Is it 'bad' to start the baby on jar food?

The pediatrician suggested starting Amber on cereal/pureed foods because she always seems hungry (takes over 6 oz. at a feeding) and wakes up SCREAMING like she's being killed with her fist in her mouth. I started her on Gerber and some baby cereal but is there side effects I should be worried about with starting her too early? She's only 2 months old today. She LOVES the food and still takes her formula but I'm worried about her getting a sugar rush or something from the fruits or gas from the veggies.

Okay...I am NOT a Ped BUT new research shows that you should NOT start your baby on ANY food other than breastmilk or formula before 6 months old..but older studies show 4 months as the right age so I know some doctors still use that information.
Personally I would never give a 2 month old ANY food. I am sorry but it is linked to diabetes, obesity and food allergies when given that young. Not trying to scare you but you asked so I want to give you my honest opinion.

I would get a second opinion if I were you. Maybe something else is wrong, like bad gas or something similar that is causing the baby to cry. Feeding her at this age could make it worse or cause her immature digestive system other issues. Perhaps just switching bottles can help or going to a different formula.

But if you really feel that giving your daughter babyfood is a good idea then make sure you READ all the labels. A LOT of baby food labeled 'desserts' actually have sugar added. I make 90% of what Molly eats and never give her anything with 'added sugar' or juice.

How do you make the food? Is there a book or something on how to prepare baby food at home?

That's what I thought too, that she would have a weight issue or something or that there would be too much added salts, sugars and crap in the baby food. Just because it's for babies doesn't mean it's necessarily good for them. We've gone through a pile of bottles and I've tried switching formulas. She doesn't have a problem with spitting up or stuff but she always just seems hungry. She blows a serious fit when you pull the bottle out of her mouth.

I would cut out the actual food for now and if you really feel you must (again I feel a 2nd opinion might not be such a bad idea) then use just the cereal. You CANNOT give a baby under 6 months old homemade cereal. They cannot digest it at all. Stick with the SINGLE grain rice or barley or oatmeal cereal. Keep fruits and veggies out of her diet at least for another 2 months- again JMO.

Also, it is stated in numerous sources that food should not be given until a baby can sit up because of choking risks. There is no way a 2 month old is sitting up. I really urge you to speak to another doctor. Some babies just have a hard time on formula and it takes them some getting used to it. She is only 8 weeks old so that is also part of it. All babies are different and their needs are different so I don't think giving her food too early is the best solution to your problem- but you are her mother and need to make the decision that is best for your family.

Maybe do some more research and call the doctor with it and ask what his thoughts are?

It is NOT the jarred food that causes the problems later in life..it is FOOD period. It doesn't matter if you make it yourself or use the jar stuff for those things. I think the homemade stuff is better that is why I do it. Although I use jarred berries since I cannot make those at home easily and she eats maybe 2-3 jars a week of that. Plus I buy Applesauce since it is easily found with no added sugars- just in the regular aisle not the overpriced baby food jars of it.

Buy yourself Super Baby Foods book. That is what I use. It is VERY easy to make your own food. I make it in batches and then freeze it in ice cube trays and then defrost what she needs when she needs it. The book can be a crazy with making your own yogurt etc..I don't do that though.