I need other peoples opinions on this!

Autumn - posted on 11/06/2009

It all depends on what your baby's doctors has said. I was told by my son's Dr that if youe baby seems very hungry even after a feeding then a little cereal with a spoon is fine. I have three boys and they all ate baby cereal at 4 months froma spoon. Every kid is different and most Dr's go with what the parent wants for there child unless it could be harmful, It will not hurt your baby to feed her cereal from a spoon. You will know if she is able to tolerate it. If she can take it off the spoon and doesn't choke or cough she an eat it. It has to be a thick consistency and start with rice. The number one reason Dr's don't want you to start food to early is due to having an allergy to something new. Good luck. Do what you feel is right, it willl not hurt your daughter to wait.

Dominique - posted on 11/06/2009

it is clear to me they are a little controlling. u know what is right for your baby as the doctors have most likely explained. stand your ground for the baby sake because her stomach can only hold but so much right now. as long as the doctor says she is healthy thats all that matter. please stand your ground because that is your baby, :) and when i say stand your ground i mean stick to how you feel about it all.

Ashley - posted on 11/06/2009

My baby weighed 5lbs 2 oz when he was born and he is 4 months now and weighing 13 lbs. I don't feed him cereal except on occasion. I may begin to feed him baby food. I believe that you should stand by what you want for your child. You know what is best for her. If they don't want to abide by that then don't let her go over there. They will miss her enough to only do what you want and nothing more.

Malissa - posted on 11/06/2009

sounds like she's growing just fine to me, she doubled her weight at 3 months that's actually pretty good. Either way, I'd consult her doc before trying her on solids. Not saying your in-laws are incompetent or anything but what may have worked for their child might not work for her. They should respect that. good luck

ASHLEY - posted on 11/06/2009

she sounds normal to me. do what you feel comfortable with. if your ped was concerned she would tell you. besides the reason they want u to wait til at least 4 months or longer if possible is to be sure thier digestive systems can handle it and it doesnt cause food allergies. even then baby food at the beginning is mostly to get them used to eating their main source of nutrition should still be breastmilk or formula. if ur worried about her weight i would just give her an extra oz of formula with her feeding a couple times a day but i dont think u need to do anything at all. its your child if you feel its the wrong thing to do then dont let them force u into it

Candra - posted on 11/06/2009

take you're time, im the same as you, they want to rush my kids into everything or make them eat quckly, ignore it, you're mum you know whats best for you're baby, you're lil girl will put on as much weight as she wants to, let me put it to you this way,

my first was 7lb 11oz, my 2nd was 9lb 2 oz, my first is now 3 and a half and is 15 kgs and my 2nd is 14 months weighing 18 kgs, and she eats way less than my 3yr old, so it doesn't matter how much you feed them, they'll put on weight when they ready, hope that helps and i think you're doing a fantastic job, well done!! it not easy being a mum, so a big pat on the back :)

Jen - posted on 11/06/2009

Shes's your daughter so you should do what you and your pediatrician think is right for her. If they can't accept that and you dont trust that they will follow your wishes for her then just don't leave her alone with them...

Christina - posted on 11/06/2009

typically a baby should double their birth weight by 6 mths and triple by one year. Sounds to me like she is doing fine. People are so used to seeing chubby babies and think that all babies should be that way, stand your ground you are her advocate. Best of luck with the "in-laws"

Erla - posted on 11/06/2009

my doctor told me that my son doesnt need anything but breastmilk till he's six months....but it is ok to start trying stuff by the 4th month, but you baby is gaining weaight just fine so dont go feeding the child because your mother-in-law say so. you have to do whats best for you and your child and feeding solids so early can cause constipation and stomach aches and you'll have a crying baby in your hands...so make that decision wisely

Mayra - posted on 11/06/2009

the best way to make them respect your wishes as that babys mother..is to not allow them to be alone with baby......some parents might be comfortable giving some table food. but its up to parents to say what goes.....and everyone should respect that......

alot of people with kids love to put there to cents in just because they have raised there kids ....i hated that my mother in law would say that to me...."i have raised 5 kids'....but i would say/.....you havent raised this baby.......

good luck and remember your the mommy......

