Did anyone get the OK to start cereal before 4 mths

vahokiegirl · May 2011

My pedi at K's 2 mth appt actually told me that i could go and start feeding him cereal in his bottle then because of his reflux and also so he wouldnt want to eat every 5 mins.

He would eat and then i swear an hour later be starving again. I would try to hold him off but it didnt work at all.

Finally until recently I was able to hold him off for a little while. He would only get 2 bottles with the cereal in it.

Ive been noticing that every time I go to eat and he is near me, K tends to lean into whatever im eating and opens his mouth. So yesterday, I tried to giving him just runny cereal with a spoon and bowl....he loved it. I mean most of it got all over his face of course but I swear Ive noticed a difference in the last 2 days that Ive done this.

He is able to hold off to 3 hours now during the day instead of every 1.5 to 2 hours.

He weighs 16lbs 4oz so Im starting to think maybe he was just hungry for some food. He is a big kid!

I know many people would not agree to giving him cereal this early but its only rice cereal.

kg_08 · May 2011

As far as the cereal in a bottle, plenty of pedis recommend that for reflux so I don't see a problem with it.

With DD we started solids right at 4 months as soon as we got the pedi's blessing, and we started with sweet potato as her first food. We went the route of fruits and veggies instead because there's nutritional value there.

Some kids are hungry. You know your kid, and if you've been doing it already and he seems to be doing better, I don't see too much of a problem.

vahokiegirl · May 2011

kdodge423:
You got the ok because of the reflux, not because it's "only rice cereal".

I guess I didnt really write that correctly. I know the pedi wanted me to put him on it bc of him eating so much all the time and it was also because of his reflux. When i said that its only rice cereal, i meant that I wasnt giving him anything else like baby food until he was older.

Molluskwrangler · May 2011

Our pedi said if she was doing the right things and what not we could let her have a few spoons of rice cereal to see how she does. She said to wait until a week or two before her 4 month appt and to let her know how it went. We've done it twice with her only once did she have any interest. She had maybe 3 tiny spoonfuls and was over it.

juliane2004 · May 2011

DS was 18 lbs at 4 months and is currently 19.5 lbs (4 months 3 weeks). He's a big baby, but just eats formula. We were told to wait till 6 months for any food, including cereal.

Agreed with Kdg, I hope your LO is on cereal for reflux only not cause he's a big kid.

TBLilyRose · May 2011

Ehhh I'd probably at least call your Pedi and run it by him. Your son is still kind of young and his tummy might not be quite ready for more, even if he is a big boy.

kcisthebombdotcom · May 2011

I started feeding DS rice cereal in his bottle due to reflux at 6 weeks old. However, we used it very sparingly-a teaspoon per 4oz bottle. We did not start solids through a spoon/other foods until he was 5.5 months old.

You actually should be feeding a reflux baby every 1.5-2 hours as opposed to every 3. I would switch his feeding schedule back instead of trying to make him go 3 hours between feedings. You'll probably find over time his reflux symptoms get worse with spaced out feedings.

teshy1 · May 2011

I'm not trying to flame anyone here, but there is a fair amount of evidence that early introduction of solid foods can lead to problems, such as childhood obesity. Also, introducing solids too early can be detrimental in other ways; for example, if you are BFing and you start complementary foods too early, it's possible that your milk production could drop. All I'm saying is truly make sure your child is ready before introducing solids; there's no rush.

jkjacq71 · May 2011

teshy1:
I'm not trying to flame anyone here, but there is a fair amount of evidence that early introduction of solid foods can lead to problems, such as childhood obesity. Also, introducing solids too early can be detrimental in other ways; for example, if you are BFing and you start complementary foods too early, it's possible that your milk production could drop. All I'm saying is truly make sure your child is ready before introducing solids; there's no rush.

This is gonna get ME flamed but whatever... introducing solids at whatever age DOES NOT lead to obesity, McDonalds, Nintendo, no recess, television, internet and all around sitting around the house does. Seriously if you get to adulthood and blame being fat on your parents feeding you cereal at 3 months you should seek professional help.

