Starting Solids - Now or Later?

Hi...
I stared both my girls (one is 2 and one is 3 now) on cereal around 4-5 months. They were both breastfed, one 6 mos. and one 1 year. They are both thin and small for their age. Around 6 months they wanted fruits and veggies, although that didn't last long....they saw "real" food and wanted that. So I myself didn't worry about obesity, allergies, ect. I didn't start eggs ect until they recomend it.
Hope this helps!
D.

I would recommend waiting just a little longer. We waited until 5 and 1/2 months even then he didn't really get that into it. My son seemed interested before that but once we actually started, he really wasn't. He is getting all he needs from the breastmilk at this point so there is no need to start. If you don't want to wait until 6 months, try to wait as long as you can...5 months perhaps.
Good luck!

mine started cereal at 4 months and didn't give them any other baby foods until around 6 months. I would make their regular 6 ounce bottle. Put 2 tablespoons of rice cereal in a bowl, use their milk to mix it from the bottle then whatever was left in the bottle they drank. When they started eating food, they would only drink about 4 ounces of their bottle and never did move above 6 ounce bottles. I also started introducing the cup at 4 months. When they ate at the high chair they got a cup. By the time they were 12 months they were aware of the cup and how to use it so the transition of getting rid of the bottle at 12 months went pretty well.

I would wait until 6 mo because of the possibility of allergies, but more importantly because your breastmilk has absolutely everything he needs nutritionally and introducing something else means substituting a portion of that wonderful, healthy, immune system building breastmilk for something less nutritious and less good for him. As long as he can have breastmilk and be satisfied you are doing him and his body a tremendous favor! Just look at how amazing it is that your body can grow this little person, making him stronger and healthier everyday! In addition, your breastmilk promotes the growth of healthy flora in his intestinal tract that he will need for a strong immune system as the immunity he receives from your breastmilk diminishes eventually, bad bacteria can feed off of other foods that are introduced into his system before his body is ready. You can give him spoons to play with at dinner time, sit him at the table with toys and give him lots of chewie toys so he can work on those muscles and tongue movements he will need later when he does start solids. And as far as what to start, bananas are actually the closest food to breastmilk, so many breastfeeding moms started with mashed bananas. I didn't, but that's the one thing I would have done differently!

I waited until my breastfed daughter was 6 months old. The studies prove that allergies are less likely with that timing. (I'm sure that's bf only because formula has cow's milk and many other things they aren't supposed to have.) Since you've chosen to breastfeed, I'd definately wait. It won't hurt a thing.

After asking my lactation consultant, I did allow my daughter to take sips of my water from my cup during that time of 4-6 months. (another tip, give it to them in sippy cups, not bottles at this point.) I sort of fell back on the "why rush it" philosophy. They'll be eating for a long time! :-) Many years! :-) It's normal for them to show the interest and they'll still be interested at 6 months. Besides, there is so much that we have no control of, why not try to do what you can to prevent food allergies? My daughter started kindergarten this year and there are kids with food allergies. I can't help but think how awful for them and their families. And now for the whole class. I can't send many healthy snacks in because of the allergic kids. I'd do anything I could to prevent those allergies.

Also, I froze my breastmilk in ice cube trays (makes 2 oz), then once froze, put in a freezer bag. I used that milk to make/mix the cereal with for that phase. Works great, wonderful, awesome!

Breastmilk contains all of what a baby needs for the first year of his/her life. The solids from 6 mos to 12 mos are to teach them about eating for the next years of their life. Even the breastmilk should come first, then supplement with food after 6 months.

One more thing, the way the baby foods are now - the first foods will probably be too runny for a 6 month old to like. Since so many people insist on feeding them from 6 weeks on (and in some cases earlier), the new 1's are really for those babies. Your baby will most likely want to start with a 2. You might even wish to thicken with dry cereal flakes (rice, barley, which-ever they like).

So, if I were you, I would wait until 6 months. It doesn't hurt anything to wait. And it could hurt something for life not to wait.

