know.. But shouldn't mothers, even new mothers, be more worried about whether or not what they are doing can cause bodily harm to their babies?? Serious question. I have read everywhere across these discussion boards where mothers want to give their babies cereal MAINLY b/c they want to be able to sleep longer! I'm sorry, but I see that as kind of selfish. Am I wrong for thinking that??

Don't get me wrong, I took care of my son almost entirely by myself until my son was almost 5 months old. I didn't feed him cereal until he was 4 months old (thanks to his doctor. Wish I would have waited b/c ever since then my son has had problems w/ constipation no matter HOW much water he drinks and how much fiber he eats..) Anyway, I know it's hard and you get tired, but giving them cereal is NOT necessary.

C. - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

You don't have to supplement.  If you want to make more milk then put your baby to the breast whenever he wants.  My daughter is 7 months and is EBF.  She ate at least every 2 hours at that age.  Breastmilk is digested quickly which is why breastfed babies eat more often. Adding solids to help them sleep longer is a myth.

I wanted to add something.. It may or may not be a myth, I don't know.. But shouldn't mothers, even new mothers, be more worried about whether or not what they are doing can cause bodily harm to their babies?? Serious question. I have read everywhere across these discussion boards where mothers want to give their babies cereal MAINLY b/c they want to be able to sleep longer! I'm sorry, but I see that as kind of selfish. Am I wrong for thinking that??

Don't get me wrong, I took care of my son almost entirely by myself until my son was almost 5 months old. I didn't feed him cereal until he was 4 months old (thanks to his doctor. Wish I would have waited b/c ever since then my son has had problems w/ constipation no matter HOW much water he drinks and how much fiber he eats..) Anyway, I know it's hard and you get tired, but giving them cereal is NOT necessary.

C. - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

You don't have to supplement.  If you want to make more milk then put your baby to the breast whenever he wants.  My daughter is 7 months and is EBF.  She ate at least every 2 hours at that age.  Breastmilk is digested quickly which is why breastfed babies eat more often. Adding solids to help them sleep longer is a myth.

I wanted to add something.. It may or may not be a myth, I don't know.. But shouldn't mothers, even new mothers, be more worried about whether or not what they are doing can cause bodily harm to their babies?? Serious question. I have read everywhere across these discussion boards where mothers want to give their babies cereal MAINLY b/c they want to be able to sleep longer! I'm sorry, but I see that as kind of selfish. Am I wrong for thinking that??

Don't get me wrong, I took care of my son almost entirely by myself until my son was almost 5 months old. I didn't feed him cereal until he was 4 months old (thanks to his doctor. Wish I would have waited b/c ever since then my son has had problems w/ constipation no matter HOW much water he drinks and how much fiber he eats..) Anyway, I know it's hard and you get tired, but giving them cereal is NOT necessary.

C. - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

You don't have to supplement.  If you want to make more milk then put your baby to the breast whenever he wants.  My daughter is 7 months and is EBF.  She ate at least every 2 hours at that age.  Breastmilk is digested quickly which is why breastfed babies eat more often. Adding solids to help them sleep longer is a myth.

I wanted to add something.. It may or may not be a myth, I don't know.. But shouldn't mothers, even new mothers, be more worried about whether or not what they are doing can cause bodily harm to their babies?? Serious question. I have read everywhere across these discussion boards where mothers want to give their babies cereal MAINLY b/c they want to be able to sleep longer! I'm sorry, but I see that as kind of selfish. Am I wrong for thinking that??

Don't get me wrong, I took care of my son almost entirely by myself until my son was almost 5 months old. I didn't feed him cereal until he was 4 months old (thanks to his doctor. Wish I would have waited b/c ever since then my son has had problems w/ constipation no matter HOW much water he drinks and how much fiber he eats..) Anyway, I know it's hard and you get tired, but giving them cereal is NOT necessary.

C. - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Marjorie:

Some babies have healthy appetites and just milk of any form will not satisfy them. Giving a little cereal will satisfy your baby. But give plain ceral, first.

One of my sister's boys was well over 11 pounds at birth. When he was just a couple months or so she had to start giving him 10-12oz bottles of milk about 6-8 times a day. My son was also a hefty eater when I started giving him formula. I come from a family of babies with healthy appetites. If you up the milk or formula intake, that will be sufficient. Giving babies cereal before 6 months unless directed by a doctor can be harmful to babies since their digestive system is so young and not ready for solids just yet. I have heard of doctors giving the Ok for cereal no earlier than 3 months (unless the infant had medical problems and absolutely NEEDED cereal). But giving it too early can cause food allergies, digestive tract problems (either right away OR later in life), etc. And giving cereal in a bottle can be a choking hazard to the baby, even if the mother enlarges the nipple (which you are clearly not supposed to do b/c it can tear the nipple causing an even bigger choking hazard). Simply put, giving cereal to babies too young can be harmful all around. And I know people will say, Well I gave it to my kids that early and they are perfectly healthy. Not all babies are the same and just b/c it worked for some people's kids, doesn't mean it will work for others. It is best to check with the doctor first and if they say No, then it's best to stay away until they say Yes.

C. - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

You don't have to supplement.  If you want to make more milk then put your baby to the breast whenever he wants.  My daughter is 7 months and is EBF.  She ate at least every 2 hours at that age.  Breastmilk is digested quickly which is why breastfed babies eat more often. Adding solids to help them sleep longer is a myth.

Yes, I HAD to. No matter how often I tried to feed my son (AND I tried pumping when he wouldn't eat) I was still only making 1 1/2 ounces out of BOTH breasts. I was drinking enough water and everything, but I would pump more blood than milk (it was almost completely red, not just pink). My son kept losing weight. At his 2 week checkup he had lost more than a pound from his birthweight. I absolutely HAD to supplement. Some moms just cannot produce enough milk, especially when they are stressed, not getting enough rest, not able to eat when they should, etc. So until you are in a position that I was in, and many other moms as well, I wouldn't start the argument of You don't HAVE to supplement. Sometimes it IS necessary.

And I wasn't trying to sound rude either. So I'm sorry if I came off that way.

Marjorie - posted on 12/08/2009

Some babies have healthy appetites and just milk of any form will not satisfy them. Giving a little cereal will satisfy your baby. But give plain ceral, first.

Jodi - posted on 12/08/2009

It is perfectly normal for a baby to be hungrier at 2 months - between 6 and 8 weeks they go through a growth spurt! The general idea is that you are supposed to breastfeed more frequently so that your milk supply will increase for him, and once the supply has increased, you can settle back into a new routine. At this point, you should increase the feeds (or the frequency of them), and this should then satisfy him. You really shouldn't give rice cereal until he is at least 4 months, and you shouldn't need to either.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Christina:

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

You don't have to supplement.  If you want to make more milk then put your baby to the breast whenever he wants.  My daughter is 7 months and is EBF.  She ate at least every 2 hours at that age.  Breastmilk is digested quickly which is why breastfed babies eat more often. Adding solids to help them sleep longer is a myth.

Marjorie - posted on 12/08/2009

Quoting Amy:

Can I give my infant Cereal at 2 months?

My baby boy doesnt ever seem to get satisfied after feedings. Whether its on the breast of if I give him an ounce or 2 of formula to supplement. I was thinking of adding some cereal in his formula for the last feeding of the night so he will sleep longer than 2 hrs. He is waking and wanting to be fed every 3hrs!

I gave my baby cereal at that age.  You simply put enough to thicken the fomula.  You will find that he will sleep, longer.

C. - posted on 12/08/2009

You are probably not producing enough milk and will have to supplement with formula. You are NOT supposed to give babies cereal until they are 6 months UNLESS directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor first and if they say no, don't do it. AND you NEVER EVER want to give a baby cereal in the bottle. It can pose a choking hazard with OR without the nipple being enlarged.

Deborah - posted on 12/08/2009

I started to wean my daughter at six wks she had the same problem as ur son. I started to give her a half a weetabik with her baby milk she started sleeping better and she took to it straight away she is now 18 months and it never did her any harm. I hope this is a help to you x

Hannah - posted on 12/08/2009

Thats normal for a 2 month old. I suggest ONLY giving him breastmilk. It has EVERYTHING he needs in it. Those frequent feedings will help you keep your milk supply up, which is very important. I have read, and been told by my pediatrician not to give anything but breast, until at least 6 months. Also, as long as he is gaining weight, he is getting enough milk.

It's ultimately up to you, and you know what's best for your child, but as far as nutrition goes, and bonding, and convenience.... breast is best... and is all he needs until 6 months. But you should really try to breastfeed for 1 year or longer.

Hope that helps!!

Sharon - posted on 12/08/2009

Did you ever think that maybe you aren't producing enough milk for him at all?



You may feel engorged but if he's still hungry then he's hungry. An ounce or two... is that your judgment call or his. HE IS HUNGRY? Why would you not feed him more?



Instead of giving him more formula you want to give him baby cereal. What does your pediatrician say? What do your baby books say?



Are you hoping someone will tell you the opposite of what those noteworthies have said?



Just in case google.com doesn't work on your computer, here is a link...



http://www.babycenter.com/0_age-by-age-g...