Feeding Cereal to a 3 1/2 Month Old

The big question is, is she peeing through the same amount of diapers? Is she gaining weight? If not, take her to the doctor. Hold off on the cereal unless the doc says to go for it. Even 4 months is a bit young. It isn't uncommon for children to change their feeding habit as they grow, because their needs change.

You may also consider changing formulas, maybe this one causes her discomfort...something to talk to the pediatrician about.

Good luck, keep us posted!

I would not risk for the baby to have digestive issues with cereal..her stomach is not supposed to be mature enough and it is proven that many allergies to cereal start when the food is introduced too early for the stomach to be able to process it. You say that the baby wants to eat more often but smaller quantities...that makes me think of ear infection, acid reflux or even thrush. My son experienced the first and the latter of this three issues, which caused him to have pain while he was eating. He would seem very hungry, take smaller amounts of breastmilk/formula, and then stop eating with a little fuss. After a couple of hours he would be hungry again, just as you describe. The reason is that he was hurting while sucking so his meal would be shorter because of that. Obviously he was NOT full and had to be fed again later. I know cereal is a big temptation for a tired, maybe sleepless, mother (we've all been there) but her time for that will come. I would just make sure she does not have any of the above mentioned health issues. Good luck.

Yes, it is ok to give your baby cereal. The problem is that most docs say later, but what you miss is the first stage of baby food that starts at 3months. I have a 16 yr old and a 19 month old (our miracle baby after years of trying). I fed both my children cereal at 3months and even informed my pedi that I was doing so with the youngest; he agreed.

At first I gave her a little as per directions, which is very runny just to give her the taste. Then, I started putting a little oatmeal cereal or mixed cereal in her breastmilk, well shaken to help keep her fuller.

Just remember, not all babies are the same. If your child is hungry do what is right for her. You are a good mom and are on the right path.

Baby Food: Stage 1 - starts at 3 months, Stage 2 - starts at 6 months, Stage 3 - starts at 9 months.

I would hold off on the cereal. Babies' guts are still too immature at this age and introducing solids this early is believed to cause allergies and digestive problems. Most doctors recommend waiting until 6 months.

It's usually recommended to wait until 4 months or older to give cereal and 6 months for other solids, for one, b/c their digestive tract isn't able to digest that kind of food yet, and also they aren't typically able to start eating from a spoon for a bit later.

Here is a great resource on when to start and how.

http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/solidfood4to6montholdbab...

She probably just need more formula. All growth spurts are not going to be the same as a newborn growth spurt.

It is now recommended to not start cereal before 6 months of age. We did that with our daughter and she did fine at 6 months. With our son, I strictly breastfed till he was 9 months and then started cereal and food.

How many ounces is she getting? Sounds like she needs more formula. My children's pedi does not recommend solids until 6 months.