Best of luck and keep up the breastfeeding - you are giving a gift that lasts a lifetime! - K.

P.S. I have also found via a breastfeeding support group that I went to for support in the beginning and stayed long term to support other moms - pediatricians are not "God". And by that I mean, they don't always keep up to date on breastfeeding and nutrition. I reccommend you do check out sites like www.breastfeeding.com and www.kellymom.com. They just don't keep up to date on all of the facts on nutrition.

J.-
Why do you want to begin the solids? What is the rush? I'm sure your four month old baby does not really want or need the introduction of solids. All they want at 4 months old is to nurse and, that is absolutely the best thing for them. Once you begin solids it changes the gut and in most cases the infant will get some kind of first cold or illness (my naturopath has told me this and it has held true for me with all three of my children who I did not introduce solids to until 7 months at least). I guess I don't understand why there is always the rush to begin solids?? Breastmilk is exactly what your baby needs right now and especially with the cold/flu season beginning I would absolutely wait until at least 6 months. And, there is no hard fast rule that the first solid needs to be rice cereal. In fact, some say that fruits or vegetables are better. Personally, I begin with bananas or sweet potatoes and then introduce more and more fruits and vegetables slowly over time and after that then begin with rice cereal. What is the harm in waiting anyway?

Hi J.! That's awesome that your baby has only had breastmilk... what a healthy boy he will be. It sounds like you have a great doctor and I know you're ready to start him on solids, but the AAP and the WHO recommend waiting till at least 6 month of age. The early introduction of solids can also interfere with your milk supply. You may look for your baby to have several signs and these may include; sitting up without support, pincer grasp has develop, tongue thrust reflex is gone and an intense interest in food. You may start with baby cereal but it's really just an empty carb and nothing more than a marketing scheme by those big baby food companies to start on those. Mashed banana or avacodo are just fine and actually more nutritionally dense than baby cereal. AND don't worry about starting with a sweet fruit---your breastmilk is sweet!

I found this book very helpful for me with my first baby: "WHOLE FOODS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS" It's so informational and has simple recipes for babies and toddlers to eat!! GOOD LUCK,
K.

wait. It's only two months.

4 months is too early for solids. You say he's a great breastfeeder, that's fantastic! Breastmilk is all a baby needs until they are 12 months old. Even the food they start at 6 months is just for practice and shouldn't make up their entire diet. Breastmilk has all sorts of vitamins, minerals, fats, and immunities that are vital to his development. Your pediatrician gave you good advice... I'd listen. A lot of the older women will probably say it's OK, they did it in their day... but you shouldn't listen to any of us over your pediatrician. The AAP recommends only breastmilk/formula for the first 6 months. The WHO's recommendation is 12 months. Do research, check out http://www.kellymom.com, and http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html, and http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/breastfeeding.cfm, and http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/.

All these websites give great information about why breastfeeding is so important.

Congratulations of what sounds like a happy healthy little boy!
In general, age guidelines for certain things are just that - guidelines. You should always be watching your own child and making your own educated judgements. When I was a baby, we got rice/milk at about 6 weeks! It turned out to be a not so great idea, but it doesn't seem to have caused me any particular harm. Having said that though, your dr is following current knowledge postponing solids until later. I would wait. 2 more months (give or take a week or so) is not a long time. Just think about how fast the last 4 months have gone by! Is it worth courting an allergy he may have to deal with his whole life! What if he becomes allergic to basics like milk, wheat, etc. Waiting isn't going to guarantee that he doesn't get allergies, but why risk it? He will be just as interested in solid foods later as he is now.

I would be tempted to wait...the allergies are the main reason. You are giving your son everything he needs with the breast milk. It is normal for him to start paying attention to things going on around him. I agree with the 6 month minimum...and then add things slowly...one thing at a time...dont rush it.
Enjoy that precious little boy of yours!!!

As the mother of a child that developed food allergies--wait!! is my advice. 2 months of NOT feeding him something is alot easier than trying to eliminate it from his diet for years and years! If you don't feel like you can, then maybe can you just do rice and breastmilk until 6 months? Food allergies are not fun to deal with!