OP has a big baby.. been there. My son was eating cereal in his bottle at six weeks as well, moved to cereal and fruits around the age hers is now. He is a very healthy, active 18 year old. He is 6' 2" and 155 lbs. He ate like a horse when he was little and formula did not fill him up. He eats very healthy, loves his fruits and veggies. He was not allowed to sit around and watch tv growing up. He rode his bike, played outside with the dog, and ran around the house like a crazy child. My daughter does not eat as much as he did and is perfectly happy with her bottle, we have tried solids but she has no interest so we will try again a little bit later. Both are/were right on track where they should be for their age.

Sorry for the attitude but I think at times some people latch on to things because somebody else said something and it somehow becomes gospel and we lose all common sense.

Molluskwrangler · May 2011

jkjacq71:
teshy1:
I'm not trying to flame anyone here, but there is a fair amount of evidence that early introduction of solid foods can lead to problems, such as childhood obesity. Also, introducing solids too early can be detrimental in other ways; for example, if you are BFing and you start complementary foods too early, it's possible that your milk production could drop. All I'm saying is truly make sure your child is ready before introducing solids; there's no rush.
This is gonna get ME flamed but whatever... introducing solids at whatever age DOES NOT lead to obesity, McDonalds, Nintendo, no recess, television, internet and all around sitting around the house does. Seriously if you get to adulthood and blame being fat on your parents feeding you cereal at 3 months you should seek professional help.
OP has a big baby.. been there. My son was eating cereal in his bottle at six weeks as well, moved to cereal and fruits around the age hers is now. He is a very healthy, active 18 year old. He is 6' 2" and 155 lbs. He ate like a horse when he was little and formula did not fill him up. He eats very healthy, loves his fruits and veggies. He was not allowed to sit around and watch tv growing up. He rode his bike, played outside with the dog, and ran around the house like a crazy child. My daughter does not eat as much as he did and is perfectly happy with her bottle, we have tried solids but she has no interest so we will try again a little bit later. Both are/were right on track where they should be for their age.
Sorry for the attitude but I think at times some people latch on to things because somebody else said something and it somehow becomes gospel and we lose all common sense.

Yes

Thank you. The story about your son is just like my brother. He's currently 6'2 and 200 lbs of muscle. We had to be active and we ate very healthy.

kmares · May 2011

If you Pedi gave you the o.k. then that is fine. But my pedi told me and I am copy and pasting this from an article because I am lazy: Before the fourth month, a baby's tender digestive system simply isn't equipped to handle solid foods of any sort. In fact, feeding solids too early can lead to problems with food allergies, pulmonary difficulties (from inhaling tiny bits of cereal into their lungs), constipation, and other tummy troubles.

kcisthebombdotcom · May 2011

jkjacq71:

teshy1:
I'm not trying to flame anyone here, but there is a fair amount of evidence that early introduction of solid foods can lead to problems, such as childhood obesity. Also, introducing solids too early can be detrimental in other ways; for example, if you are BFing and you start complementary foods too early, it's possible that your milk production could drop. All I'm saying is truly make sure your child is ready before introducing solids; there's no rush.

This is gonna get ME flamed but whatever... introducing solids at whatever age DOES NOT lead to obesity, McDonalds, Nintendo, no recess, television, internet and all around sitting around the house does. Seriously if you get to adulthood and blame being fat on your parents feeding you cereal at 3 months you should seek professional help.

OP has a big baby.. been there. My son was eating cereal in his bottle at six weeks as well, moved to cereal and fruits around the age hers is now. He is a very healthy, active 18 year old. He is 6' 2" and 155 lbs. He ate like a horse when he was little and formula did not fill him up. He eats very healthy, loves his fruits and veggies. He was not allowed to sit around and watch tv growing up. He rode his bike, played outside with the dog, and ran around the house like a crazy child. My daughter does not eat as much as he did and is perfectly happy with her bottle, we have tried solids but she has no interest so we will try again a little bit later. Both are/were right on track where they should be for their age.

Sorry for the attitude but I think at times some people latch on to things because somebody else said something and it somehow becomes gospel and we lose all common sense.