Heather - posted on 11/06/2009

if ur dr hasn't said anything about ur baby's weight then there isn't a problem! maybe you need to sit down an talk to her! nicely explain that she is ur daughter an that you want to raise her ur way that she has raised her kids already an that you jus want her to respect ur wishes! let her know that if she cant respect what you what then she'l never have one on one time with her granddaughter! i know it sounds easier then it is but i've had to do it with my mother in law, an father in law an his girlfriend! even my mom an grandmother. i dont know y family thinks that because they raised kids they can raise ur's! maybe when i'm older i'll understand! but if you need moral support or any other help let me know!

Heather - posted on 11/06/2009

i haven't read any of the other posts, but your best bet is ALWAYS to ask your child's pediatrician. if they say your child is growing at a healthy weight and eating and going through diapers regularly, she's fine. my son was breast fed for 6 months and he would go through times (and still does at 16 months) where he'll eat tons and then the next day he's picky. that's just how they are. if you're worried though, ask your doctor :)

Jessica - posted on 11/06/2009

I had the same problem with my EX mother-in-law I just told her that i appecate her advise and will take it in to consideration. Its kind of a way to yes them but respect them! and I now have a 8 month old and at about 3 1/2 months I started feeding her cereal at night to keep her full longer and it was fine her father has been giving her taste of things for awhile! Everything wil be ok just always remember you are the mother

Annie - posted on 11/06/2009

If i was you I would taker her to the dr & have him give you papers that says what foods she should have at this age & make sure they read it this way you can let them see what the dr says, & you can feed her how you see fit without making the b/f parents mad make sure that they understand some foods can really hurt her. If that doesnt work I would just tell them how you feel.

Erin - posted on 11/06/2009

If your doctor is concerned, then take heed. Our doctor told us nothing but breast milk/ formula until 4 months. That's it. Our daughter is the same age and my sister is always wanting to feed both of our girls things that we don't want them to have and I don't let her babysit at all. If they can't respect the way you are raising your child then they need to be dealt with. They had their children, this is yours and the decisions are yours to make not anyone elses. My mom always just said smile and nod and do what you are planning on doing anyways! Good luck!

Verda - posted on 11/06/2009

I think you are doing a great job

Ashley - posted on 11/06/2009

I would Goto the doctor together and get his/her suggestion, which will most likely be "NO" that way they can hear that it is not good for the baby. I started my baby on rice cerel at 4 months and he weighed 14 lbs... he didnt do so well, but now he's 5 months and on baby jar food and LOVES it! Just wait, you're baby is gaing weight perfectly!

Crystal - posted on 11/06/2009

well first of all it is entirely to early for your b/f parents to give her normal food! my sons pediatrician told us that some babies do need to start rice cereal younger than 4 months so yes it is okay to put cereal in her milk right now but only like a tablespoon full in the bottle, it should be oatmeal or cream of wheat consistency. & i dont blame you for not feeling comfortable leaving her w/ his parents bc id be mad too if my mother in law was feeding my son table food. you should actually ask your pediatrician if they think shes gaining too much weight. my son is just now turning 2 months old & he was 6lbs 7ozs also & hes 10lbs 11ozs now & they said hes gaining weight just fine. tell your b/f parents that its your child & you think that shes the right size & weight & if they dont believe you then tell them to talk to the pediatrician themselves.

Vanessa - posted on 11/06/2009

cereal is not that bad in her milk, I'VE HAD THE SAME SORT OF PROBLEMS. u can also just put alittle bit of baby food stage 1 instead of the cereal so it feels her up but doesn't put that much weight on her soo fast! But will keep her full long enough. Um at 3 or 4 mnths a baby can get table food only if it's like mash potatoes or if it's rice or beans u have to squash it w/ ur fingures b4 giving it to the baby. STICK TO ONE!!! either baby food or table food because it will confuse the baby later. Believe me!!! me & their dad went back & forth about his age & food & now our son won't eat anything basically, he's really a vegitarian now. So PLLEASE PLEASE PLEASE JUST STICK TO ONE.

Erin - posted on 11/06/2009

Tell them that you're following the guidelines of your pediatrician. A babys stomach is not mature enough to handle solids or anything else other then formula/breastmilk at that age, that is why dr.'s follow guidelines. Your child could get sick or develope allergies if introduced too early. Maybe you could take them with you to the pediatricians office for your childs next wellness visit. Then you can discuss feeding with the pediatrician in front of b/f parents.