You're giving your son a great start by breastfeeding. Keep up the good work.

My understanding about the allergy issue is that before about six months a baby's digestive system is immature and cannot effectively handle solids. The introduction of solids before the system is ready is thought to lead to allergies by upsetting the balance created by breastfeeding. I can personally attest to something changing in digestion when you start solids, because I remember my daughter's diapers suddenly smelling terrible. I waited until my daughter was a little less than six months old, but I think that I probably should have waited a little longer. It is easier on everyone I think when the baby is able to pick up food bits and move them to his mouth himself. It is easier to clean up, easier to tell when he is done, and he learns the important skill of feeding himself.

Those are just my thoughts. You have to look at your situation and the information that you have and decide what is best for your family. I hope that whatever you decide, things go well for you.

I would wait. I read one time that the introduction of foods too early actually makes a child start producing insulin earlier than needed and that is why there is such an outbreak of childhood diabetes. Your son is interested in what you are eating because he is interested in you. I waited to feed my son cereal until he was about 8 months old. He was fine with just formula. If you think he is not getting enough to eat from your breastmilk then talk to the pediatrician about supplementing with formula. It is a little thicker and may stay with him a little longer. Good luck, hope all of these emails will help you make an informed decision as a mother.

We started our oldest right at 4 months on cereal. We tried rice at first but she wouldn't have it, so we switched to oatmeal and she gobbled it up. I don't think it's a problem to introduce now, especially if he's showing interested in your food. That's how we knew Emme was ready. Our youngest has a lot of GI troubles and one of them is not being able to digest food properly- so with her we'll wait until at least 6 months just because we have to. Good luck!

J., i probably won't have the "popular" answer, but i have to say that i don't have much faith in the medical community in general. i kind of feel that they are more interested in selling pills than actually fixing anything. and i've read some compelling arguments saying that NO ONE knows what makes allergies appear. it's all in who you choose to believe. anyway, six months is the "ideal" age, but it is just when most kids are ready. yours might be ready earlier. it's really up to you as a parent. if you're not quite sure, you can always just start very slow...give him the barest minimal amount of cereal for a month or so, then you're almost at six anyway. good luck!

We started our now 23-month-old on solids when he was 5 months old. He made it clear that he wanted to eat when he grabbed my pastry and took a bite! I think if your little one is showing clear signs of interest, go for it. I wish I would have started a little earlier... I was just too afraid to "go against" the advice of my pediatrician.
Good luck!

You know what best for your baby. Always trust those mommy instincts. They won't ever let you down. I started my daughter on cereal when she was 4 months old. She is now 9 months old and already walking! I would suggest keeping him on breastmilk and maybe trying rice cereal mixed with breastmilk at dinner time.

Why are you bothering to take him to a pediatrician if you choose not to listen to his educated advice??

This country is seems so hung up on starting solid foods for their infants way too early. And, although you say you are not worried about the obesity factor, your doctor did not say exclusively breastfed children will have a greater chance of obesity, he stated quite the opposite. And if you look around at the malls, schools, etc., I believe you will see quite a few obese children.

Two more months goes by pretty quickly. Is that too much to ask?

I think following the later introduction is more sound, especially if he is a good nurser. I have had babies that are interested early too, and usually if they are, allergies aren't a concern. My babies who didn't want to eat people food, were more allergic. So, never force it. So, perhaps I said two different things here. LOL If they can get it in their own mouths, and gum it and eat it, then I would say a little won't hurt. I had 4 mo olds that at ice cream. LOL Usually cooked carrot pieces were good. And, I try not to feed a baby something I won't eat.

Both my girls started around 4 months , cereal the first week or two then we started adding fruit in the am and veggie in the pm.
Neither are overweight and have no allergies.
Parents have been doing this for years. Our ped and others have commented, if a child is going to be allergic or obese it has nothing to do with giving them food too early.
Although you need to do what you think is best.
good luck!!!!

