Too early to introduce solids??

Mandy - posted on 04/21/2010

A baby can seem more hungry when they go through growth spurts, which happen every few months in the first year. If you child seems hungry, he could just need more "milk" I know lots of people have reasons they give their kids solids earlier than 6mo, but to answer the question, I would not.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 04/21/2010

Nope, sure wouldn't. I get another opinion and show that ped. the recommendations from the AAP and the WHO to wait until at least 6 months. Two months is way too young for anything, but breast milk or formula.

Tatiana - posted on 04/21/2010

Rice cereal is ok, alot of babies take it early to help them stay satisfied longer

Dawn - posted on 04/21/2010

Nope. I would get a second opinion. Baby's digestive system are too immature for that. American Academy of Pediatrics says breaskmilk ONLY for at least 6 months. I don't know if you nurse or do formula, (and that isn't the question) but it it common sense that if a baby is soley breastfed they would not be getting solids.. I don't know why one doctor would go against a whole board of them. Or why he/she would think they are smarter then the AAP. Sorry, but I think a lot of moms want to hear what makes them feel good about what they are doing, not what is actually best for their babies.

Rhoda - posted on 04/21/2010

When my twins came home from the hospital, the doctors told me that if they lost ANY weight when they came back for a check up in a week. They would have to be readmitted into the hospital. I didn't want that, so I put cereal in their bottles at 3 weeks. They didn't have any problems with it and their bodies digested it fine. So I continued to do it and they lost no weight.

Krystal - posted on 04/21/2010

I would say do what you are comfortable with. If your too worried DONT do it. Only you know whats best for your baby. I know with my son he was having trouble with reflex so people said cereal might help. it did up but it took a few days for him to get use to. Starting with small amounts was key for me. (only about a tsp)

Mandy - posted on 04/21/2010

both of my girls had acid reflux and were spitting up all the time so I had to start putting cereal in there formula so some would stay in their bellies and not end up on my shirt and they are both fine. Not introducing it to early is just a popular new medical idea in the not too distant future mothers used to swear by it to get their babies to sleep through the night. It is your baby and this is not a life threatening or really even a health threatening decision do what you feel is right. And if the pediatrician advised it then it is probably a safe bet that it is ok.

Danika - posted on 04/21/2010

i would consider it and maybe get another opinion. although i think farex and rice cereals are pretty safe. trust your feelings, if your baby is under weight then go for it.

Melissa - posted on 04/21/2010

Probably not.

Christina - posted on 04/21/2010

its depends to the child.i started only after 5 month b'coz as per doctor my baby having digest problem.now he's ok

Cassie - posted on 04/21/2010

My son was 2 1/2 months old when I started a little tiny bit of cereal in his bottle. He didn't like it but I did actually start him on solids at 3 months. My doctor said it was ok because my son was huge!

Laura - posted on 04/21/2010

i would. but is there a reason the doctor wants you too. we started our 1st at 4 months & we're gonna start our 2nd soon (almost 3 months old).

Lisa - posted on 04/21/2010

Every Baby is different. Some just take more to get full. If the preiatrician advised it, I'd say go for it. Just make sure you dont make it too solid and make the baby constipated! I had my little guy on rice cereal at 3months!

Sarah - posted on 04/21/2010

no thats waaaay to early, babies stomaches can't handle that no matter how advanced you think he/she may be

Julie - posted on 04/21/2010

I had too, My little man has taken eating to the extreme, he recommended rice so we could save money on formula since he refused to breast feed, he did great with the rice and we have since moved onto vegetables which he loves

Andrea - posted on 04/21/2010

If its advised by a doc or pediatrician, maybe - but personally I believe 4 months minimum is the right age to start introducing solids. I didnt start to introduce solids to my son until he was 6months,

Christina - posted on 04/21/2010

When my son was 3 months we introduced solids because he could NOT keep him full. He had no issue with it. Though 2 months sounds pretty little, if it's a small amount of solids and it was advised by the pediatrician, it's okay. If your baby doesn't accept it, (spitting up or upset stomach) then I would discontinue. But all you're doing is thickening up the milk. No harm in that, in my opinion. Good luck!

Jessica - posted on 04/21/2010

no i sure wouldnt i would get a second opinion

Careen - posted on 04/21/2010

Also.....hasn't your paediatrican recommended puttin your baby on a fuller fat milk formula that is specially made for hungrier babies??

Careen - posted on 04/21/2010

I can't comment on your own paediatrician, but I personally as I am a young mother, have a parenting support worker. My son is 4 months old now and I queried her about starting him on cereals, rusks, solids, etc and she advised me no to do so until he is at least 6 months old!! I asked why that was seen as all jars of food and boxes of rusks in shops have a recommendation of 4mnths onwards and she could not say why companies hadn't changed the ages on them but said that the medical council or wotever have put the recommended age up 2 6months?! I hope that helps a bit?? x

Morgan - posted on 04/21/2010

My daughter now also eats the Barley, the oatmeal, all the fruits and veggies, and the dinners.....

