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Babies: 3 - 6 Months
dande2129
member
starting solids?
dande2129
member
I remember reading when I was pregnant that AAP recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life before solids, however, the Committee on Nutrition gives the 4-6 month guide.
I read a lot of KellyMom in pregnancy and early infancy, but because it's nearly all BFing based, and we no longer breastfed, well... it doesn't seem 100% relavent.
I know that every baby is different, but does anyone have any decent literature/information/research on delaying solids, when it's okay to start, blah blah blah? I truly believe that my LO is ready but I don't want to cause harm.
The pedi gives a general, "4-6 months! You'll know! Kbye!" recommendation, which is unfortunate.
TIA
This discussion has been closed.
Re: starting solids?
You are going to get different answers on this depending on who you ask. This topic is up for debate among the professionals. I think the best advice I read is to watch your baby for readiness, not the calender.
lol, this cracked me up.
We're delaying until 6 months. DS is currently BF, but I think we'll have to supplement with formula soon. DS1 started being combo-fed around 5 months and started solids at 6 months. Beside the fact that BM/formula should be their main source of nutrition, we're delaying so that he is able to sit on his own, and his intestines and digestive system mature. Also, because there's just not really a benefit to starting earlier, so there's no reason for me to do it.
You won't cause harm, start if you're ready. If LO isn't ready, they'll let you know.
I'm starting in a week or two. She's lost the tongue thrust reflex and opens her mouth for food already.
Violet Mae born 1/15/13
Stupid mobile bump. That would be my auto correct for ya.
This is a great answer.
It drives me NUTS when I hear people say they won't start until they are at least 6 months old. If your baby is ready at 5 months 1 week I believe you are doing more harm by not allowing him or her to eat or play around with food.
Watch your baby for showing signs of interest in your food.
You can always try and if its a disaster. Stop and try again in a week or two. Still not ready, same thing.
Amen! People get so hung up on specifics. 6 months is not a magical age they'll be ready. I would have to say that most are ready way before this. Heck, 5 years ago all babies started around 4 mos, they're all eatting fine today. I also don't think you need to wait until they are sitting unassisted. DS didn't sit until 9 months. It would have been a disaster to wait that long to feed him solids.
Violet Mae born 1/15/13
Like many people have said, when your baby is ready, go for it. With DD1, we started right around 4 months. We were naive and didn't know better, but also she was showing signs that she was ready. She would grab our forks if she was in our lap.
With DD2, we waiting until a few days ago. Partially because she didn't seem as interested but also because we went to Disney 2 weeks ago and I didn't want to pack it and try to deal with finding a way to feed her some cereal. She is a champ already. The first bite has consistently come with the face of, "What are you doing to me?" but then every other bite she opens her mouth for the spoon, lunges forward to get the spoon, and closes her mouth on the spoon too. She loves it!!
Do what works for you and your LO.
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/25/health/manybabiesfedsolidfoodtoosooncdcfinds.html?_r=0
We are EBFing now and absolutely will not be starting solids until 6 months at least, whether or not LO is showing early signs of readiness... even if he shows signs on the outside like grabbing food, etc that does not mean his body is ready on the inside.
How would a baby be "harmed" by not introducing solids until 6 months? To each their own regarding when they starts solids, but this is a really weird statement.
I don't mean literally harmed obviously, but I don't think it's best for their development. Babies are always learning and I think it's harmful to not follow their cues when they are clearly ready. Is it going to cause some major life problem? Of course not. But I feel very strongly that you should listen to your baby and go according to their development instead of a 6 month guideline. Babies are SO different, it's so silly that people think one guideline or recommendation is what's best for all babies.
I don't think there's a wrong decision when you start [as long as you are making appropriate decisions clearly] but I do still think its silly when parents follow a specific guideline word for word on how to raise their own kids. That's just not how I parent though.