Foods at 4 months...?

Mom38673 · December 2013

I am planning to talk to LO's pedi about this, but I was wondering if anyone has had a similar situation. My little guy has a milk protein allergy and reflux, so we have to watch the amount of formula and all that good stuff. He will be 4 months Christmas Day. He acts hungry more often now than before. (Good sign, I know.) The issue is he can only handle 4-4.5 oz of formula at each feeding. We've gone from every 3-4 hours back to every 2-2.5, and I think it's getting shorter. I don't mind feeding him when he's hungry, but has anyone started foods with LO only having 4 oz or so of formula?

Mom38673 · December 2013

Yes, I do believe it is a growth spurt. He does not sit unsupported quite yet. Soon he will. Yes, the tongue thrust is gone. He actually was having a fit a couple weeks back because DH was eating a fresh peanut butter cookie in front of him. I took formula and made a very, very thin cereal. I only gave him a couple baby spoon fulls to see what he would do. He opened his mouth, and ate it like he had been doing it for months. He was happy then though! I haven't done this since then. I didn't want to start foods that early. I know it's not good for them to start too soon.

My first started way early (not saying he will be ready early too). She never crawled (couldn't make her), but went straight to pulling up and walking. She also chewed her foods very well at an early age. Sorry this is long.

My first was able to drink 6-8oz, but I don't see him getting to this point.

MGrenell1229 · December 2013

My LO Has a milk protein allergy and reflux also. He's currently on Ailmentum and taking anywhere from 4-6 ounces at a feeding. We recently started cereal and it has helped his poop immensely, He's not spitting up as much when we feed him his cereal meal (once a day) before his bottle (dinner).

He doesn't sit unsupported by himself, he's close though. He doesn't quite know what to do with the spoon at first but then after the first few raspberries of cereal in moms face he gets it. Then he can't get enough of it and I can't feed him fast enough!

Mom38673 · December 2013

OH, thanks! I was thinking of when I should try to feed him as well. He doesn't seem to be a morning person, and he is at daycare during the day. Yeah, he was on Alimentum as well. That didn't work, so we are on Neocate. It's done wonders....for LO NOT my wallet.

How much cereal does your LO eat?

mrssamarataylor · December 2013

Well as you know, this is a question for your pedi. DS is going through a growth spurt (or just ending it I should say) He is due to be 4 mos on the 30th. The more feedings you have the less they will drink (think the average 25 oz divided by how many feedings you're doing). It's easy to want to jump to giving solids because they seem interested in food. Fact is they are just INTERESTED period. My kid tosses a fit when I drink my coffee, drink water, eat my oatmeal, eat anything. But when doesn't he toss a fit?! From Dec 1st to now he's been acting hungry non stop, not eating as well as he was, eating more often, fussy as hell! It's all part of the lovely 4th month I would say talk to pedi and give it time.

Mom38673 · December 2013

I plan to talk to the pedi for sure. The issue is not the fact we do numerous feedings. He actually can not hold more liquid. I tried this past week to up him to 5oz. He did the whole "I'm going to vomit on you" gag! He then started spitting some back up. The last time he did this was he was first born. He only too 1.5 to 2oz for a while. He's truly hungry. He screams and goes straight as a board... I give him a bottle, and he drinks like he's famished. I can eat, but my 9 year old daughter can't without him having a fit.

mrssamarataylor · December 2013

I completely understand what you mean, it's just that solids fill but don't offer nutrition in the beginning. If he's demanding more calories, feeding him more often is probably the answer. If he can't handle 4 oz of liquid how can he handle food AND get the same nutrition from the formula. I hope what I'm saying makes sense. I would think if baby were hungry you would want to satisfy the caloric need rather then just fill him up.He will only be hungry just as often. If anything perhaps some rice cereal to keep the formula down so he won't be hungry so much...

Mom38673 · December 2013

Yeah, I get that. I guess I'm thinking more of a moving forward and satiety thing. I wouldn't want to feed him just cereal. I would like to start a veggie first, of course. I read an article where they were thinning the veggies with the formula at first (to give it extra nutrition). Oh, I have no problem giving him as much formula as he needs right now. I definitely don't want the food to just be for a filler. I want it to be for the next step.

I guess I was wondering if anyone had a LO who took low amounts of formula, but still progressed to foods due to ques from LO? Does that make sense? I feel like my PP brain is stalling.

carrotcake06 · December 2013

Formula is going to be more nutrient dense than cereal/veggies/anything really.

It "fills them up" bc it is harder to digest and therefore takes longer to work through their system.

Because it is harder to digest, it may lead to upset tummies, constipation and other issues.

Digestive systems mature over time, so the earlier you start, the more likely you are to have digestive issues.

And that is why it is best to wait to start solids.

Mom38673 · December 2013

I completely agree with you; however, I'm not thrilled with the Neocate formula. This stuff will freak you out if you read the side effects! It's what is best for him right now. I will be happy when he is eating "real" food....clean food.... if you catch my drift. Plus, I was asking if anyone has dealt with a LO who takes lower amounts of formula and started foods. NOT saying I'm an expert, but I have a degree in Foods, Nutrition, & Dietetics. I do understand about how foods work in the body. What I'm wondering is how others have dealt with LO's who consume low amounts of formula and had started foods?