J.,

My son was the same way (he is now 6 months old) The doctor had us start on rice cereal around 4 months (because of possible acid reflux issues) but that was it. He loved it and enjoyed something different. We just started other foods a couple weeks ago since he is now 6 months old. I would listen to the doctor - I know it is exciting to move them on to new food, but there is a reason we take them to doctors - right? Good luck - and don't rush things. Enjoy where your son is now - he'll be grown before you know it.

I agree about visiting kellymom.com to find out specific info about waiting to introduce solids. We waited with my son until 6 months and he actually showed little interest until around 10 1/2 months. There is no rush & breastmilk will reduce the liklihood of allergies or stomach issues that can happen if you start solids too early. Plus, once you start to introduce food, feeding because so much harder! Exclusive nursing is so nice so enjoy it while it lasts. My son is now 14 months and still nursing but is also a great eater of solids. Took awhile for him to actually like solids so I just had to be patient and offer.

My answer wont be popular with alot of moms. Sorry! But, my youngest was eating 6ozs by 10 days and was not a "spitter upper". I started him on rice cereal then at 2 weeks. We then moved to oatmeal and was on veges by 2 months. I know you new moms are gasping right now at him being on food so early!! He would wake up "starving" several times a night if I did not give him cereal before his bedtime at night. Cereal before bed, he might have got up once. I did more veges than fruit and did not buy meat in the jars just the dinners when he was older, about 10 months. I also used Heinz baby food when possible (less added junk compared to the regular Gerber. I didn't buy the deserts that are made for babies. Look at the ingredients and the sugar added.
My kids are not overweight nor do they have any food allergies. My youngest has had one ear infection ever. And my husband and I do not have any food allergies or major health issues. You need to look at family history to help you decide.

My kids didn't have all the sweets when they were on table food that some adults think they have to have. We do not care for sweets as a family. So, our kids was not exposed to them either.
By the way, my peds doctor knew when I started my kids on cereal & food and was ok with it.
Good luck to you and your little one.

I think that it really depends on how you feel about it. I started both of my children before 6 months, and both for different reasons. I started my daughter around 5 months old because she was born very small, 6lbs 6 ozs, and she was induced at 39-1/2 weeks term, so she was very well full-term, but small. I started my son about 4 months, but because the pediatrician actually recommended that I do so. My son was born at 37 weeks term, and he was 7lbs 14ozs. When we went for his 4 month check-up, he was just under 11lbs and the pediatrician thought that he should weigh more, and he wasn't much longer than at birth so she was concerned that he wasn't eating enough, and both of my babies were exclusively breastfed. My daughter is now almost 3, has a stomach of steel, and can eat jsut about anything. My son is just over a year old, he does have a few allergies and asthma, but the allergist thinks that his allergies and asthma are from a family history of both, not from feeding him food early. Also, a little side note, my son got RSV around 3-1/2 months old, and the allergist said that babies who get RSV before 6 months of age have a much higher risk of having asthma because the lungs are still developing during that period and RSV can destroy lung development so that is another factor that was working against my son. So, to make a longer story short, my son's allergist does not completely agree with allergies being solely linked to starting foods, there are a lot of other factors that are mixed in. I woudl say to go with your gut feeling and figure out if your child has a increased risk of allergies from family history. Good luck and I hope this helps!

J., I think ultimately you need to do what YOU (and hubby) feel is right for your child. I was in the same boat as the last entry (Melissa's) with the eating 6-10 oz at every setting by 2 weeks... I DO NOT have overweight children for having fed them solids before any "recommended amount of time" heck I even put a couple of teaspoons of cereal in bottles to try to milk that! (Pun intended)...The way I see it, is if your child is sitting and reaching for stuff in your general direction it means he's INTERESTED in your food which is the whole point...let him try... only thing on the allergies is stay away from honey (before age 1), no peanuts and no strawberries until 1.

Oh, and if you are starting the cereal, you will want to increase juice like apple or prune juice because you will have a very grumpy (belly cramping) baby...you may also want to invest in some Little Tummies drops to ease the gas problems as well...they are a life saver...