Kerri - posted on 11/06/2009

Quoting kerri :

sounds like u are doing fine sweetie just stand your ground and if u have any ??? talk to her doctor but she sounds like she is the right size....... just stand firm with them your are doing a wonderful job

I just thought it was awesome that you spell your name the way that I do. lol. I very rarly find someone who spells it the same way

Kate - posted on 11/06/2009

Yes they need to respect the way you raise YOUR daughter. Your partner should back you up. Almost everyone has in-law issues lol. She sounds like she's gaining the perfect amount of weight. Table food already? That is so unsafe! The new standards are 6 months before introducing cereal and baby food...milk is all they need :) If your baby is not satisfied she will let you know. Good luck!

Hayley - posted on 11/06/2009

Keep up the good work sticking up for yourself! It's your baby and they should back off and let you bring her up as you want. The health visitor told me it's dangerous to put rice or anything into there bottle at any age. Things have changed since there time and they need to acceot that.



Just tell them you have had her weighed the health visitor is happy with her progress as she is a good size and it would be bad for her to give her any form of solids atm, as she wouldnt digest it properly.



Good Luck x

Hayley - posted on 11/06/2009

Keep up the good work sticking up for yourself! It's your baby and they should back off and let you bring her up as you want. The health visitor told me it's dangerous to put rice or anything into there bottle at any age. Things have changed since there time and they need to acceot that.



Just tell them you have had her weighed the health visitor is happy with her progress as she is a good size and it would be bad for her to give her any form of solids atm, as she wouldnt digest it properly.



Good Luck x

Leah - posted on 11/06/2009

Your daughter's weight is just fine! All babies are different in sizes. My daugther turns 4 months tomorrow and she weighs just about 14 lbs. All she eats is 6-7oz per feeding about 4-5 times a day. YOU are her mother and you know what's best for her. DON'T let the boyfriends parents make you think otherwise. And as long as your pediatrician says she's healthy that is all that matters hun. Good Luck!



AND MAKE SURE YOUR BOYFRIEND STAYS BY YOUR SIDE.

Amanda - posted on 11/06/2009

I agree that is too young to start feeding your daughter cereal. Her digestive system is still too immature and she could develop allergies easily. Her weight gain is perfect, people often think babies should be chubby chubby but I disagree. Too much weight is bad and can delay their progress in walking and standing. It can also cause them to be more prone to being heavy later on. Don't listen to them. Affirm that she is your child and they need to respect how you want to raise her. Get your pediatrician to back you up. My son is 10 weeks old and her was 7lbs 1 oz when born and now he is 11lbs 4oz, the doctor said his weight gain was perfect and I have only been breastfeeding him. She looks beautiful and healthy. You are doing a great job not giving in. Good for you! Tell them what the medical opinion is that it can cause severe allergies if you feed the baby solids too early. Tell them you know they are doing this out of care for her but you are the mother and they need to respect your decision. If they feed it to her, it could harm her, tell them its better for her to not take that risk, not with your baby.

Tera - posted on 11/06/2009

maybe ask her doc.. if she needs to have that.. and let them know what the doc recommends.....

I was told to do that with my son, it helped him sleep better through the night, and he seemed to be happier, less whinny. It does add weight very fast tho.

Hannah - posted on 11/06/2009

I talked to my pediatrician about the same thing. He told me not to give it to my daughter because it has nutritional value. It only makes them fat. My daughter is 3 months old and she is about 12 pounds and my doctor said that she is at the perfect weight for her age. She was also only 6 10 when she was born also.

