putting cereal in 8wk old formula?

Cindy - posted on 02/22/2009

Listen to your heart.  Baby hungry - feed it.  Baby cereal is made for babies.  It will not cause allergies.  Mix the cereal watery and slowly feed munchkin.   When munchkin slurps 2 tablespoons with no problem start thicker.  If munchkin get bored, spice it up.  Add a pinch of sugar or grind up a arrowroot cookie.  Have fun.  Remeber she's yours, listen to your gut.

Lizzy - posted on 02/22/2009

Every doctor or health visitor has there own opinion i have 2 children just under 11months apart with my daughter i was told i cant give her any food till 4month but 11months later was told with my son no food till 6months my sister had a baby in december and has been told no food till 9months, so wer is the sence?

Both my children have been on baby rice from before they were 4-6months and are both fine.



Im not sayin do give it her and im not sayin dont your the mother and you should know whats best for YOUR child.



I was put on cows milk at 3weeks old because i couldnt keep formula milk down and that was the hospital who told my mom to do that and try with abit of baby rice to help me put the weight on, i have had no problems with being on cows milk or baby rice so early.Good luck!

Sonya - posted on 02/22/2009

I did it at night and it really helped. I didn't know about the food allergy talk until AFTER the fact. I hear all kinds of things that are supposedly the culprit when it comes to food allergies and my docs disagree on this one.



My baby (now one year old) is fine and doesn't have any known allergies. I wish you the best of luck and congrats on your new baby!!

Kate - posted on 02/22/2009

It's my understanding that you should never put rice in baby's formula, it can rot their teeth!

They say you can start to introduce puree around 5-6 months, make it nicely runny, like the consistency of applesauce.  Sometimes babies show they are hungrier earlier than the 5 month mark...but certainly no earlier than 3 or 4!  Their tummies can't process it.  I would say for such a young babe, follow your Doctor's advice. And double check about the formula and rice mixture, that would make me very wary!

7 oz every 3-4 hours doesn't sound unreasonable to me!

Good luck!

Heather - posted on 02/22/2009

I did it for my first. He has no allergies (not even the feared peanut butter.) My second son got it when he was bottle fed, at 5 months.

Nicola - posted on 02/22/2009

I would not give my baby's anything other than breast milk! Why should babies with stomacks soo small be pumped full of any thing else but breast milk or formular?

I have had 4 children an 8 year old  who i breast fed for 8 months! a 2 year old who i breast fed for 8 months and twin boys who i still breast feed now , but they do each have two bottles of formular recently! Let babies be babies little and often feeds of fluids!

Too many people think giving them big feeds helps them sleep well, does this really work or does it make fat babies and obese adults?

I just would not put my baby's at risk too much knowledge has gone into development in children's diets and in baby food proucts to ignore what it says on the jar 4 - 6 months! You are also giving your baby too many sugars and salts etc!

Enjoy your baby and nuture your baby and go by your instincs not what the old generations say!

Lauren - posted on 02/22/2009

I started putting cereal in my son's formula at 5 weeks but that was per instruction from a doctor. He had problems with spitting up. However, I've heard that you should never put anything extra into a bottle. Definitely check with your doctor before you do that. Besides, there is really no need to thicken the formula unless your baby is having a problem. In which case, I would call the doctor.

Lauren - posted on 02/22/2009

I started putting cereal in my son's formula at 5 weeks but that was per instruction from a doctor. He had problems with spitting up. However, I've heard that you should never put anything extra into a bottle. Definitely check with your doctor before you do that. Besides, there is really no need to thicken the formula unless your baby is having a problem. In which case, I would call the doctor.

Lauren - posted on 02/22/2009

I started putting cereal in my son's formula at 5 weeks but that was per instruction from a doctor. He had problems with spitting up. However, I've heard that you should never put anything extra into a bottle. Definitely check with your doctor before you do that. Besides, there is really no need to thicken the formula unless your baby is having a problem. In which case, I would call the doctor.

Marlana - posted on 02/22/2009

If you ahve a larger baby and she is eating alot then I would reccomend it!

