When do I start feeding my baby rice cereal?

Kristina - posted on 01/25/2009

I would wait until your baby is at least 5 months. Their digestive systems are not ready for foods other than formula or breast milk; it can also affect the amount of vitamins they absorb fom the milk. I fed my son a bit every now and than, which was fine, and when he was six months I started him once a day on baby cereals.

Becky - posted on 01/25/2009

Really runny from a spoon since he's already able. Start with beginner rice cereal. As he gets older just thicken it. Sounds like he's going through a growth spurt though. If you are breastfeeding, nurse him on demand and your milk supply will adjust. If he's getting formula give him more. I would wait until at least 4 months to start him on rice cereal and that is the earliest recommendation. The experts recommend 4-6 months. It is also recommended that you do not put anything but milk or formula in the bottle.

Cheers :)

Danielle - posted on 01/25/2009

You don't have to put it in his bottle, but you can if you want to. Just a teaspoon or so to start with.

Amanda - posted on 01/25/2009

Thank you!!! I am just torn and a new mom at that! He doesn't spit up at all and can actually eat from a spoon already...so, do I still put in in his bottle?
And, how much if I do?

Vaso - posted on 01/25/2009

i wouldnt start just yet,it could give him belly aches because its harder fo them to digest.,and you might get a screaming baby instead of a hungry one.When my son was 3-4 months old i just added a bit of baby oatmeal to his bottle.like a teaspoon to a 6oz bottle.It helped.

Anita - posted on 01/25/2009

I started both my on cereal at 3 weeks and I was told by a doc that it is fine

Alison - posted on 01/25/2009

They say its best for the baby if you wait till 6 months. But my son did the same thing. And your baby is probably going through growth spurts. Thats what the doctor told me.

Marie - posted on 01/25/2009

Oh, if it's ok with your pedia you could put a little bit of cereal in a bottle to fill him up....and also might want to pump a feeding just to check and make sure you have a good supply of breast milk.

Alicia - posted on 01/25/2009

I STARTED MY DAUGHTER AT 3 MONTHS DUE TO GERD(ACID REFLUX) BUT USUALLY THEY SAY ABOUT 4 MONTHS. IT CANT HURT TO GIVE IT TO HIM NOW. JUST WATER IT DOWN REALLY GOOD WITH EITHER FORMULA OR BREAST MILK. XXX HOPE THIS HELPS!

Marie - posted on 01/25/2009

depending on your baby, between 4-6 months of age... the average is 5months. Also, if they are spitter uppers then I would wait a little longer since that tends to mean they won't take in the cereal as well, at least that is how it was with my second daughter.