DC keeps encouraging cereal

clw617 · August 2013

DS is EBF and eats pretty much every two hours. Thankfully, for the past few weeks he's been STTN (about 10 hours!) and I know it has a lot to do with how frequently he eats during the day. On the flip side, he never naps for more than 30 minutes, but since he's become a good sleeper at night, it doesn't bother me that much.

This is his third week at daycare and his teachers (and even the director) have suggested to me multiple times that I start giving DS cereal to keep him fuller longer. He just turned 3 months last week. I feel like that's too young. I know eating every two hours is a lot, but that's just the way he's been. He gets about 28 oz. throughout the day, he just packs it in between 6am and 8pm.

I've tried increasing his oz per bottle, but he started spitting up more and it didn't really make a difference in terms of length between feedings. To me, he's happy and healthy. But DC seems annoyed by his routine -- short naps, frequent feedings -- and keeps mentioning the cereal thing. Is it unhealthy that he's eating that frequently during the day? I'm going to ask the pedi about it at his 4 month appt. And I kind of wish DC would quit pushing the cereal.

lizziebooper · August 2013

For us and I thought it was the general guideline... nothing but formula or breastmilk till 6 months.

CNJ4EVA · August 2013

For as much as these DCPs charge, they have some nerve suggesting you start cereal in order to reduce the amount of feedings they have to do and increase sleep time (ie their downtime). BS IMO!
Edited to fix auto correct.

pearlsonthebeach · August 2013

no cereal.

ebf babies eat more frequently.

your DC needs to deal.

JoanerMarie · August 2013

My LO is also EBF & eats between every 2 and 2 1/2 hours during the day. Like your LO, he always sleeps all night. I am not planning to add baby food until 6 months.

jayro10 · August 2013

My LO is also EBF and eats about every 2 hours during the day. She gets up for 2 feedings in the night, as well. Your DC people are really rude to tell you he needs cereal. Next time they say that, tell them your pedi said no. That should shut them up.

bumpuser3155624 · August 2013

Maybe call your pedi now so you don't have to wait another month.

CNJ4EVA · August 2013

jayro10 said:
Your DC people are really rude to tell you he needs cereal. Next time they say that, tell them your pedi said no. That should shut them up.

Or tell them you're sure there are other facilities that would be glad to take your check every week to care for (and feed as often as necessary) your LO if they aren't interested.

jerseygirl81 · August 2013

CNJ4EVA said:

jayro10 said:
Your DC people are really rude to tell you he needs cereal. Next time they say that, tell them your pedi said no. That should shut them up.
Or tell them you're sure there are other facilities that would be glad to take your check every week to care for (and feed as often as necessary) your LO if they aren't interested.

For real. If they can't handle it then tell them you'll find someone who will. it's so unnecessary.

Lolalipsy · August 2013

So you can make their life easier!? What a cheek!

botanicalbliss · August 2013

Tell them to stop. You're his mom and you're paying them. You call the shots. It isn't recommended to give cereal before 4 months anyway, and a lot of people wait until 6 months to even start solids. Tell them to knock it off and suck it up.

Revelle99 · August 2013

I EBF ever 2 to 2.5 hours during the day as well. DS naps are about 40 mins. with one long afternoon nap about 2 hours. I would tell your DC what you want them to do (feed him every 2 hours, etc.) and if they can't do that then find another DC (if possible).

eroplane · August 2013

Gaaaa! The nerve of some people!! I would try to find a new DC because I'm paranoid that they would give him cereal even if I said no. It's sad how misinformed people are about breast fed babies.

JulieK79 · August 2013

Same here! I EBF and my guy eats every 2-2.5 hours during the day, STTN, and takes 40 minute naps during the day.

TundraGirl · August 2013

I would be upset if my daycare provider started nagging me to feed W cereal before it's recommended (he starts DC next week). If you really love the daycare your LO is in, you'll have to put your foot down and explain that your child needs to be fed on HIS schedule, not on theirs. If they are unwilling to do so, I would find a different daycare.

wjv · August 2013

I am really turned off by this! I would not appreciate the unsolicited advice, actually I would be pissed! Try giving her the advice that she needs to become more educated with the recommendations set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics since she seems to have no idea what she is talking about, therefore, you fear for the safety of your child in other areas as well. See how much she appreciates that suggestion.

Ok..... you don't have to go that far

because maybe she is not the monster I am making her out to be in my head, but I would let her know that you will be the one to let them know when and what your baby will have in the future.

be888 · August 2013

I agree with one of the previous posters. I would be worried they would give my baby cereal behind my back. I would start looking for another DCP.

My son is EBF, and eats every 2 1/2-3 hours during the day. You pay them, they should deal.

Shoegal36 · August 2013

That is totally normal for EBF!! It digests twice as fast. Clearly they need to be educated on the matter. I would be super annoyed.

coffeeandbooks · August 2013

my LO eats every two hours too some times even more frequently...he needs to eat. I am considering cereal only because he eats that much at night too, but if I had a good sleeper I wouldn't give it to him, because it isn't as nutritious as formula or breast milk, and plus it can be constipating.

jedimindtrick · August 2013

Such BS. And FWIW, the "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" said that what a baby eats really has no impact on a baby's sleep duration, BM, F, or cereal. Your baby isn't taking 30 min naps because he's hungry. Or he'd eat every 30 min. They just want their job easier and for you to fill him up on junk so they can feed him less.

surpriseaddition · August 2013

Agree with PP....I also EBF and LO eats every 2 hours...sometimes more frequently. That is normal....especially when they STTN.

MamaMcCleary · August 2013

Your LO feeding schedule is totally normal. I am one of those moms who wants my baby to be a baby and not rush anything. They are going to be eating solids almost their whole life why rush it and risk all the negatives that come with feeding solids to early (if not medically necessary) follow the advice of the moms and tell your DCP "no thank you...his feeds ding schedule is normal for a breastfeeding baby" I never thought about them doing it anyways behind your back think of the legal ramifications if they did and LO had a serious allergy reaction. Keep your momma radar on for any changes.

SandiaPinaMama · August 2013

You pay them for a service. I'd offer to switch daycare if they kept providing parenting advice. My daycare NEVER comments on my decisions. Also, your LO is to young for rice.

IMHO, rice is unnecessary ever. We just do breast milk until 6 months, and then do baby led weaning, wherein you offer your baby table food from the beginning. Food for thought, lol!

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