At 10 weeks my daughter was 14 lbs and eating about 45 oz of milk a day! It was so much more milk then she should be having each day, i started giving her 3 teaspoons of rice cereal in 2 oz of milk in the mourning and at dinner time and shes cut down to about 30 oz of formula a day, my pediatrician even suggested this before i told him that i had started her on it because she was eating so much formula. after the rice cereal shes hungry in about 4-5 hours and eats 4-5 oz of milk when not eating rice cereal

Chrystal - posted on 02/22/2009

Your friend is right. You are increasing the risk of your baby having food allergies, and the exposure to bugs that could lead to diarrhea and gastric problems as their digestive systems aren't ready to start working so soon by giving her cereal now. Breastmilk or formula is all that is needed for the first six months of their life and no food whatsoever should be given until then. Also if you are breastfeeding this may upset your milk supply.

Chris - posted on 02/22/2009

I asked these same questions to my doctor and he said no because of food allergies.  My daughter which is almost 4 yrs old was the same way.  I was told that she was a GRAZING GRACIE we called her.  She eat too soon.  Her boby was not digesting the food so keep eating to soon and more and more.  So I have to hold her bottles off a little each time and used a binky.  It worked and was a short phase.  Hopes this helps! 

Jolene - posted on 02/22/2009

i say if you did it for a week and had no probs then trust your instinct i think people make mothers worry too much these and in many cases this is wat causes allergies as mums r too scared to try new things for their babies

Jolene - posted on 02/22/2009

i say if you did it for a week and had no probs then trust your instinct i think people make mothers worry too much these and in many cases this is wat causes allergies as mums r too scared to try new things for their babies

Karlyn - posted on 02/22/2009

Quoting Ashley:

putting cereal in 8wk old formula?

My daughter is 8 weeks old & is already up to 7 ounces, eating every 3-4 hours. About 3 weeks ago, my mother-in-law told me to start putting cereal in her baby formula to thicken it. I did that for a week, until a friend told me her doctor said that it can cause food allergies. My mother-in-law has done that for all 3 of her children, with no problems or complications. I plan on talking to my doctor on my next visit but wanted to get advice from other moms until then! Thanks!!!

I did with my 2 kids but not until 6 months they started not sleeping through the night and they would wake up and want to eat so I started putting cereal and they would be full for the night and day they wouldn't want to eat every hour.  My mom did it with all of my brothers and sisters.  Just start with the rice cereal.

Kristy - posted on 02/21/2009

Hello Ashley,

I did put cereal in my little ones bottles as well, with no complications I might add, and the only thing that my doctor advised me to do is to make sure I didn't over do the cereal versus the milk, he told me to only put about two teaspoons in a 4oz bottle, yes it will thicken it, it doesn't look like it does that much but those little tummies sure does love it.... Actually when my daughter and son were 3 and a half months old I started feeding them cereal with a spoon, it was very runny and only small amounts but wow were they happy.



I have also worked with children for going on 10 years not counting my own little ones and I've done the same thing with them as well. I first worked at a preschool in the nursery and then moved on to an Emergency Shelter for children.



But it is awesome that you are going to question the doctor about it eveyone does things a different way of course, but the best advice I can give is listen to your baby, if she's hungry she's hungry and I say go for it.

Colleen - posted on 02/21/2009

Don't give her cereal until atleast 4 months. Some doctors even suggest waiting until 6 months. You're mother-in-law is wrong. Young babies have an underdeveloped digestive system that cannot handle cereal yet. If you doubt this, read the back of your formula container b/c I'm sure it will have comments like "easy to digest" etc. Contrary to the old wives tale about giving babies cereal to help them sleep, giving babies cereal at your daughter's age is more likely to cause her to sleep poorly b/c it can make her gassy and cause stomach pain. Just b/c your mother-in-law didn't notice any obvious problems or complications with her kids does not mean that they didn't have problems. In her generation giving babies cereal was considered normal so if there were problems she probably would have attributed them to some other cause.

