starting cereal -- ? about feeding schedule

lindseychase06

I just started Owen on cereal several days ago, and he absolutely loves it. He barely spills a drop from the spoon. He eats close to 40 oz formula a day so I want to add a little more cereal during the day, but not sure when to.

Right now I feed him some cereal at dinner. Should I add a feeding to breakfast or lunch time? What schedule do you use for feeding?

TIA!

BelleIsa

If it was me I would add one at breakfast-time...

Question for you: when did you know it was about time to start cereal?  My DD seems to ALWAYS be hungry these days (she went from eating 28 oz a day happily to not being satisfied with 38 oz).  I can't decide if it's just a growth spurt or if she's ready for some cereal....

lindseychase06

I was thinking breakfast too!

Here are the signs that I saw:

- supported sitter

-he is already about 20 pounds, and eating about 40 oz a day

- he is always very interested in our food

I saw these and so I decided to try, if it didn't work I'd back off for a bit. But as I said, he loved it and did great eating from the spoon.  Give it a try and see if she does ok with the spoon. If it all comes out she's probably not ready. But if most gets swallowed you are probably good to go!

lindseychase06

I just noticed your ticker, your LO may be a little young yet for cereal. You may want to wait closer to the 4 month mark, or speak to your pedi about it.

tara631978

i was nervous about starting cereal.  one day i was at the store checking out the baby food isle cause that is fun for me now.  the gerber box tells you that it is safe to start when baby can sit with assist.  so i mixed some up at 4 months and we were good to go.  nola is 5 months now and we have added carrots, apple sauce, etc.  i will alternate the cereal and veggies during the same feeding.  once you start the solids you become much more confident with what you give them.

as far as the schedule i wait till she is awake and active she seem to be more into it.  i like to put on the radio and kinda make it a fun time at the table so she enjoys her feedings and the veggies are more accepted.  

 the most helpful thing the doctor told me was that for now the baby is only learning to swallow and get slowly used to processing the food.  knowing that this is only "practice" till about 7-9 months it takes off the pressure to make sure they eat enough.  feed them till they are done and dont really worry about the amount you get into their belly right now 

lindseychase06

Thanks!