Morgan - posted on 04/21/2010

My daughter has been eating rice cereal off of a spoon since she was 2 weeks old.......now she is 6 months.... and she is perfectly fine...

Heather - posted on 04/21/2010

But the worry is if the digestive system isn't ready, the damage is the villi in the intestines are damaged and can cause a lifetime of digestive issues. They get constipated too easily because of an immature digestive system, too.

Heather - posted on 04/21/2010

I suspect the pediatrician is an "older" pediatrician who hasn't bought into the new recommendations. They are probably saying to do it to get them to sleep longer at night? If I'm right, I think you should at least wait until 4 months. People tend to forget these days that babies are suppose to eat all the time. They are suppose to need round the clock care. That's why it used to take a village to raise a child. Now we're trying to take on too much and do it almost alone, and then try to have the baby alter their needs. Our pediatrician said the same thing and I didn't do it.

Tasia - posted on 04/21/2010

my son is 2 months old as well i havent started spoon feeding him yet. But a bottle doesnt seem to fill him and he is always hungry after a 5 or 6 oz bottle. So ive bought stage two nipples for his bottles and started putting an ounce of single grain rice into his bottles. It fills him up, less spitting up and sleeps longer at night. It does constipate him a little so atleast twice a day i take out an ounce of milk and replace it with apple juice to help him out. Hope this helps.

Heather - posted on 04/21/2010

no, i would wait until 4 months. that is way too early

Kristina - posted on 04/21/2010

If your baby needs the extra calories and nutirents I say go for it... Three of my four kids started cereal early. My oldest was two and half months drinking an 8oz bottle every 3 hours! She needed something more to sustain her... But if your not comfortable with it and your baby is growing fine, wait if you want to. You are mommy, it's up to you! (unless your child is not gaining wait and then you really should add solids, my son started to lose weight at 3 months because I wasn't making enough breast milk, he's now slightly behind develpomentally for an 8 month old)

Bekki - posted on 04/21/2010

i would, i started giving my youngest son rice cereal when he was 2 weeks old.. i put it in his formula.. he was always so hungry and the formula wasn't enough for him.. trust your instincts.. the decision is yours..

Tara - posted on 04/21/2010

I say yes. There's nothing wrong with trying especially if the pediatrician advised you to. All babies are different. .

Jessica - posted on 04/21/2010

I totally would! My daughter started a little bit of solids at 3 months.. she wasn't gaining as fast as she should have been.. but she started after the solids!

Sunshine - posted on 04/21/2010

I did with my son.. They ONLY reason they say to wait til 6 months is the digestive system can't digest some of the foods but my son had no problem:) If if your PED says so Id do it..

Katie - posted on 04/21/2010

i started my daughter tasting fruity porridge at 3 months old. i used to give her a small bowl every couple of days with plenty of water to drink. she loves her food and is healthy. she hasnt had any stomach problems and we havent come across any allergies so far.
i think if your pediatrician advised it there shouldnt be anything wrong. if you asked because milk isnt satisfying your baby and they agreed then go ahead :D
x

Megan - posted on 04/21/2010

when you do feed your baby weather they are 2 months of 6 they will get constipated so when you start feeding them you are going to need to interduce apple juice!!!! the is from my doctor. the apple juice will help the baby not get so constipated!! makes life easier on you but when ever you intruduce something it takes baby about a week of eating it to get their system under control again but it will come but remember prune juice and apple juice will help!!!

Carly - posted on 04/21/2010

i started giving my 6month old a little baby rice at around 2months! he was a big baby and needed it! he is now on 3meals a day and will eat anything i put in front of him! i started him on veg from 17weeks (as advised by my doc) every baby is different! hope this helps!

Sierra - posted on 04/21/2010

It depends on why they advised you to, but unless it's necessary then you might as well wait until he or she is 5-6 months, since a baby's main source of food needs to come from milk (giving a small bowl will most decrease the amt of milk they will take since the tummy is so small) and their digestive system is very sensitive that early. And they are more likely to develop allergies the earlier food is given. Plus they still have the tongue reflex that pushes out food until 4 months or so, and it's advised (by the AAP and some pediatricians) that cereal shouldn't be put in bottles. In the end though it's still your choice!

Nicole - posted on 04/21/2010

I starting giving my son solids at 3 months. I know my mom started giving me solids at 3 weeks and I had no serious medical problems and was fine. If your comfortable with it then do it. If your baby starts having problems with it then talk to your peds about it and see what she says or just stop it all together. It is what you are comfortable with and what you think is good for your baby.

Danielle - posted on 04/21/2010

I agree!!!

Danielle - posted on 04/21/2010

My son was a hungry baby 3 days after he was born... After a week hourly feedings and no sleep I did my own research and also asked the women in my family what they did with us....so at 2 weeks I started adding pinches of organic brown rice and my son did well with it and sleep for 4-5 hours at a time...don't get me wrong every baby is different but that idea that introducing your baby to rice early will make your baby big is a joke... My son gained a ton of weight before I introduced the cereal in the bottle and he has alway been a tall baby too... In conclusion every child is different I just assessed the nutritional needs of my son as I would do for my clients and he just turned 9 months and he is as intelligent and adventurous as ever....btw cereal in the bottle did not keep my soon from eating from a spoon or drinking from a cup!