If your daughter is only 8 weeks old and eating every 3-4 hours count yourself lucky b/c that's actually a fantastic schedule for that age. It sounds like your doing a great job :)

Julia - posted on 02/21/2009

My son was the exact same way, by 2 months he was eating about 7 oz every 2-3

 hours. he just seemed hungry all the time. I gave him cereal in the morning and at night for about a week, to help with his hungry.  I asked my cousin (who is a pediatrication) what he though and he had not issues with it since they give cereal to premies to help thicken the formula.  I have read several articles that early cereal introduction "does not" cause food allergies.  You'll just have to feel comfortable about what you think is right.  Worst case you start it and if you don't think it is making a difference stop.  (FYI- check to make sure she isn't just going through a growth spurt)

Hope this helps

Julie - posted on 02/21/2009

I say do what you feel comfortable with but I did this for my son at 6 weeks and he was more satisfied. I did it with my own son. I think lots of people want to scare you because people try to do this to get their children to sleep through the night. Just make sure she is able to swallow ok and if she does it should be fine. But your doctor will most likely say no.

Brenda - posted on 02/21/2009

Moms are wonderful helpers, just keep in mind that times have changed since they were raising us and Dr.'s have new outlooks on things. My mom was trying to force me to give him cereal while my pediatrician was saying no. i'm sure you've had a visit since you've posted this, so hopefully you got the answers you were looking for!

Kelly - posted on 02/21/2009

I started putting cereal in both my boys formula when they were about 6 wks. Only enough to give it a little consistency (seems like it was less than a Tablespoon) We had no probs and they both seemed happier and healthier. I would ask their Doc anyway, they will probably tell you not to tho.

Kelly - posted on 02/21/2009

I have twins and they were preemies.  At one month old, they were put on 1 tsp of cereal in their milk to help with projectile vomiting.  The only trouble it caused, was mild constipation.  But with the help of a little apple juice from time to time, the pooh starting flowing. 

Amy - posted on 02/21/2009

I wouldn't do it. Her digestive system is not going to handle "solid" food. As dr. but i wouldn't. And no solid food until 6 months, what's the rush?

Nikki - posted on 02/21/2009

My suggestion is talk to your Pedi... they can tell you what you should and should not do.

Kate - posted on 02/21/2009

Some babies need more, you can get a very fine baby rice i used to help fill my son up as he was always hungrey. My mother advised me this as she was a nurce. Miw it wih the baby milk so its still runny.

Michelle - posted on 02/21/2009

Quoting Christy:

Have you tried Enfamil A.R. formula? The AR stands for added rice. My 5 month old has always been a big eater. That seemed to help a bit. He has been on it since he was 2 months old but he also had slight Reflux. My dr. also started him on cereal at 3 1/2 months. Of course you should ask your dr. first about any changes.

I added cereal to my kids formula when they younger and had no issues whatsoever. Every child is different in what they consume depening on their size, but if it makes you feel more comfortable pass it by your doctor or even a pharmacist.

Lakisha - posted on 02/21/2009

I have five children and I have put rice cereal in thier bottles since they were home from the hospital. I havnt had any problems with either of them. Everyone has different reasons, I think it's up to you. But mother's always knows best.

Lakisha - posted on 02/21/2009

I have five children and I have put rice cereal in thier bottles since they were home from the hospital. I havnt had any problems with either of them. Everyone has different reasons, I think it's up to you. But mother's always knows best.

Kim - posted on 02/21/2009

My son is now 10 years old, when he was 3 weeks old he was eating every 1-2 hours because he was always hungry. He was 6.13 at birth. Our doctor told us to put alittle cereal in his bottle to help. It didnt hurt him, he didnt suffer. he is now a healthly 10 year old. Talk with your doctor and see what they have to say, but the only person that knows your child best is you. Do what YOU think is best. good luck

Corinne - posted on 02/21/2009

I started my daughter on cereal at 8 weeks because she was eating 8 oz bottles every 4 hours,  but i started feeding it to her with a spoon instead of in her bottle and she is now 11 weeks and is fine with it. I also recently started her on applesauce which she absolutely loves. My doctor said the same thing but its your instincts that matter. Everyone is my family has started their babies on cereal and first stage food at around 2 months and we r all fine! Also my doctor said she coudlnt use a spoon yet because her tongue wouldnt understand it.. but how else do you teach your tongue to work. and the first time i gave it to her.. her tongue knew exactly wat to do! Also my pedi told me that every 5 or 6 years all the pediatricians get together and decide what they are going to try next, so even the pediatricians change the age every so many years. So dont be scared if your baby isnt ready for it she will let you know.

