Introducing Solid Foods

Cathralynn - posted on 06/04/2009

I think it may be a little early and sounds like you are doing good. When you say milk you mean breastmilk or formula right? Cause whole milk is too much right now and dairy is definately constipating. Its normal for babies to get constipated when they switch to solids its harder on their digestive system. My doc said rice cereal causes constipation and to switch to a grain but that was at 8-9mo so I think grains are too much for 5mo old. Also to make sure baby gets plenty of fiber and water. Veggies and fuits are great. My doc recommended prune juice, but I don't give my daughter juices so I gave her only a lil in a med dropper. Worked like a charm be careful cause you can get the opposite effect. He also said something bout karos syrup and water as a last chance before suppositories but I would talk to your doc. Good luck!

Yolannda - posted on 06/04/2009

babys digestive system is not developed properly to handle food untill they are 6 months old,, and starting off with the rice cerial is good,, i found the multi grain cereal was better on my baby,,, but what works for yours may be different,,, and makeing sure they get thier fruit will help with thier fiber and help them to not get constipated.

Vicki - posted on 06/03/2009

try pruns and prun juice

Gloria - posted on 06/03/2009

to me, it is normal for some children. there are no hard set rules for everyone, only recommendations. i did not feed my children solids until they had saliva because it is needed for digestion. some children start at 2 months, others at 6 or 8 months. whenever they start to drool a lot is a good time to start solids. also some fruits like apples plug up some children and loosen others. it really is a question of finding what works best for your baby.

Karma - posted on 06/03/2009

I found that banana's and apples were very constipating for my little one when we started solids. I still gave them to her, but i mix them with other fruits that we had tried that did not have the same effect. She loves plums and they help her little system get moving-so i mix them with anything that seems to constipate her. We did the 'introduce one new food every 3 days' so it took awhile, but she is loving her mixed fruits for dessert! Good luck-and have fun with it!

Jennifer - posted on 06/03/2009

Pears are very good at relieving constipation. Try feeding him pureed pears or giving him 2 oz. pear juice to drink. It is very normal for babies to get constipated.

Tasha - posted on 06/03/2009

Heya Becky,



I started giving my daughter solids at 5 months and she now is 8 months weighs 20lbs and her height is 2ft and some. I started with mashing some sweet potatoes with no kind of salt and putting a little bit of water in it to thin it out a little, also I use more water in her bottle than milk because she was getting constipated too. I would continue giving him a little of the purees, but if it continues see his doctor.

Mel - posted on 06/03/2009

try giving more of the pureed apple and pear rather then other stuff and stay away from rice cereal. your not doing anything wrong he may just not be ready. try giving fruit juice and water between feeds

Jenifer - posted on 06/03/2009

Some babies' digestive systems aren't ready for solid food until 6 months or so. If he's getting constipated, I think you're doing the right thing by holding off for a few days. Of course, some foods - like sweet potatoes - are harder on their tummies. I've found banana and avocado make good first foods. Don't worry if he's not taking to solids right away - it should be fun for you both, and not something to worry over. Milk is still his primary source of nutrition anyway.