Alana - posted on 11/06/2009

First of all you are doing the right thing, your daughter is growing perfectly fine. My daughter was the same weight at birth and she's always been in 25% for weight. And now she's a healthy four year old. I think you should let them know that the health professional are telling you that she's is healthy and fine, that you are just following the doctors orders. Research has come out in the past ten years, that if babies who get cereal early tend to pass out because of there under developed systems can't handle it yet. This also leads to early childhood obesiety. Hope this is encouraging. Keep your head up and know that your doing the right thing for your daughter :)

Kelly - posted on 11/06/2009

What does your pediatrician recommend for your baby? Most ped's docs have a "standard" of about 6 months...but they also will make a personalized recommendation for your child, if you ask them. Another great resource for "new" moms is WIC. Women, Infants, and Children. They are nurses, dietitions, and other professionals that can make recommendations on what you should give the baby and when, they also give assesments on the child's iron level, height, and weight. They offer free classes to new moms about this very subject...and up until the child is school aged. WIC provides formula for babies at no charge. This was a life saver to me because my child was allergic to both milk and soy formula...she ended up needed formula that was over $400.00 a month. You should never introduce new "foods" to your child before the pediatrician recommends it, no matter how much the BF's parents tell you to. If you are uncomfortable standing up to them anymore...and feel that it is not working anyway...you should ask another adult (not the BF) to help smooth it over with you. Sometimes having a single person on your side makes all the difference in the world. Good luck, and I hope you get your message across...or they will likely try to walk all over you for ever.

DENISE - posted on 11/06/2009

i had to give my first cereal in his bottle bc he wasn't gettin sastified however what works for one doesn't work for another. if u truly think she is healthy and her doctor doesn't think it is necessary then don't and be honest and firm not overbearing with his parents that u and her doctor think she is at a good weight and very healthy

Marche - posted on 11/06/2009

You have every right to feel the way you do. She is your daughter and you know whats best. If they can't respect your wishes then their privlages should be taken away. Just stand your ground and demand respect.

Marche - posted on 11/06/2009

You have every right to feel the way you do. She is your daughter and you know whats best. If they can't respect your wishes then their privlages should be taken away. Just stand your ground and demand respect.

Kristi - posted on 11/06/2009

Just tell his parents that the dr says she is fine... if her dr felt she wasn't weighing enough trust me they would have mentioned it. I've had a crazy dr tell me my dtr didn't weight enough and her main dr told me she was in the 85th percentile) Everyone is going to have their own opinions and even tho you don't always want to hear it they are ALWAYS going to offer it even tho you didn't ask for it. And don't be afraid to get stern with them, or tell them how you feel! It's your right! She is your daughter and NOONE has more say then you do! So relax and don't be afraid to upset someone... they obviously aren't afriad to upset you :-)

Emily - posted on 11/06/2009

Stick to your ground!! I faced the same issue with my boyfriends mom. Do what you feel is best, try not to offend anyone, but if you do WHO CARES!! She's your daughter and in the long run it is YOU and YOUR BOYFRIEND who make the decisions about her well being! The pediatrition can give you more info, but one reason they don't want you to add cereal to milk is because they can choke because they are using their suck reflex and thicker liquids can make swallowing difficult. It's cereal! You eat cereal with a spoon last time I checked! Ask your in-laws if they want you to make them a fruit-loop smoothy and see how easily they can choke that down.

Farah - posted on 11/06/2009

You need to be flat out honest with them. I.E. This is my child and my boyfriend and I are the only ones that make decisions about her well being. If I decide that I don't want to put her on solid food then you can either respect that or you will not watch her without my supervision period.

Heather - posted on 11/06/2009

They need to back off and respect your decisions, but your boyfriend also needs to stand up to them too and show a united front. You will know when your baby is ready for anything new as she wont be being satisfied by her bottles, but dont worry if she doesnt take to baby rice or cereals to start with. They reckon it takes up to 17 trys before a baby knows whether or not they like or dislike a particular food. I have two boys and one would eat anything and the other was and still is very fussy. Every child is different. Whatever you do, try not to push the grandparents away because they are probably thinking they are helping and might not even realise what they are doing. Its just something grandparents do, and i have the same problem and my eldest is 6 now and they still do it. You just have to let them fuss, some of the time, but not let your beliefs get pushed aside, not always easy to do but it is possible. Hope this helps.