Vina - posted on 04/21/2010

Are u breastfeeding? if u are, I think the breastmilk is enough. I gave breastmilk n formula to my baby until she's 5 months plus, then I started solid for one time a day, half a jar of baby food.

Morgan - posted on 04/21/2010

Defenetly! I started giving my baby cerial at one month sometimes formula is just not enough for tthem

Sara - posted on 04/20/2010

I started my son on baby food at 2 mos. And he did great. Plus he was 6 weeks early & only 3 lb 12 oz at birth. I think its ok to feed your baby early, just make sure its not too thick and just give lil amounts in each bite.....keep in mind your baby will spit out alot of it while its learning to swallow, thats not a sign that he/she dont want the food.

Stina - posted on 04/20/2010

No. I'd find a new pediatrician. 2 months is too early.

Your baby is ready for the introduction of solids when he can sit unsupported and has lost the reflex to push everything out of his mouth with his tongue. This usually happens between 4 and 6 months.

Before 6 months, your baby gets all she needs from breast milk or formula.

Rose - posted on 04/20/2010

no, my mother feed my baby cereal then he was 2 weeks old and he was constipated for 5 days. the babys digestive system isnt use to anything but formula or breast milk, if your curious give your baby like one tablespoon, just one, and see how it goes the next couple of days, alot of babys will choke or gag because they are not ready, or will because constipated, food allergies you never know. id wait till they are ready, when they watch what your eating and open their mouths or try to grab for it or lean to it, just be carefull

Megan - posted on 04/20/2010

my son was supper hungry baby i started feeding him at about 2 1/2 months because i was worried about milk fat

Diana - posted on 04/20/2010

My babies first doctor recomended fully bf for 6 months, but when we moved and switched the new dr suggsted going ahead and starting since he is now 4 months. I had already started him because he would open his mouth while I was eating and grab at my food. I started my daughter early too, around 5 months. They both made chewing motions and swallowed instead of spitting it back out. I also have very hungry babies. And my son has reflux, so he will spit up about half his brestmilk when he eats every single time. But I noticed that he is doing it less now that I gice him a little bit of cereal. I do give him oatmeal though cause I consider it to have more nutritional value. My kids were ready for it, and it helped my son. I did my reseach, and am only feeding my son a very little bit in the evening. Talk to your pedi, do your reseach, and trust your instinct.

Robin - posted on 04/20/2010

I started my daughter on rice cereal fed by spoon at 2 1/2 months doctor approved. I was following how she reacted. Se was fussy at one particular time at night and NOTHING satisfied her, not even nursing, so when i tried the cereal she was a happy little girl. Follow ur mother instincts!!

Shani - posted on 04/20/2010

I started both my kids on solids at 3 weeks of age. I started them on a teaspoon of baby rice cereal every morning for breakfast and then introduced veggies at 6 weeks of age in the afternoon and then rice cereal for dinner. Both my kids is healty happy kids that does not have any medical condition and does not get sick very often. Now they eat almost everything and is not fussy with food at all. I cant understand why some moms make such a big deal about this.Some babies just cant get enough with just milk.My kids were not big babies but i was very lucky to have my awsome mum to give me advise and i did and both my kids slept trough at 5 weeks of age. My advice to you is go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A - posted on 04/20/2010

There would have to be significant issues going on with my baby to do that. I waited until 6 months to introduce solids, as recommended by the AAP. My son did not tolerate them. At 10 months, he still has trouble with solids. He has tummy aches, gas....I'm not sure why but he just doesn't. So I can only imagine the pain it would have caused my son to have solids at 2 months, when its known babies still have an "open gut". I'm trying to figure out why a doctor would recommend it? Because if its an issue of not gaining enough weight, its common knowledge that breastmilk or formula has MORE calories and fat than any solids. Therefore if you want your baby to gain weight you should increase their intake of breastmilk or formula.

Rebecca - posted on 04/20/2010

My second bub started at about 3 months because he had an insatiable appetite, and that was holding him off. But if you do start so early make sure it's food that's easily digestible, most of the reason many health professionals say to hold off to after 6 months is because of the bubs body development in regards to being able to properly digest solids until that point.



If you're weary of the pediatricians advice I recommend getting a second opinion - even if from a midwife or two (seeing they won't charge you the earth AND they often are more likely to have had the hands-on experience of raising a child themselves and more of an idea of parents hesitations etc). MIght make you feel more at ease!

Tara - posted on 04/20/2010

my son was 2 and a half months when all e would do was scream every nite i didnt understand y but after talkin 2my health visitor she told me e may nt b full with just milk & 2try im on baby rice its the best advice took. But only do it if that is the case