Our pediatrician told us cereal at 4 months, baby food at 6 months, but no meats until 8 months.

we did rice cereal first, which you can mix with breastmilk so it's basically like food with training wheels. :-) We tried the really runny and our daughter hated it. so we made it more of a paste and she liked that better. we waited until 6 months for the fruits and veggies, though.

Hi J.,

I agree with Katelin. My son is just 5 months old and has been showing an intense interest in food since he was 3 months. He's a big boy (17 pounds, 29 inches), but he is still a baby. I'm following my doctor's recomendations that I watch for outward developmental signs that he's ready inwards: able to sit up on his own, has a tooth, no tongue reflex, etc. He just got his first tooth. He's not sitting up yet. Giving that first food is really exciting and all of my relatives are pressuring me (they all want to be able to feed him). But I'm waiting until his body tells me he's ready, and not just "interested." I also second Katelin's comments on first foods - I did mashed bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, butternut squash with my daughter. Grains are actually harder to digest and should be introduced later. Another suggestion for a great baby food book: Mommy Made. It has great recipes if you want to DIY, but also great guidelines for food introduction.
Good luck! M.

well every body and baby are different. its good that you talked to the doc but you know the best if he seems ready try hime on some just stick with the same food for a week before introducing any more you never know yours may be like mine and not be able to handle baby food mine had to go right to table food not only that but even if you start a 6 mo or six years they can still create food allergies

My son is almost 4 month old and has been eating solids for a couple weeks. We tried rice cereal but he hated it. I've let him have sweet potatoes, bananas, and green beans (which he loves!). I don't feed him solids every day and he doesn't have much. He can sit supported, opens his mouth to take bites, and swallows the food. I do respect what doctors say but I also have to trust my instincts as a mother. And I'm sure I'll get criticized on here for being the only one to admit that I let my baby start solids so early. I'll mention too that he is not my first child.

I didn't read all the other posts...but I started rice cereal at 4 months per my pediatrician. She explained that at that age, they are just learning to "eat" rather than just drink. It's novel, it's fun, and it adds no nutrition as most of it ends up on the bib/floor/hair, etc. for quite a few months.
That made me feel better. She told us to not limit her intake of her formula (or breastmilk) as that was where she was still getting her nutrition and not to try to do a "feeding" if rushed or stressed. It was supposed to be more like playtime than "eat" time...to try out new textures and learn how to mouth and swallow.
I have a hard time believing the childhood obesity bit...
My parents and grandparents mostly bottlefed, started solids very early (2 months?), and most in those generations are NOT obese. That is a much newer "epidemic", so as convenient as it is to blame childhood obesity on X, Y, or Z, it is much more complicated than that. Same goes for allergies, in my mind. Allergies seem to be getting worse, more frequent/severe in the last generation, rather than better, so the limits and guidelines of when to offer what and how seem to be almost futile in my opinion.
Do what you feel is right! You are Mom! (And a great one at that!)

Well for what it's worth, here's what I think...
I really believe it depends on your pediatrician as to what they will okay. I have three children who vary greatly in age, 12,6, and 2. I have an older wonderful pediatrician that truly believes that mommy knows the child best when it comes to what they will do well with. My son was nine pounds when he was born and hungry all of the time. I started rice cereal with him at 2 months. It was messy and I have no idea how much he actually ate at first, but never any food allergies or obesity resulted. My first daughter was 8lbs 10oz and I started her on rice cereal at around 3 months. No allergies, no obesity... My other daughter was the smallest at 8lbs 2oz and had horrible reflux and seemed to be increasingly hungry around 4 months. I called the pediatrician's office to ask if I could begin rice cereal for her and if the thicker food may help with her reflux. My normal pediatrician was out for the day so I talked to one of the other doctors in the office who very rudely told me that I should call back and ask about solid foods when my child was closer to a year old, not 4 months... For a minute I felt like a horrible mom for suggesting it! However, I went with my instincts and did it anyway and it really helped her with her hunger and reflux and once again no allergies and no obesity... I would only do the rice cereal mixed with breast milk for the next few months. Make it really soupy, that way it's easier yet messier for them to eat, plus then it's not technically "solid" food anyway, right? Good luck! L. O