Peggy - posted on 11/06/2009

I ahve Been through the same thing when my oldest was born my husbunds parents done the same thing finallt i told them to either do things the Way i want to do them or just leave her alone cause it is my baby and not theirs stand your ground It may cause a fight between you and your future in laws but in the end they will respect you more for standing your ground or you could even ask your Daughters Doctor and see what He/She has To say it is yours and his child if they can't respect your wishes then oh well raise your Daughter the way you and he want not the way his parents want it is not thei r child it is only their Grandchild i understand that they are only trying to help but sometimes their help interfers more thanit helps but talk to your Boyfriend and tell him how you feel tell him to either support you or you and her will leave and won't come back until he stands behind you on the matter of how to raise your child

Jessi - posted on 11/06/2009

by the time my son was 2wks old he was eating baby cereal. i fed him something new a week at a time. by the time he was 6mos he was off of formula & on whole milk. he is now 8 1/2 mos and is eating basically whatever i eat. your daughter would "tell" you when something is not satisfying her & when she is ready to try something new. if she wants a bottle every 1-2hrs then it's probably time you take her off this liquid diet & start her on some real food.

Aimee - posted on 11/06/2009

my 1st son was born 7.8 and he is 2 yrs 10 mon. now and only weighs 23 lbs... some babies are just petite and no matter how much you feed them, they are petitie. if YOU feel like she is healthy and your dr. says she is healthy then she is and dont let anyone tell you different

Anna - posted on 11/06/2009

you really have to be careful about feeding babies "table food" early.It can cause food allergies later in life.And if you do not want the baby to have cereal yet then they should listen to you! When you take the baby in for checkups your doctor should be informing you about the correct diet,how many bottles per day,cereal or no cereal,table food,juices,etc.If your baby is thriving on formula alone and your doctor hasn't told you to do cereal or table food yet then stick to the formula. Hope this helps.good luck!

Michelle - posted on 11/06/2009

I gave my son a tablespoon of cereal in his bottle at 1 month. The pediatrician told me to do this because it is heavier and he had acid reflux. He was never obese. I found that my mom said the same things to me. Most of them were true, He has never been obese, always a very happy and a calm baby. Some pediatricians are old fashion, like his parents and some are not. Its your discretion. However dont forget that they did have children to and apparently he is healthy and fine.

Michelle - posted on 11/06/2009

I gave my son a tablespoon of cereal in his bottle at 1 month. The pediatrician told me to do this because it is heavier and he had acid reflux. He was never obese. I found that my mom said the same things to me. Most of them were true, He has never been obese, always a very happy and a calm baby. Some pediatricians are old fashion, like his parents and some are not. Its your discretion. However dont forget that they did have children to and apparently he is healthy and fine.

Maria - posted on 11/06/2009

i would not feed a baby anything until 4 months things have way to much sugar and salt my daughter whos now 6 and still really skinny has allways been that way and as long as your doctors and health workers say shes fine im sure she is.

Kelynn - posted on 11/06/2009

My baby's doctor advised me not to because it can cause the baby to choke. What may happen is that the cereal, even if you do put a tiny amount, may gather at the nipple when it is in her mouth and she may suck in that whole bit and it may cause her to choke. Also your daughter's digestive system is not ready for baby cereal or anything, just feed her only formula/breast milk. Another thing that you can do is talk to your baby's doctor about her weight, if anything the doctor has the final say in what you should do. Take care!

Lisa - posted on 11/06/2009

you just tell them that you know what is right for your little girl,and as long as the doc said she is ok in her weight range,then dont worry,lay down the rules and if they cant follow them...then leave..dont let other people try to tell ya how to raise your little angel...

Leigh - posted on 11/06/2009

I think they should respect your way because she is your daughter and its your choice.If you have been to your doctor and they said she's doing well there is no need to change what your doing.

Sarah - posted on 11/06/2009

i would disagree on giving her cereal in her milk her body not ready for it yet, your her mum you know best, she gaining weight as long as you know she happy and healthy stick to your guns hun, i know what in laws are like!

Gemma - posted on 11/06/2009

she looks a good size for her age.If the milk is satisfying her enough then I would wait until 5-6 months for cereals and food. If she is not crying all the time because she is hungry then leave her on her milk. It is annoying when in-laws try to over take, they did with our first and I think they got the picture and the second time round they havn't interfered at all! just tell them NO! its your baby. If you clinic nurse says shes putting on enough weight then use that to back yourself up! If you and your partner are small then it's prob in the genes. Good luck!

Ivy - posted on 11/05/2009

Just tell them.."that's what my baby's doctor said", then they can't say anything else. And you're right ...u're the only one that can decide how to raise your daughter, and your bf has to support you in that!