Seriously! EVERYTHING leads to childhood obesity now except the most obvious thing, which is our generation of children eat more calories and spend more time in front of the TV/video games as opposed to exercising. I find it comical. I'm sure the whole milk I feel my toddler and the rice cereal he had at 6 weeks old will magically make him obese even though both me and my DH are healthy eaters, exercise and maintain a healthy weight. lol. Although I do agree with delaying solids until 4+ months unless it is a treatment for reflux, but it has nothing to do with childhood obesity.

jkjacq71 · May 2011

kdodge423:
teshy1:
I'm not trying to flame anyone here, but there is a fair amount of evidence that early introduction of solid foods can lead to problems, such as childhood obesity. Also, introducing solids too early can be detrimental in other ways; for example, if you are BFing and you start complementary foods too early, it's possible that your milk production could drop. All I'm saying is truly make sure your child is ready before introducing solids; there's no rush.

Uh, no. There is a fair amount of evidence that it may lead to digestion issues, including but not limited to food allergies. There is about as much backing the obesity claim as there is backing the claim that it helps with STTN (in other words- none).

Being large for their age, much like when they were still in the uterus, does not make them more mature. If they are gaining as they should on formula alone, then it is usually suggested that you stick to formula as long as possible. If there are reflux issues or the child is not gaining even without reflux, then you can make a case for adding additional calories to their diet via rice cereal (which is all rice cereal is- empty calories).

Her LO did/does have reflux though (right?). AND he is showing signs of being ready for solids. He is reaching for the spoon etc.

For the record I had a conversation with my pedi two weeks ago and he said new research is coming out that the delay of solids may contribute to allergies etc. There is always going to be research to support whichever side of an issue you are on. Why do there seem to be more food allergies now then when I was growing up? (I will be 40). You can not send pb&j sandwiches to school anymore around here because there are so many peanut allergies, that was a staple for most of the kids I grew up with. Most of my generation was FF and started solids fairly early.

You know your child best, your dr is a good source but every kid is different and sometimes you just have to go with your gut and common sense.

MomlovesEloise · May 2011

jkjacq71:
kdodge423:
teshy1:
I'm not trying to flame anyone here, but there is a fair amount of evidence that early introduction of solid foods can lead to problems, such as childhood obesity. Also, introducing solids too early can be detrimental in other ways; for example, if you are BFing and you start complementary foods too early, it's possible that your milk production could drop. All I'm saying is truly make sure your child is ready before introducing solids; there's no rush.
Uh, no. There is a fair amount of evidence that it may lead to digestion issues, including but not limited to food allergies. There is about as much backing the obesity claim as there is backing the claim that it helps with STTN (in other words- none).
Being large for their age, much like when they were still in the uterus, does not make them more mature. If they are gaining as they should on formula alone, then it is usually suggested that you stick to formula as long as possible. If there are reflux issues or the child is not gaining even without reflux, then you can make a case for adding additional calories to their diet via rice cereal (which is all rice cereal is- empty calories).

Her LO did/does have reflux though (right?). AND he is showing signs of being ready for solids. He is reaching for the spoon etc.
For the record I had a conversation with my pedi two weeks ago and he said new research is coming out that the delay of solids may contribute to allergies etc. There is always going to be research to support whichever side of an issue you are on. Why do there seem to be more food allergies now then when I was growing up? (I will be 40). You can not send pb&j sandwiches to school anymore around here because there are so many peanut allergies, that was a staple for most of the kids I grew up with. Most of my generation was FF and started solids fairly early.
You know your child best, your dr is a good source but every kid is different and sometimes you just have to go with your gut and common sense.

Agreed. No one really knows why kids are getting allergies more often now and you can find a study that will say it's from any number of different causes.

You can't treat kids like they have an instruction manual, only doing things because it's when or how it's "supposed" to be done. It's your kid, if he's doing well with the little bit of solids your giving him, and it is working well, than stick with it. Could he become obese or get allergies? Sure, but chances are it's not from starting solids a few weeks early.

kmares · May 2011

MomlovesEloise:
jkjacq71:
kdodge423:

teshy1:
I'm not trying to flame anyone here, but there is a fair amount of evidence that early introduction of solid foods can lead to problems, such as childhood obesity. Also, introducing solids too early can be detrimental in other ways; for example, if you are BFing and you start complementary foods too early, it's possible that your milk production could drop. All I'm saying is truly make sure your child is ready before introducing solids; there's no rush.