http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/
Check out this website for great info on what foods when. If he is sleeping well and doesn't seem like he is going hungry I would wait a little longer. There is also the whole issue of a well developed GI tract being able to handle solids. 2 months will pass in no time. I would start out nice and slow though. Rice cereal for a number of weeks then try....oatmeal cereal (is that right? it has been 6mons and I have placental brain drain again). I really do like this website though. Hope it helps.
Also he may not like things the first try so try several times.

I started my daughter on solids at 4 months. She was not breastfed. I did not start her out on rice, I started her out with one of the veggies, don't remember which one. You just have to make sure that you wait like a week between new foods to make sure there is no allergy. Also just a warning when they eat carrots they may turn orange in face or around the mouth, my daughter did that and it freaked me out until someone told me about the carrots.

wow, 17 responses so far!

my only comment would be that the drs guidelines are guidelines & that's it. You are the parent & you have to make the decisions which you feel are in your best interest.

that said, go for it!

I would totally start solids now. First, I was told by many people including our pediatrician that even rice cereal is only to get babies used to eating from a spoon; there is no nutritional value to it. I found this out because my daughter absolutely refused to eat it and was worried. As soon as we started food with flavor she began to eat a little better and sleep like a log. She grew bored with baby food (even homemade) because it was bland and boring. She started on actual table food with the ok from the doc once she was able to feed herself with her fingers and had the teeth to chew. I agree with starting foods as soon as possible just for the fact that I wanted to introduce my kid to different tastes and textures. She is now 18 months old and people are astounded when they see this baby eating avacados, homemade salsa, and every fruit, vegetable, and meat. I also would not be overly concerned about food allergies unless there is a history of them in your family. My daughter was eating things like eggs, strawberries, and peanut butter (she wouldn't eat meat and we were concerned about protein) by the time she was 14 months and hasn't had any problems. We obviously gave her small amounts and watched for any reaction. Good luck.

I would wait until after 6 months. He should show signs of being able to somewhat feed himself, like using his thumb and pointer finger to pinch food in between his fingers. I know you will be feeding via spoon, but this is a sign they are ready for food. Until then, I would only breastfeed, that is all they really need, and you can't get that time back. Plus food allergies start because they are not ready for certain foods. It takes their digestive system a while to mature, don't rush them. My son was not ready for solids until 7 months, and he likes almost everything. Plus breastfeeding will save you money!!!!!

Ali, hope this helps.

Sorry I'm a little late responding, I don't get to check my email very often. I started my son on rice cereal at 3.5 months. Just like your son, he was showing an interest in my food, could sit up without support, etc. I say you should do what you think is best. you can make the cereal with breastmilk too, so it's not like you will be taking that away from him. My son (knock on wood) hasn't shown any food allergies yet and he is far from obese. He's almost 2 now and perfectly healthy. You're his mom, you know him best. Try it once and see what happens. Good luck!

My son will be 6 months on the 1st. He is still breastfed, but at 2 months we had to supplement with formula because he wasn't gaining weight with me breastfeeding only. But then at his 4 month visit the dr said we could start with cereal. We mixed rice cereal with breastmilk, formula, pears, applesauce, whatever we could until he finally starting taking it. Now he gets it once a day and loves it. He was the same way, holding his head up, sitting with support, watching everything around him, grabbing for what we have in our hands, holding his bottle. We actually go back to the dr next week for his 6 month visit and I started pears and carrots with him this week. Today we are trying peas. I figured he can handle it and whats a week until we go to the dr again. But she is really cool, so I am sure she will say to start foods anyway. Good luck!!!