Julie - posted on 02/21/2009

I started giving my daughter cereal at 2 months and she handled it well. I didnt put it in a bottle, I gave it to her from a spoon. My doc told me not to give it to her in the bottle because it causes problems later on. It really doesnt thicken it up in the way you think it does. If the child is hungry and showing signs that they want more then the bottle just feed them cereal out of the bowl.

Christine - posted on 02/21/2009

Hi Ashley.  I put my daughter on cereal in her bottle around the same time, for the same reasons.  I didn't put much in, but it seemed to keep her satisfied for longer, especially at night.  The doc may or may not agree, but seriously, I listen to my doc, but you can also listen to women who've already had kids.  Your mother in law wouldn't steer you wrong, I listen to advice from my mom and mother in law all the time!  Good luck.

Denise - posted on 02/21/2009

When my oldest son was 2 wks old his doctor told me to add rice cereal to bottles, he was taking 8oz of formula ever 4 hrs.....it worked. He even started sleeping through the night!

Alexii - posted on 02/21/2009

i started my son on rice cereal at about 10 weeks he was so big and being breastfeed at the time he was nursing every 2 hrs. i just started feeding him in his bumdo seat very liquid cereal the kind that take so long to feed them because its so runny, it starts them on a new life skill (eating) and she wont get over full and possibly bunged up. if shes hungery feed her :)

Diana - posted on 02/21/2009

Wow...thats all I can say. I didn't want to add to the madness either. But might as well share. Every mother knows whats best for their child. Even first time moms like myself. I breastfed until my son was about 3 weeks old. I dried up real fast. And yes I do blame myself for not putting forth more effort. I will know better next time. I started him on rice when he was about 2 months old. Honestly we had more problems with the formula than rice. It took over a month for him to get used to the formula we had him on. Dealing with constipation and gas every night. And it only took a few days for him to get used to the rice. I only give it to him when I know he is going through a growth spurt and is eating every two hours. It helped alot. Now he is 12 weeks and has not had it for over a week now. His ped told me when turns 3 months I can start to spoon feed him alittle rice. He is very healthy and in the weight range. So every doc is going to tell you different. I'm going to go by my instincts, not everyone elses. They don't know my child like I do. I have been told many things by my elders. Like how they were sent home with water from the hospital. Now they dont want you to give water because its hard on the kidneys. Things will always change over the years. More tests and studies will be done....for eternity. So really, these threads are to offer opinions, not to tell someone to DO this and DON'T do that. Good luck to every mother out there. YOU are the mom remember that!!!!

Julie - posted on 02/21/2009

er read the formula tin and books that get from your midwife when youve had a baby. It is a well known fact that you dont ever put anything in babies bottles. Baby's only need milk regardless of who has dun it in the past with their kids!

I ran out infront of a car the other day... it must be ok tho as iv seen other people do it

Theresa - posted on 02/21/2009

i started putting cereal in my sons bottle when he was six weeks old and feeding it by spoon at ten weeks the formula was just not enough for him. i think it just depends on the baby and the doctor that you ask

Emma - posted on 02/21/2009

no shes 2 young, a baby of that age doesnt need any type of food apart from their bottle, what about trying the milk for hungrier babies?

Joy - posted on 02/21/2009

I would def check with your Doc first. A babys digestive system is not ready for cereals or solids until at least 4-5 months old and their little kidneys are not mature enough to handle the extra waste that the cereal may cause. You may be causing more harm than good. The amount that your baby is feeding currently is quite normal and common.

Danielle - posted on 02/21/2009

i was told definately no-no, my son is 6mths old, but when he was born he was over 10 pounds and was havin 9oz every 3hrs, through the night also, but they get ova it, its probably just a growth spurt. x

Debbie - posted on 02/20/2009

as for me I started giving my baby ceral at 4 weeks she is now 1 1/2 and has no problems her doctor was the one that told me to do this  since she was always hungry.  but I didn't put it in her bottle I gave it to her on a spoon and that worked better cause when i put it in her bottle she ate it to fast. but by the spoon i was able to control how quick she at it. i did only a teaspoon once a day for her. hope this helps

Holly - posted on 02/20/2009

Both of my children (now 3.5 years and 10 months) were put on cereal in the bottle at 5 weeks by their pediatrician because of their reflux.  It did not harm their health or cause any allergies.  It also held them longer at night which was so very nice.   