Uh, no. There is a fair amount of evidence that it may lead to digestion issues, including but not limited to food allergies. There is about as much backing the obesity claim as there is backing the claim that it helps with STTN (in other words- none).

Being large for their age, much like when they were still in the uterus, does not make them more mature. If they are gaining as they should on formula alone, then it is usually suggested that you stick to formula as long as possible. If there are reflux issues or the child is not gaining even without reflux, then you can make a case for adding additional calories to their diet via rice cereal (which is all rice cereal is- empty calories).

Her LO did/does have reflux though (right?). AND he is showing signs of being ready for solids. He is reaching for the spoon etc.

For the record I had a conversation with my pedi two weeks ago and he said new research is coming out that the delay of solids may contribute to allergies etc. There is always going to be research to support whichever side of an issue you are on. Why do there seem to be more food allergies now then when I was growing up? (I will be 40). You can not send pb&j sandwiches to school anymore around here because there are so many peanut allergies, that was a staple for most of the kids I grew up with. Most of my generation was FF and started solids fairly early.

You know your child best, your dr is a good source but every kid is different and sometimes you just have to go with your gut and common sense.

Agreed. No one really knows why kids are getting allergies more often now and you can find a study that will say it's from any number of different causes.

You can't treat kids like they have an instruction manual, only doing things because it's when or how it's "supposed" to be done. It's your kid, if he's doing well with the little bit of solids your giving him, and it is working well, than stick with it. Could he become obese or get allergies? Sure, but chances are it's not from starting solids a few weeks early.

A baby before 4 mnths tummy is not mature enough for solid foods. Just because they may show interest or able to hold there head up doesn't mean there digestive system is. What I don't understand is why people want to give there babies solids before 4mnts and give there babies unnecessary tummy problems.

Edit: Becuase I didn't read what I typed first.

teshy1 · May 2011

Wasn't trying to start WW3 here; maybe I should have clarified there is a suggested link to childhood obesity. I agree that there are a lot of other factors involved in the development of obesity, many of which have much stronger links than starting solids early. New research comes out all the time and often changes, so I'm not saying it's a given.

In the end, each parent is going to do what they feel is right for their LO.

larrysdarling · May 2011

My baby reaches for my hairbrush and my necklaces, too. Doesn't mean I'm going to allow her to eat those.

I think the argument that kids are ready for solids b/c they try to grab utensils or food and put them in their mouths is ridiculous. Babies try to put EVERYTHING in their mouths at this age.

rdhmama79 · May 2011

larrysdarling:

My baby reaches for my hairbrush and my necklaces, too. Doesn't mean I'm going to allow her to eat those.

I think the argument that kids are ready for solids b/c they try to grab utensils or food and put them in their mouths is ridiculous. Babies try to put EVERYTHING in their mouths at this age.

This is true. And all I can think about when I'm tempted to rush into solids is that poor bumpie (was it equinegirl?) whose LO got so sick from MIL feeding her table foods.

vahokiegirl · May 2011

OMG people....i forget everyone so opinonated on this subject. I think Im just going to go with what I think is best for my child.

If he blames me for some type of allergy , or if he gets fat ...I tell him its because I gave him cereal when he was 3.5 months.

jkjacq71 · May 2011

vahokiegirl:
OMG people....i forget everyone so opinonated on this subject. I think Im just going to go with what I think is best for my child.
If he blames me for some type of allergy , or if he gets fat ...I tell him its because I gave him cereal when he was 3.5 months.

Good luck! I think that's the best thing you can do!

MomlovesEloise · May 2011

She's not trying to give her kid a steak or big mac, people. Yes, you shouldn't give a kid something just because they reach for it, but a little bit of rice cereal, if tolerated well, is not going to lead to a lifetime of obesity and allergies. People choose what's best for their kids. Personally, my choice is to EBF till DD is 6 months old, but I would never judge others for doing things differently. But I would side eye someone for telling me that what I'm doing is wrong, just because there's is a correlation in a study. Correlation does not equal causality.

