Mixing cereal with things other than formula

MeaganG11

DS will be 5 months in a few weeks, and at the 4 month appointment the pedi said we could start cereal. I've been mixing it with formula with absolutely no luck whatsoever. He'll eat maybe three spoonfuls and will refuse to eat anymore. I was browsing different websites where people have said they'll mix a little bit of something sweet in with the cereal/formula mixture.. Fruit puree, fruit juice, etc.

Have any of you ever done this? Pedi did not specifically say we couldn't do this, but also didn't say we could (and I'm one of those follows-most-of-the-rules-first-time moms). DS wakes up every 2-3 hours during the night now to eat because he's hungry and I'm pretty desperate at this point for him to eat some cereal so maybe he'll stay satisfied longer. 

divajackie67

I started with Vegetables and fruit and then added cereal. My son hated the plain cereal too, but loves it mixed with his fruit and veggies. I'm a FTM too, but I don't follow the rules very strictly. 

https://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/ <-- Lots of good information 

We started with sweet potatoes once a day. Then after 4 days (allergy check) we added rice to his sweet potatoes. 4 day wait, added banana, then wait, oatmeal, etc. I think at this point he's tried all the first foods. 

fennyann

I do that from time to time. My LO prefers apples and sweet potatoes mixed with his cereal. But I agree with PP wholesomebabyfoods.com is a great resource! I use it all the time!

albjag

baby cereal is really just to get them used to eating solids.  Most babies don't like it.  We tried it a few times, but he wasn't enthusiastic about it so I just waited until he was 6 mos old and started purees.

We have tried butternut squash, carrots, avocado and banana so far.  I wouldn't use fruit juice- too much sugar. 

 

vettymama

We never did cereal. Went straight to fruits and vegetables. I think DS learned just as well with real food over cereal. And it tastes so much better! I also recommend the site and or book The Wholesome Baby Food Guide.

g8trkim

You don't really need to do cereal. It's really just practice food. I would try like sweet potatoes and see if he likes those. We started giving both kids fruits and veggies around 5 months. I have heard of people mixing with water or juice but I wouldn't advise that.

g8trkim

Oh also, we have been giving DD the Gerber banana oatmeal and she LOVES it. You could try the flavored cereal/oatmeal too.