Stage 2 Foods--did I Start Them Too Quick?

This is my 3rd baby so I ought to know the answer to this, but they have all been so different, I hope I did the right thing. My daughter is 8 mo. old. I tried to give her rice cereal at age 6mo like her pedi told me to, but she hated it. I even threw som fruit in there to sweeten it up. Nope--she spit it out! So I stopped and tried a month later. I added veggies AND fruits and she did alot better--eating 5-7 bites, then she was done. So I decided to start her on the 2nd foods just to see what she did. She LOVES then!! I feed her Gerber. Usually I do cereal and fruit in the morning and then a meat and at least 2 veggies in late afternoon (plus formula thoughout the day). Of course I give her a little of each--not the entire jars of these 3 things. It seems like she has a bowle movement a little less often (like skips 2 days) but no tummy aches and it's normal when she does go. So is this ok that she is on the meats and mixed foods (stage 2) at age 8 mo.? She is in the 25% on weight----only weighed 12 lbs 13 oz at 6 mo. checkup. So I really want her to be a good eater on solids. Thanks

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C.T. answers from Dallas on January 21, 2009

As long as she is healthy, gaining weight and going in her diaper regularly, then it sounds like she is doing fine on #2's. I've heard not to feed meats too early, but I'm not sure of the reason. Maybe you could call your pedi just to make sure meats are ok at this age.

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M.H. answers from Dallas on January 21, 2009

I have 2 kids and take care of others. I started feeding my kids table food at around 8mo. So yes you are fine to give your baby 2nd stage food. I would actually be giving her the whole jar and not just bites. By 9mo she can move up to the size 3 jar. It's realy not that much food. Just wait a little while before giving her the next bottle. You will get into a routine. My children are very good eaters--not picky at all, not over weight, just healthy kids. I started both on cereal at 4mo and quickly moved through each of the veggies and fruits. By 5 1/2mo they were on 2nds by 7mo they started 3rds and then by 8mo it was off and on table food. (green beans, peas, noodles, potatoes, sliced ham or turkey...) It may slow down while teething which is very normal for just about any child.

I just read over your message again to make sure I covered everything. I would be more conserned about her weight. 12bls at 6mo is a little low. Mine were both 8 bls at birth so definatly onthe higher end. I would consult your pedi. You may not be giving her enough solids.

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C.R. answers from Dallas on January 21, 2009

I think you are doing fine. Stage 1 and stage 2 foods are EXACTLY the same except that they add more water to Stage 1.

As long as her BMs aren't difficult or hard, then going every other day is considered normal.

Don't decrease the formula, keep those bottles coming to make sure she is getting enough calories.

Good luck!

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D.W. answers from Dallas on January 21, 2009

My pedi started my son on cereals AND stage 1 baby foods at 4 months. I'm guessing he'll also be at stage 2 foods by 8 months if not sooner. The important part of stage 1 foods is to introduce new things individually, so if there is a reaction to the food, you can easily detect what the reaction is to.

According to the Gerber website, once your child eats easily from a spoon and has enjoyed the different flavors of stage 1 it can be time to start stage 2 foods. There is no mention of an age. So as long as she's not choking, and there isn't any reactions to the foods, I think she should be fine.