TBLilyRose · May 2011

amy052006:
My kid is interested in and reaches for the cat. That doesn't mean he wants to or should eat it.

mm Chinese food

KaysMom02 · May 2011

jkjacq71:

teshy1:
I'm not trying to flame anyone here, but there is a fair amount of evidence that early introduction of solid foods can lead to problems, such as childhood obesity. Also, introducing solids too early can be detrimental in other ways; for example, if you are BFing and you start complementary foods too early, it's possible that your milk production could drop. All I'm saying is truly make sure your child is ready before introducing solids; there's no rush.

This is gonna get ME flamed but whatever... introducing solids at whatever age DOES NOT lead to obesity, McDonalds, Nintendo, no recess, television, internet and all around sitting around the house does. Seriously if you get to adulthood and blame being fat on your parents feeding you cereal at 3 months you should seek professional help.

OP has a big baby.. been there. My son was eating cereal in his bottle at six weeks as well, moved to cereal and fruits around the age hers is now. He is a very healthy, active 18 year old. He is 6' 2" and 155 lbs. He ate like a horse when he was little and formula did not fill him up. He eats very healthy, loves his fruits and veggies. He was not allowed to sit around and watch tv growing up. He rode his bike, played outside with the dog, and ran around the house like a crazy child. My daughter does not eat as much as he did and is perfectly happy with her bottle, we have tried solids but she has no interest so we will try again a little bit later. Both are/were right on track where they should be for their age.

Sorry for the attitude but I think at times some people latch on to things because somebody else said something and it somehow becomes gospel and we lose all common sense.

Thank you! My oldest daughter was just like that and baby K is following suit. My brother was a HUGE baby and back in the 80's my mom said the doctor's started us on cereal much sooner then they do today. Between his 8th and 9th grade years he literally grew like 6 inches but remained the same weight. He simply just grew into himself and now as an adult he is 6'4" and weighs less than 200 pounds. I have a feeling my girls are the same way.

madybug · May 2011

i fed my older daughter cereal at 3.5 months and guess what she didnt explode! she doesnt have food allergies and i didnt give her tummy troubles. she also was fed formula and had a bumper in her crib. am i a bad mom..NO , as her parent i did what was best for her. Dont worry about others opinions, if u trust your pedi follow their advice.

MomlovesEloise · May 2011

kdodge423:
MomlovesEloise:
She's not trying to give her kid a steak or big mac, people. Yes, you shouldn't give a kid something just because they reach for it, but a little bit of rice cereal, if tolerated well, is not going to lead to a lifetime of obesity and allergies. People choose what's best for their kids. Personally, my choice is to EBF till DD is 6 months old, but I would never judge others for doing things differently. But I would side eye someone for telling me that what I'm doing is wrong, just because there's is a correlation in a study. Correlation does not equal causality.

Had you bothered to read the responses, you'd realize most people weren't telling her it was bad because it would cause allergies or obesity. It's because their digestive tract isn't mature enough to handle it at this age and often times lead to constipation or other digestive issues. Some babies can handle it earlier, but research has shown that they are a minority.

No, correlation does not equal causation. However, it is very easy to avoid and it is suggested that you do avoid because they don't need it at this age. How many babies go through their first years without being a car accident? Does that mean we should stop using car seats because chances are they will never be in an accident?

First of all, I read every single response and I understand what has been said. Second, I think you are confused between the meaning of causation and correlation. Of course you wouldn't stop using car seats because a child may not get in an accident. It has been proven that not using proper safety CAUSES injury and death. However, there is only a CORRELATION between babies that start solids early having issues with allergies and obesity. This particular situation involves a baby who had already started cereal because of reflux. The baby tolerated it well, so it seems as if, in this case, his body can digest it just fine. That said, if it makes the baby happy, and he's tolerating it well there is no reason for him not to continue just because experts say to wait another 2-3 weeks. That's just silly.

It is every mother's responsibility to learn as much as they can, and then make decisions based on what they feel is right. But to make a blanket statement that no baby should eat cereal before 4 months because no babies system can handle it, especially when this baby has done well eating cereal, is just silly.

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