- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Babies: 6 - 9 Months
ADKINSJV
member
Starting solids and milk vs formula
ADKINSJV
member
My son turned six months yesterday and we plan on starting solids this weekend. What are you opinions on starting with rice cereal vs oatmeal?
My son has only been on breastmilk and I'm trying to decide if I want to continue until he's 12 months, do formula and breast milk, or only formula? I don't have a huge supply saved up of breastmilk so I'm scared I will run out fast if I only do that. I'm leaning towards doing both.
Please help!!!!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Starting solids and milk vs formula
Maybe I'm crazy, but I've stayed away from rice cereal because not only does it have no nutritional value, but I read an article about how all rice has a tiny amount of arsenic in it. This may not be true, but I figured, why risk it on the most important person in the world? My daughter LOVES her oatmeal!
As far as the milk, that's really a personal decision. I'm a working mom, and constantly worry about my pumping output, but I'm committed to BFing, and I've been able to hold steady even after introducing solids (I swear by nursing cookies!) Are you exclusively nursing? Pumping? Why are you worried about running out of what I assume is a freezer stash? Is there a reason you need to use it? I need more info before I can give advice on that part!
First off - all baby cereal including rice is iron fortified - in fact I chose to give her cereal (really it doesn't matter ot me what kind) due to the iron because I was bfing only at that age. We started with a gerber probiotic rice (its actually really hard to find) because I randomly bought it at target and wanted to start with something single easy to digest. When we moved to oatmeal (when that ran out) she had digestive issues and we switched back to rice for a while (of course it had to be that rice so I drove all over town as this was when gerber did their package change.. ) ANYWAY - I'm not sure it matters - a lot of people skip the cereal all together - just know that as a BF mom some peds will say you need to supplement iron (parental choice there)
As far as formula / breast milk - I did have a hard time keeping up around 7 months (could be a variety of factors) and at 8 months I started adding in formula. I was all freaked out about it but its been no big deal.. I opt to pump what I can and then add in the balance with formula - my pumpig output has actually gone up - I think because I"m not as worried about it.
The recommendation to start with rice cereal is only because it is considered less likely to have an allergic reaction than oatmeal. We started with rice, but it really doesn't matter which you start with, it's honestly however you feel comfortable. Also, you will probably get a lot of opinions about using grains/cereals and which to use and when to use them, etc, etc. In the end it's your personal decision about how you will feed your child and when. There really is no right or wrong way, you just have to make sure they are getting enough age appropriate nutrients.
As far as BF or FF for the rest of his first year of life, again, it's a really personal decision. If you enjoy the bonding time and don't mind supplementing if needed then go for it. At the end of the day what is most important is how you and your son are enjoying meal times.