My son is 5 months and 1 week old and i sarted him on solids when he turned 4 months old.
where I take him, Thats what the pediatricians recommend. He is an average baby, nothing wrong, thats just the age that THEY recommend. I breastfed him until he was 3 months old then i started him on formula. When he turned 4 months though, I started giving him rice mixed with apple juice and oatmeal mixed with apple juice. (I mixed them with apple juice because they seemed to constipate him just a little so the apple juice counter-acted that) then about a week or two later I started giving him vegetables, then lastly fruits. But he's seemed to do just fine and I havent had any problems. He used to wake up 2 to 3 times a night before i started solids, now he only wakes up once. It did take him about a month to completely accept most of the foods of course and he has his likes and dislikes, but he fully accepts a spoon. Have you tried putting a spoon up to his mouth to see if he will open up for it? I was told that's one of the signs to see if they're ready. Every baby is different, so you should just do what you feel is best. After all, you know your baby better than anyone else. Best of luck!

I breastfeed my kiddos and later supplemented with formula I however waited to start solids on my 2 kids till they were 5-6 months old.Because of the risk of allergies plus I didn't want to give them my food unless it was fresh mashed potatoes fresh fruit later on.I hated the idea on starting them on artificial ingredients and preservatives I bought Gerber food for graduates till they were a yr old and yes they did at that time eat some of our food as well.Just becareful in what you choose nothing with peanuts or peanutbutter till they are 2 yrs old.But your the babues mom and nothing will change your mind so if you want to feed your lil one begin with baby cereal with breastmilk not water

I waited until 5 months to start my daughter on solid foods. When I first started I just gave her rice cereal at supper time for a few weeks before adding it to other meals. She was sleeping through the night and I was not in a hurry to start them. She also was interested in our food and would always watch us when we were eating. I had a friend who started her boy on solid foods at 3 1/2 or 4 months and he has lots of food allergies, but who knows if that is why. I think it is totally up to you when you start him on solid foods. Either way it is not going to hurt him.

I have 2 boys, ages 5 & 2. I breastfed both of them for a year. I started both of them on rice cereal around 4 1/2 months. They both did great and were really ready for a "little" more than breastmilk. Every child of course is different, but neither one of my kids has any food allergies and both are very healthy. I think as a mom, you can tell when your child is ready to start cereal. Some children aren't ready until 6 months. Rice is one of the least likely allergy-inducing food for babies. I'm sure your son will love his new food! I wouldn't do anything differently with my children.
Sounds like you're doing a great job with your baby boy! Congrats on the breastfeeding! It is the best food for your baby!

M.

I have a five-and a half month old little girl and started solids (just the cereals for now) about that age, four months. She was really interested in what we were eating and it just felt like the right time to us. Her pediatrician said that it was an appropriate time and introducing food slowly would help reduce the risk for allergies. She always breastfed well and still does even after introducing solids. I introduced rice cereal, then onto oat and barley, doing each exclusively for a week at the time of introduction. She's doing great with it and when she's six months in a few weeks, I plan on moving onto the fruits and veggies stage.

But, I agree with you, there are a lot more reasons for childhood obesity...too much fast food and not enough playing outside for starters...

I think mama's intuition is the very best thing....is the baby hungry?? My baby has been on rice cereal in her bottle since she was 3 weeks old, due to severe reflux. Do you have a family hx of food allergy?

My kids would have STARVED if I had listened to the Drs. I bottlefed (and my kids are far from obese) & my kids were sucking down 6-8oz bottles of formula a day as well as eating rice cereal (thick) four times a day by the time they were 4 months. My youngest wanted everything we had so I just used a grinder & ground everything from soup to (real) cereal with milk. I know you have to be aware of allergies, but some kids NEED food. All you can do is your best!

I was planning on waiting until 6 months, but my daughter started reaching out to us when we were eating. This was a sign that she was ready for food (she was about 4 1/2 months). So we started her on cereal (with my ped's ok). He advised only one new thing a week. So it was rice the first week, oatmeal the next, etc. She gobbled it right up. Then when she was almost one she went through a stage where she wouldn't eat anything again, just the bottle. We're past that now, and all along the ped was aware of our eating and was fine with it as long as her growth was good. Just remember to keep away from the risky foods: peanuts, strawberries, honey & shellfish.