Confused About Switching to Cereal and Veggies

Angelfish82 · August 2012

I work days and DH works nights, so DH is the one who takes LO to the doctor. This works out fine, except sometimes when I come home he's missing about 20% of the information when he tells me about the visit. Last time LO had her check-up the doctor said we could start her on rice cereal, then graduate to the orange veggies, etc. We started her on a bottle of a little cereal and a lot of formula, then fed her a tiny bit of the cereal about every other day, then once a day, then introduced the veggies (which she hates), you get the picture.

But now that we've done the introductions, I have to say that DH and I have no idea what the doctor said about how much of this stuff we're supposed to give her. The cereal boxes don't seem to say anything on them about measuring amounts. How do I measure this stuff out? As for the baby food, DH said something about her eating three jars but also that he wasn't sure that was right. Before I call the pediatrician and reveal that we may have lost sight of her instructions, I was hoping I could get some guidance from you ladies.

ndebello · August 2012

One new veggie, fruit, ect once for 3-5 days before adding something new.

Angelfish82 · August 2012

Thanks. We understand the trial period and that we need to introduce things slowly, but what we don't understand is the AMOUNT we need to be giving her, especially once these trial periods are over. Especially with the cereal. I don't know how much is to much during one sitting. The box doesn't contain any explanation regarding measurements.

bitsybubbles7 · August 2012

Our box came with amounts and it said to use 1 tablespoon cereal to 3-4 tables spoons formula. Idk about your lo, but ours hated his food that soupy; so tweak as needed. Also keep in mind your lo may not finish that the first few times you feed her, so you may want to do 1/2 those amounts to cut down on waste.

This is a fun time, enjoy!

EMOmamma · August 2012

Ah, it really depends. Baby will usually eat a couple tablespoons of cereal at one meal, then when you start veggies you can start with half a jar once per day. Plus the cereal or just the veg, totally up to you. Then increase that to a whole jar at 1 meal then add a second meal with another jar or cereal. Cereal will eventually increase to about a third of a cup per serving.
At that point it'll be up to you, 1 jar, 2 jars, 1 jar plus some finger food, etc.

skibunny59 · August 2012

I think it's best to follow your baby's cues and remember that for now, solids are just for fun and the majority of her nutrition should come from breastmilk or formula. Also, I'm not sure if I misunderstood your original post but you really aren't supposed to put cereal in a bottle.

AprilRaine · August 2012

Currently we're offering about 2-3 tablespoons of green/orange veggies once per day (at lunchtime). Our Dr said not to expect him to gobble down a full meal (although he probably would if I offered it LOL) and that his tummy is the size of his fist so keep that in mind when preparing foods. I'll also offer him a smaller half sized bottle right after lunch to wash it all down. Milk/formula should still be their main nutrient source right now.

(and I have to also giggle at your DH & the loss of about 20% of info-- I think we've all been there) :-)

baloneydisc · August 2012

Start with a tablespoon and if she wants more after that then give her more. My DD is 7.5mo old and still only eats about an ounce of food twice a day. If we finish that and she's still looking for the spoon I give her a little more. Just go by your baby's cues. We started food at 4mo, but it was almost 5mo before she actually ate any of it, it might be too early for your LO still.

BiscuitEater21 · August 2012

well, I'm not expert as a FTM but I think it's best to let LO decide for themself how much they want to eat, or what time they nap, etc., etc. LO is 4 1/2 months now and we've been giving him solids since a few days before his 4th month birthday.

He ate half the jar of applesauce 2 days ago, so I'm guessing it's been his favorite so far since he was eating half that with the other veggies and fruits we have tried.

I pretty much skipped rice cereal because LO seemed to fight eating it, even mixed with juice. He just hated it. So why make someone eat something if they hate it? I don't like green beans so I don't eat them lol but if LO does, all the more power to him!!!

ndebello · August 2012

Angelfish82:
Thanks. We understand the trial period and that we need to introduce things slowly, but what we don't understand is the AMOUNT we need to be giving her, especially once these trial periods are over. Especially with the cereal. I don't know how much is to much during one sitting. The box doesn't contain any explanation regarding measurements.

Aap recommends 3-4 oz a day until 6 months for a total amount

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