Any BFers start cereal @ 4 mos?

californiaclaire

DS's pedi gave us the okay to start some rice cereal at his appt this morning. His nanny mentioned that he's constantly hungry & I've noticed he's eating almost every hour when I'm home in the evenings. His pedi said it's okay to start cereal at 4 months... but part of me wonders if I should try leaving bigger bottles (like 3 - 6 oz bottles instead of 4 - 4oz bottles).

The paperwork I got from the pedi says they usually recommend cereal at 4 months for formula fed babies -- but recommend waiting until 6 months for breastfed babies .... but he told us to go ahead since DS seems to have an extra big appetite (he's a big boy).

Would you wait? Or go ahead w/ the cereal?

MamaMyers22

I don't know if it makes a difference (formula or not) but M is now taking 6 oz bottles every 3-4 hours during the day.

He's probably ready for more. 

blos35seed91

We started DD on rice cereal when she turned 4 months old because 1. she gave us signs that she was ready and 2. she wasn't gaining enough weight.

Impatientgal

We're starting this weekend. DD is eating FOUR 7oz bottles between 8am and 5pm and she still cries when the bottle is empty. Her appetite is insatiable. Pedi said starting her on rice cereal for 1 or 2 of those feedings is ok.

Whatever you decide, GL

brideofaussie

My pedi said all table food is for practice at this point and most of their calories should be coming from formula/bm, so I'd probably just give him bigger bottles.

I'm not doing table food until 6 mos.  I don't look forward to the hassle/mess.

LawLove08

DS is BF - Pedi gave ok to start rice cereal now (but nothing else until 6 months). ?I'm probably going to wait awhile, though, because I don't really feel like he needs it. ?We might start at 5 months. ?If you think your LO is ready, though, I don't think there's anything wrong with starting it. ?

I do think you should try bigger bottles, though. ?I'm not entirely sure how much DS takes at each feeding, but whenever I'm gone and someone gives him a bottle, he takes at least 6 oz.?

yo.mama

blos35seed91:

We started DD on rice cereal when she turned 4 months old because 1. she gave us signs that she was ready and 2. she wasn't gaining enough weight.

Not gaining enough weight is reason to NOT start solids. Breastmilk and formula are more rich in calories than solid foods.

Worcbride

we did cereal at 4 mos--DD loved it.  I'd go ahead and do it.

californiaclaire

Thanks, ladies. Maybe I'll try bigger bottles next week & see how he does & then make a decision about the cereal from there.

MetsGirl18

I'd definitely try bigger bottles first.  DS is 5.5 months old.  I prepare 3 5 oz bottles for daycare.  I'm going to start cereal in a few weeks.

noimnotmarried

i'm starting cereal at four months.....i am positive my DS is ready.  he is taking 4 5 ounce bottles when i am at work, then he gets up at least twice every night to eat.  also, he does not have the tongue thrust anymore, shows an interest in food (for real, he stares at people eating!), and has really good head and neck control.

i was going to put it off, but i really think he's ready.  every baby is difference.

Lilo06

DS's pedi said that we should consider beginning solids at 4 months.  She said that, according to the latest research, there is no difference in allergies between kids who start solids at 4 months and those who begin at 6 months.  She also said that by 4 months, most kids' appetites can be satisfied better by giving some solids. 

Of course, she also said not to decrease the frequency/amount of BM "meals" and to watch DS for signs of readiness, especially loss the the tongue thrust reflex.