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Babies: 3 - 6 Months
Pediatrician vent (may get long, sorry)
So, I took DS to the pediatrician yesterday for what turned out to be an ear infection and was a little confused/annoyed at 2 things that the doc said. Maybe she's on point but I wanted to get reactions from you ladies to see what you think.
First, she was upset by the fact that DS is sleeping in a pack & play in our room instead of in his nursery. Once I noticed her frustration, I asked her if there was a medical reason why co-sleeping (when done correctly, of course) is not recommended. She said LO needs to learn to regulate his own breathing and learn how to be content without being next to me. I think that's BS...there's no reason why he HAS to be away from me at this point so it's fine with me if he needs the comfort and security of me being nearby at night. Thoughts?
Also, she said that based on his weight I could start giving him cereal. He's 12 weeks and weighs 14 lb 6 oz. Isn't it recommended to wait until at least 4-6 months to start cereal?
I always leave the pediatricians office feeling like an incompetent parent...I wish they'd realize that some of us are first-timers and the little guy didn't pop out holding an instruction manual!
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Re: Pediatrician vent (may get long, sorry)
Here's a little advice from my dr that helps me feel good:
You are with your child more than the doctor. You know your child better than the doctor. Do what you feel is appropriate with your child. If you feel the doctor is saying foolish talk, then don't follow it.
I think most pediatricians will discourage co-sleeping just because they don't want to be responsible for saying it's OK. I don't see any reason you have to move your baby out of your room at 2 months, and if she has her own bed in your room I definitely wouldn't worry about it.
As far as feeding solids this early, I am not a doctor but I don't think their digestive system is ready at 2 months and if your baby can't sit up on their own there is really no point in trying to feed them regular foods. You are the parents and in the end, what you do is your decision and you'll do what you think is best and take your ped's input on some things that aren't as important as a suggestion. Do what works for you as long as it's safe!
I also would find a new pedi asap.
A doctor should never leave you feeling like that.
If your LO sleeps well in your room then let him sleep there if it works for all of you (we moved DD to her own room when we started disturbing her)
I waited until this past week to start lo on cereal - I didn't want to start at 4mths so I would not have started any earlier just based on weight.
This.
You definitely don't NEED to move your LO to a different room at this point. There are plenty of people who room and bed-share and have no issues, with children older than yours.
Cereal is one of those things that really varies on who you ask. We started at 2 months (in his bottle) due to mild reflux and an insane appetite. I wouldn't have started just based on his weight, but if your LO is eating more than is safe for a younger baby, it might be worth some more research. Our pedi said anything more than 32oz a day is too much, and DS was over 40 before we added cereal. You wouldn't want to put it in a bottle though, but do it from a bowl, and honestly most babies as your as yours wouldn't get very much from a spoon anyway. Not saying you should start, I think your pedi's reasoning is faulty.
Mes Petit Choux
I can't go back to yesterday - because I was a different person then. ~ Alice
Totally off topic but I'm in Charlotte too!
I dont think you pedi should care where your child sleeps as long as he/she is sleeping.
As far as cereal is concerned, my pedi told me that when the child has good enough hand eye coordination to grab something and bring it to his/her mouth is when they are ready for cereal/food. he also mentioned that this usually occurs around 4 months old (but not with all children)
IMHO, your pedi is wrong and wrong.
1. Alannah slept in the PNP in my room until 4 months, and she still co-sleeps sometimes. You cannot spoil a baby!
2. WTH does weight have to do with when to start cereal? Cereal should be started when baby is developmentally ready.
I say, find a new pedi! GL! It sounds like you are doing things just fine.
DD still sleeps in a PNP in our room and our ped has never said there was anything wrong with that. For a while, she even slept in our bed because it was the only place she would sleep! We plan to transition her to her crib in the nursery around 6 months.
I agree with pp's who mentioned that developmental level is a much better indicator of readiness for solids than weight is. Our peds group recommends waiting until 6 months, which is what we intend to do.
GL finding a ped who shares (or at least supports) your views!
get a new pedi.
co-sleeping is healthy.
waiting on solids is best for baby's digestion. google these things. especially if you like Dr. sears