Solids sooner for a big baby?

bleu928 · June 2012

DS was 22lbs at his 4 mos appointment so he's a big baby. He is exclusively breastfed and eats 1 or 2 times in the middle of the night. I just think that he's big enough and sleeps well enough to handle only 1 time in the middle of the night (if that).

I'm not terribly anxious to start solids because it's so much more work than just breastfeeding (and we're already so busy with two!) but if it helps DS2 to sleep more, I'm all for it! I think we started DS1 on cereal (oatmeal) at about 5.5 mos. DH went to the 4 mos appointment and I didn't so the question wasn't asked.... Your thoughts??

SuperTreesa · June 2012

Being bigger isn't enough reason for me to start that soon. I figure if my calorie and nutrition rich BM is growing a big baby, there is no way giving a less perfect food like solids is really needed.

mben1119 · June 2012

The solids don't help with sleep-believe me lol.

k.linn · June 2012

Ditto PPs. It's doubtful food will magically fix his sleep. We have a bigger baby (20lbs) and are waiting to start solids.

bitsybubbles7 · June 2012

As pp have said, I don't necessarily think solids will help with sleep; it hasn't with us. That being said, we have started our lo on cereal already for several reasons; he was staring us down and starting to majorly fuss at mealtimes (it didn't matter if we fed him before we ate or not), he was grabbing at our food if he sat in our lap when we ate, and he never seemed satisfied after his bottle anymore (even when we upped his ounces. He loves it. Let your child lead you. If he's ready for solids, you'll know. Good Luck!

bleu928 · June 2012

Thanks, all! I'm all for waiting since BFing is so easy but I want to be sure my LO is getting enough for his big growing body!

ArishaD · June 2012

My daughter is 4 mon and 1 week. 2 weeks ago she was 25.5 pounds and I asked my ped and lac specialist and they told me to look for cues.

1) Is your baby able to hold her head

2) Can she sit up with your support

3) Is your baby interested in food (like if you are eating, is she looking at you with interest what you are doing).....

4) Is your baby still hungry after the feeding...

ect...if yes, then your baby might be ready for trying out the solid foods..so, I will try feeding her some rice cereal today. Most important don't watch the numbers, watch for baby's cues. Some babies are ready to try out solid foods at 4month. It really depends on how they are developing.

matt'sbride · June 2012

bitsybubbles7:
As pp have said, I don't necessarily think solids will help with sleep; it hasn't with us. That being said, we have started our lo on cereal already for several reasons; he was staring us down and starting to majorly fuss at mealtimes (it didn't matter if we fed him before we ate or not), he was grabbing at our food if he sat in our lap when we ate, and he never seemed satisfied after his bottle anymore (even when we upped his ounces. He loves it. Let your child lead you. If he's ready for solids, you'll know. Good Luck!

This for me, too!

laurmar21 · June 2012

Some babies do require solids sooner. My lactation consultant said especially bigger boys seem to need solids sooner (i'm sure not all.. but some). My son was nursing every 2 to 2 1/2 hours at 4 months and he is BIG! So, I did start him on cereal before bed and that did seem to help a little. It was the same deal as you, he was getting up twice a night... and now it's more like once. So, it's better. Still not ideal, but better!

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