breastfeeding and cereal?

Denay - posted on 01/31/2010

I gave my daughter cereal at 3 months but she was showing signs of interest in food. It won't hurt her if you decide to give it to her just make sure it is real thin and make sure you use a spoon as it promotes chewing.

Angie - posted on 01/31/2010

My daughter is 7 months old and im still breastfeeding her, I started her on solid food when she was 3 months old. First I started her on rice cereal in a bowl mixed with my breast milk, but the rice cereal made it really hard for her to poop. You dont need to put cereal in her bottle, its fun to feed them with a spoon and watch their reaction. You might want to try starting her with baby oatmeal or a veggie first. But to answer your question, everything Ive read about starting your baby on solids says you do not need to feed them rice cereal as their first food.

Heather - posted on 01/31/2010

I fully agree. My pediatrician recommended solids earlier because my son would take 10-12 ounces at a feeding, and get very mad when his 8oz bottles would run out. But rice cereal in the bottle is a horrible idea. I have a friend who SWORE its why her 3 month old would sleep through the night so I tried it, yeah totally didnt work he just took 8 ounces for his next bottle instead of 10. Not worth it. And its linked to increased wieght gain and not in a good way its nothing but empty calories

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 01/31/2010

I agree with the other moms. Don't worry about what others say. All your baby needs is your breastmilk. Once she's closer to 6 months, your pediatrician will give you some recommendations for starting solids.

Anna - posted on 01/31/2010

i breastfeed with out using bottles. my 7 onth old wont touch them. i stated giving my daughter ceral with her baby food at almost 4 months. so dont worry about the whole bottle thing, no worries there. try stage one applesauce or bananas. the sweetness will associate well with the sweetness of breastmilk. and start with rice cereal until your baby is for sure not allergic. she doesnt need to start with the rice cereal yet though. you could hold off for another month or 2...good luck.

Kristina - posted on 01/31/2010

As a breastfeeding mother of a 5 month old here is what I know (also I have three older children) First off cereal in a bottle is a bad idea, but many people still do it.... mostly because they want baby to eat less often but it's not healthy.... secondly 3 months is a little early to start cereal unless your child is eating very often like Erica said.... My son who was 16 1/2 pounds at his four month check up started cereal at 4 1/2 months because he was nursing every 2 1/2 to 3 hours for 20-30 minuets and his weight gain was slowing down.... As long as she is growing well it's best to wait to because it can adversly affect your milk supply because she wont be demanding as many feedings... best bet is talk to your babies doctor..

Erica - posted on 01/31/2010

Honestly, I don't think so. I've read studies lately that say putting cereal in bottles can cause a child to choke. Personally, I never did. I did introduce it around 3 1/2 months with a spoon, but that was only because my son ate eight ounces of formula every 3 hours and cereal helped keep him fuller longer. If your daughter seems hungry all the time, you can try cereal, but until then, I don't think there's a need.