Rice Cereal

amb5353

So I am thinking about starting rice cereal soon. I feel that LO is ready for it. He is almost 3months.

What are your ladies views or experience on this?

sjgurl784

This sounds kind of earlier to me.  The AAP recommends starting rice cereal between 4 and 6 months. 

CariannelovesTim

If you decide to go for it use a bowl and spoon instead of putting it in the bottle & I agree it is rather early but to each and their own. I waited til  at least 4 months with my children.

daronsmommy

When you say you think he's ready for it, what makes you think so? Why are you wanting to start so early? My pedi says not before 4 months. We started with DS1 at 4 months, but I'll probably wait longer with DS2.

elfchique

amb5353:

So I am thinking about starting rice cereal soon. I feel that LO is ready for it. He is almost 3months.

What are your ladies views or experience on this?

I think it's way too early. Of course I didn't start DS1 on solids until 9mos and just gave fruits and veggies and bypassed all cereals. IMO, there is no nutritional value for the cereals especial if you are FF. The only benefit is teaching a baby how to eat and swallow. No need for that at 3 months whatsoever.

ellcore

meganole25:

I'm against anything before 6 months. 

IMO rice cereal is just empty calories with no nutritional value. This young they need the nutritional value from milk/formula. Cereal will just fill them up with no value to it. We'll be passing on it all together.

Also, it's shown that solids before 6 months can lead to food allergies down the road.

Why are you interested in starting so early. 3 months is really early. If anything 4 months might be the earliest that some will suggest. 

 

 

amb5353

daronsmommy:

When you say you think he's ready for it, what makes you think so? Why are you wanting to start so early? My pedi says not before 4 months. We started with DS1 at 4 months, but I'll probably wait longer with DS2.

He's always licking his lips, making this chewing motion, can hold his head steady when sitting supported.

AbuDhabiMommy

amb5353:

daronsmommy:

When you say you think he's ready for it, what makes you think so? Why are you wanting to start so early? My pedi says not before 4 months. We started with DS1 at 4 months, but I'll probably wait longer with DS2.

He's always licking his lips, making this chewing motion, can hold his head steady when sitting supported.

This may be him exploring different sensations (the oral habits) and really, he should be more sitting stable before introducing solids.  Three months is incredibly young, like previous posters have said, generally the earliest recommended is 4months...

ellcore

amb5353:

daronsmommy:

When you say you think he's ready for it, what makes you think so? Why are you wanting to start so early? My pedi says not before 4 months. We started with DS1 at 4 months, but I'll probably wait longer with DS2.

He's always licking his lips, making this chewing motion, can hold his head steady when sitting supported.

I guessim not understanding your reasoning? Just because he's rooting around you think he's ready for rice cereal?  

amb5353

meganole25:

I'm against anything before 6 months.nbsp;IMO rice cereal is just empty calories with no nutritional value. This young they need the nutritional value from milk/formula. Cereal will just fill them up with no value to it. We'll be passing on it all together.Also, it's shown that solids before 6 months can lead to food allergies down the road.Why are you interested in starting so early. 3 months is really early. If anything 4 months might be the earliest that some will suggest.nbsp;

It's also said that EBF for the first 6 month could lead to an increase in food allergies and iron deficiency. Studies are also suggesting that EBF for the first 6 months may not provide all the other nutrients a baby needs.

If we decided to give it to him it would be mixed with BM to a thin watery consistency. Which means he is still getting those nutrients.

dvladybug

Our pedi suggested rice cereal for my son at his 2 month well check only because of his acid reflux and issues with spitting up - a lot.  It has helped him but did not work out for my daughter.  I agree w/pp that 3 mos is too early.  Maybe it's best to speak to your pedi about it.

amb5353

dvladybug:

Our pedi suggested rice cereal for my son at his 2 month well check only because of his acid reflux and issues with spitting up a lot.nbsp; It has helped him but did not work out for my daughter.nbsp; I agree w/pp that 3 mos is too early.nbsp; Maybe it's best to speak to your pedi about it.

We have an acid reflux problem and spit up issue as well. We have his next check up this Friday and I did plan on asking her.

Mrs.G123

Like pps have mentioned, 3 mos is way too early.

Petunia844

I would ask for sure, but my plan is solids at 6mo and at that point it will be fruits/veggies, no cereal.

amb5353

https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/doc/1423.pdf

blackcat3163

I have also read that studies are starting to show more that introducing purees before 6 mos. is better to avoid allergies but that being said 3 months is too early for rice cereal I think, especially when it doesn't really have any nutritional value. "ready" for it is more showing an interest in what you're eating and sitting at the table in a high chair with you during dinner times.

navyandviolet

amb5353:

daronsmommy:

When you say you think he's ready for it, what makes you think so? Why are you wanting to start so early? My pedi says not before 4 months. We started with DS1 at 4 months, but I'll probably wait longer with DS2.

He's always licking his lips, making this chewing motion, can hold his head steady when sitting supported.

the licking lips, chewing is just more body exploration, just like sucking on hands is.  also the licking lips is an indication that baby still has the tongue thrust reflex, which is a contraindication of starting solids. baby should also be able to sit unassisted

 

eta https://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/readyforsolids.htm 

ellcore

amb5353:

https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/doc/1423.pdf

Your article says:

 "Exclusive breast-feeding provides adequate nutrition up to 6 months of age for the majority of infants, while some infants may need complementary foods before 6 months (but not before the age of 4 months) in addition to breast-feeding to support optimal growth and development."

Even the article you're supporting says 3 months is too early.  

cwallac

Our pedi said at our 2 month check up that we'd discuss starting food at our 4 month check up. I don't think I want to but will at least listen to why she thinks we should. She said not always but sometimes it's recommended at four months because babies don't get enough from BM... I definitely don't think I'd ever start at 3 months. Have you asked your pedi?

AmyP4383

I am in the minority and do not think it is all bad when recommended by your pedi. My LO has gained close to 6lbs and grown 5 inches in his 10 weeks. I EP and he takes 3035oz of BM a day. He also has reflux issues. Bc of his growth, intake AND holding head, supported sitter and reflux etc she suggested starting cereal earlier. And I love our pedi. Here is an article that discusses both sides of the debate. We will probably try single grain brown rice cereal after 3mo

https://www.raisehealthyeaters.com/2012/10/thecaseforricecereal/

[Deleted User]

ellcore:

amb5353:

https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/doc/1423.pdf

Your article says:

 "Exclusive breast-feeding provides adequate nutrition up to 6 months of age for the majority of infants, while some infants may need complementary foods before 6 months (but not before the age of 4 months) in addition to breast-feeding to support optimal growth and development."

Even the article you're supporting says 3 months is too early.  

This. Fail.

Why do you want so desperately to "start solids early"? Most babies only need BM or formula for at least the first 6 months. The behaviors you are describing are normal developmental behaviors for infants. They don't mean your child is "ready" for solids. If you are planning to mix it with BM for a "thin, watery consistency" then what is the point exactly? You are basically just taking up space in the bottle.

Please don't rush feeding your child solids. At least wait until after 4 months.