question about starting solids...

I'm confused. I *know* that all the books, doctors, and experts say not to start solids until 4-6 months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (or whatever its called) advises not to start until at least 6 months old if you are exclusively BFing, which I am. However, I have my mom pressuring me to start giving Lyndsey cereal... plus, I honestly believe she is ready for it. She is about 3 1/2 months old. She is displaying all of the signs that she is ready...watching me eat, sitting up with support, holding her head up perfectly. And last night, I tried to give her a little cereal to see if she would use her tongue (involuntarily) to push the food out (tongue thrust reflex) and SHE DIDN'T! She gobbled that cereal right down and loved it!! Here is a pic to prove it! Hee hee.



Anyway, I guess my questions is...is it too early to start giving her a little rice cereal each day? Breastmilk will still be her primary source of nutrition of course. Somehow I feel a bit guilty giving it to her when everything I read is telling me not to.
BTDT mommies, when did YOU start feeding your baby solids???

my neice was on cereal at 2 1/2 months. The doctor said that it was fine....now mind you, the cereal was so watered down it might as well be a liguid!!

I also believe Ryan (at 11 weeks) is ready for solids - he's 15 pounds, holds his head up and is eating around 30 - 32 ounces of formula a day. At his doctor visit last week, the ped said that there would be nothing wrong with starting him on cereal at this point, but he'd like me to wait a few more weeks (until his next appointment). The explanation is that they believe that the longer you put off solids, the better chance the child does not develop any food allergies.

However, we ALL had cereal relatively young, and unless allergies run in your family, I wouldn't worry. I am going to try to hold him off just because there are a few allergies, but the doc told me that if he hits 40 oz. in a day, we would definitely put him on cereal -- personally, I can't wait!

How cute is she eating her cereal!!!!

I think the reason they tell you to wait is to avoid allergies... but I think if she is ready for solids go for it but take it sllloooowwww.

Congrats to your big eatter for reaching a milestone!


PS - Emma was exclusivly breastfed and she started cereal at 4 1/2 months.

Thanks everyone! I feel better. I forgot to add that Lyndsey, at 15 weeks, is already 17 lbs and 27 inches long...not undernourished by any means! When I was a baby, I weighed 19 lbs at a YEAR old....I have a huge baby!

Another question...should I give her the cereal in the morning or evening? And before or after or in between breastfeeding? Thanks!!

Starting Solids

Here's a link to more information about starting solids...it answered a lot of my questions!

WOW MELISSA YOU HAVE A BIG GIRL!!!

At 3 months she was 12lbs 9oz and 24'. Now Emma is 13 months and a month ago she was 19lbs 15oz and 31'!!

i would feed her cereal at night only to help her sleep longer so she doesnt get hungry.

I respectfully disagree w/feeding her at night time. The idea that she will sleep better is a myth (no offense to my fellow-Mommy, Karen). Actually, since solids are new to Lyndsey's system, there is a chance it will upset her belly, or the digestive process will keep her awake (which you do not want) Edited to add - after a few days, when you are certain she's accepting the cereal, you can give her a portion in the morning AND at night, based on her appetite.

My pediatrician advised us to introduce any new solid food at mid-morning or lunch time, that way you can observe the baby for any allergic reactions, and give them time to digest a bit before nap time. Just another perspective....follow you Mommy instincts, since you know Lyndsey best.

Congrats on an exciting milestone - what a beautiful, thriving little girl!