When to Start Cereal - Texarkana,AR

If he is having tummy trouble now cereal could very well exacerbate that. I think 4 months is when they might recommend it for formula fed babies but 6 months is really ideal as baby still has an "open gut" at this age:

http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/early-solid-food-feeding...

You also have to look for physical signs of readiness-no tongue thrust, can hold head up well, etc.

But cereal won't and shouldn't make up for the formula that you think he might be missing out on. Breastmilk or formula is primary nutrition for the first year. Solids are for practice and to supplement the breastmilk/formula.

All babies need for the entire first year of life is breast milk or formula. I would definitely not introduce juice until after one year or other foods (cereal, et all) until at least six months.

Babies need to have the ability to swallow (know how to use their tongue), be able to sit independently, be able to hold something and bring it to their mouth, AND act interested in what you are eating or the act of eating BEFORE you introduce cereal. The earlier you introduce anything, the more likley kids are to have allergies, digestive problems, diabetes, obesity, and a host of other issues.

PLUS, cereal usually contains IRON. Think about that in a tiny, developing digestive system. THink about it in YOUR system! Remember constipation during pregnancy? Possibly caused by the iron in prenatal vitamins. (Taking iron suppliments - as vitamins or in iron-fortified foods - makes iron poop!)

Most information sources I've read as well as doctors I've had said not to start babies out on solid foods until 6 months. Their digestive systems are not developed enough earlier than that to deal with the more complex foods.

Just a thought, I might think about getting another pediatrician.... EVERYTHING I have heard and read from CDC, American Pediatric Association, World Health Organization, etc says to stay away from juices with babies. They simply don't need the added sugar.. all that leads to is a sweet tooth. My first pediatrician told me to mix my daughter's initial rice cereal with white grape juice and apple sauce. That sounded off to me so I did some research and got a few different medical opinions... needless to say, I'm not with that doctor anymore. Good luck!

I would wait til 6 months to start solids, and skip cereal altogether. Avacado is a great first food! I love that Wholesome Baby Food site Dori W. linked!! great site and tons of very helpful info about when to start solids, and which ones to start with.

That said, my LO (now 1 year) didn't start solids til he was about 8.5 months. We basically did baby-led weaning, without really trying to. He just refused any and all baby food I tried giving him (I started trying at 6 months, but didn't push it). He went straight to table food on his own when he was ready. Now he eats everything we do!!

Cereal will really make the constipation worse. It is not needed until he is older.

Every child is different and any rule of thumb should be adjusted per child but most start around 4-6 months of age. My son had to start at two weeks because formula was not enough (had already increased to 8 oz bottles but had regressed back to every 2 hours and was acting starved!). My daughter ate very well but not like that. She started around four months.

If you son doesn't have any health concerns to worry about you should be able to start him on rice cereal. Try once a day for a few days and see how he does.

Keep in mind that some kids like cereal thicker or thinner than others (both my kids were polar opposites) so you may have to find the right consistency for him...don't add it to a bottle. They should be able to eat from the spoon when you start feeding anything besides formula, juice, or water.

Also, it could cause him to be a bit gassy as his body adjusts.

Hey there, I say add a teaspoon of rice cereal to every other bottle to start off. Also, I found that kids are just like us, sometime they are just not hungry. I'm sure in a few months his eating patterns will get better. Hope that helps..Happy Thanksgiving.

My first child weighed 9lbs2oz at nirth. When she was 2 months old, she was constantly sucking on her hands and always finished her 6oz bottle. Whne I took her to the docotr, he had said that she was ot getting enough to eat, he suggested I put a little bit of rice cereal in her bottle twice a day. He explained to not make it thick, it had to be really thin in order for her to drink her bottle. I did as he said and she was satisfied. She began sleeping all night without waking every 2 hours crying wanting to eat.

we have twins grandsons that are 4 1/2 months and they are taking a little cereal in their bottle but, mostly because of reflux, they weigh 14 1/2 # and one is 15 # , God has surely blessed us.

4 to 6 months is the average for starting cereal. You should check with your Ped, since he/she knows your child's needs.

You may also want to give him a little bit of water, which might help with the constipation.

You will know he is ready when he can move the cereal from the spoon to the back of his mouth and swallow it without gagging. This happens at different times for different kids, and can be anywhere from 4 - 6 months. Start with rice cereal as a trainer, and mix it very runny. If you try and he gags, wait a couple of days and try again. Once he is eating that, slowly thicken it up. Once he can handle the thicker rice cereal, he will be ready to move one to oats, and veggies. Just be sure to only add one new food every few days so you can watch for any reactions. Both of my boys started right at 4 months.

hi -
it depends on who you ask. l agree with Dori that 6 months is best - here is a list (by age) of when to start different foods: http://askdrsears.com/html/3/T030500.asp

Also if your little one is having trouble pooping (aka constipated) he will not drink as much b/c he will feel backed up. try massaging his belly - It works WONDERS with my dd (she goes 1-2 hours after I massage her) :)
http://www.liddlekidz.com/massage-for-constipation.html

good luck and hope you have a great Thanksgiving too!