Vicki - posted on 02/20/2009

she is not ready for soilds at that early on. formula will fill her up fine.

Jackie - posted on 02/20/2009

er not a good idea as they might choke

Mandy - posted on 02/20/2009

I reciently brough my 2 1/2 month old daughter to the doctors because she didnt seem to be getting full off her bottle and she begain throwing up whenever she ate.  He advised me to start her on cereal.  He said it is safe as long as it is used properly.  Babies at that age are not old enough to properly digest cereal if it is too thick or you use to much during one feeding.  He told me to add no more than 1 tablespoon per 2 ounces of formula to each of her bottles. Some people agree that they should have nothing more then formula untill they are 6 months, but if you have a baby that has a big appetite they may not be sattisfied with that. I gave my first daughter cereal at 3 months and she is fine.  No allergies, no health problems. 

You will have to deside what works best for you.  Every child is different and you know your child better then anyone.  You will figure out what is right and what your baby needs. 

Hope this was helpful.  Good luck!

Tosha - posted on 02/20/2009

When my son was born he had acid reflux and the doctor was the one who told me to put him on a small amount of ceral each feeding.  He is nine years old now and never had any kind of food allergies (He can eat you out of house and home).  I think it is just each childs on what he / she can handle. I hope that helps you a bit.

Claire - posted on 02/20/2009

i have had some very hungry babies and instead of adding anything to there bottles i just gave them a couple of spoons of baby rice and it worked for me, the doctor would probably say don't do it but you have to go with your instinct, you are mummy and you know best x x x

Stephanie - posted on 02/20/2009

Back in the days (20 yrs or so ago) mothers would put cereal into the bottle with the belief that it would help the baby sleep longer at night. Your doctor will most likely tell you not to introduce any type of cereal until 4 months (possibly 6 months depending on the doctor) 7oz sounds like alot for an 8 week old although all of my children went through rapid growth spurts at young ageds and increased the amount of formula dramatically. Every 4 hours is pretty normal for that age...but Iam with the other moms..talk to your doctor! Don't feel bad about calling and asking them questions...there is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your child! Good luck

May - posted on 02/20/2009

MY BABY WILL SLEEP FROM 8 PM TO 7 AM AND WAKE UP HAPPY IN THE AM. AND SHE WILL EVEN GO TILL ABOUT 8 AM FOR HER FIRST FEEDING.

May - posted on 02/20/2009

YOUR DR.. WILL TELL U NO FOOD OR CEREAL. BUT ME PERSONALY IF YOUR BABY IS HUNGRY FEED HER.MY DOUGHTER IS 14 WEEKS AND HAS BEEN GETTING CEREAL SENCE SHE WAS 4 WEEKS AND BABY FOOD SENCE 5 WEEKS. SHE HAS ALSO BEEN TAKING 7-8 OZ EVERY 4 HRS. AND HAS BEEN SLEEPING THRUOGH THE NIGHT SENCE SHE WAS 5 WEEKS OLD. TRY SPOON FEEDING RICE WITH SOME BABY FOOD. WHEN MY SON WAS A BABY HE WAS TAKING 8 OZ. EVERY 4 HRS. AT 2 DAYS OLD. SO WE STARTED THE RICE AND FOOD AT 2 AND 3 WEEKS WITH HIM. AND WE HAD NO PROBLEMS. YOU REALLY NEED TO GO ON WHAT U FEEL IS BEST FOR YOUR BABY. THE DR.AND FRIENDS DONT LIVE WITH HER. SO IF SHES HUNGRY FEED HER. YOU COULD ALSO TRY SOME SUGAR WATER IN BETWEEN FEEDINGS IF SHE GETS FUSSY. A LOT OF TIME WHEN THE BABY CRIES IN BETWEEN HER FEEDING ITS NOT BECAUSE SHES HUNGRY BUT THURSTY.