Mom38673 · December 2013

Great! There we go. Thanks for the post. Good to know he can stay where he's at without future issues.

Mom38673 · December 2013

I agree formula is important and should increase until 6 months. My first went straight up the charts. This kid has been a puzzle. I'm not trying to reduce his formula early. I do not LIKE the product he has to have though. Also, guidelines are just that for kids. They are general goals/marks to go by, but may or may not fit every child. I personally think my LO will eat early just like my first did. She had all her initial teeth at 9 months. Girl wanted food! My concern was that he is only taking 4 or so Oz at a time unlike my first who took 6-8oz. If he stays at only consuming 4 oz, would I need to work on increasing his consumption or is it not an issue at all. Like Diapers&Wipes stated, her LO had no troubles even though consumption of formula was at 4oz. She related to my situation, and answered my question.

Thanks for posting though.

seastar113 · December 2013

My LO is 31/2 months and also has reflux. She can only eat about 2oz at a time so I feed her every hour to two hours. It's a pain but once I just embraced that this is how she wanted to eat and not stress about it, everyone relaxed. Also, I do a "dream feed" around 10pm and she eats 6oz at that feeding. Reflux babies sometimes eat better when they are asleep, and it's a good way to add extra calories.

313Meg · December 2013

I went to the pedi this week for a sick baby and she said cereal is usually recommended at 4 months. And it's usually bc of the "learning to eat" part not from "filling a hungry baby" "or providing nutrients"... Bc it doesn't have much to it. This was also not my normal pedi. I just kinda looked at her and said to myself "I'm going to do what I feel is best".
That said, my LO has been super hungry every 1-1.5 hrs for the last 3 weeks and maybe even longer. He wants to eat all the time!! At night, it's nothing new. He eats every 2-3 hrs. I just tell myself that he is getting the most nutrition from milk. And the need for real food will come soon enough.

Mom38673 · December 2013

313Meg said:

I went to the pedi this week for a sick baby and she said cereal is usually recommended at 4 months. And it's usually bc of the "learning to eat" part not from "filling a hungry baby" "or providing nutrients"... Bc it doesn't have much to it. This was also not my normal pedi. I just kinda looked at her and said to myself "I'm going to do what I feel is best". That said, my LO has been super hungry every 1-1.5 hrs for the last 3 weeks and maybe even longer. He wants to eat all the time!! At night, it's nothing new. He eats every 2-3 hrs. I just tell myself that he is getting the most nutrition from milk. And the need for real food will come soon enough.

Thanks! Honestly, If I were BF or using a regular formula......I would most likely not be concerned about this as much. LO is on Neocate. It is RX. I would like to get him off this and onto a more "organic"/natural form of nutrition as soon as possible. Meaning, as early as he is ready and it's safe. Neocate has been great for LO, but can have some nasty side effects. We hope to transition him back to regular formula starting at 9 mo.

alainalynn · December 2013

My son just turned 5mos and was 4 weeks early, since a little over 3 mos he was hungry all the time like u were describing but would never take more than 4 to 6 oz at a time. We decided to start him rice cereal early, it didnt agree with his tummy so we tried oatmeal instead. He did great with it mixed with his formula but started getting a little backed up. We started mixing it with fruits and veggies and he loves it. Still a little backed up so we cut out the oatmeal for now and he eats a small jar of food and 3 to 4 oz of formula as well. He actually refuses the bottle sometimes but takes the spoon readily. It all depends on the baby and trial and error, no one has all the answers and what works for one may not work for the next.

TashnBabii · December 2013

My LO is only 12 weeks, so I cannot give you advice from personal experience. However, a friend of mine introduced solids at 4 months and her DD got really ill. Perhaps bc she was not ready for solids yet. I'd talk to your LO's pedi for professional advice, but I think 4 months is too soon. I BF and plan on doing so for up to a year, and will begin to introduce solids around 6 months, if and only if LO is ready.

SherryRD · December 2013

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends solids starting at between 4-6 months. The range is because babies are different and mature at different rates. Some babies are ready early and some are ready later. This should be done concurrent to breast feeding, or formula, not in its place. Generally, the recommendation is that solids be offered AFTER breastfeeding or bottle, so as not to displace the amount of breastmilk or formula. It's not recommended that introduction be delayed past 6 months. Early infant feeding is about teaching baby about eating, developing a diverse palate, and avoiding allergies as much as it is about providing nutrition. We started introducing solids when my LO was just over 4 months, but just tastes for the reasons that I've cited. When he's interested, he opens wide and eats it up, but sometimes he doesn't. That's fine. We honor his preference and allow him to determine if he will eat the food that's offered. Again, we're teaching him about eating (usually feeding him at breakfast and/or dinner) and developing his palate - not expecting the solids to replace breastmilk. We started with rice cereal, since it's easy to introduce and very little chance of allergy, then went on to vegetables and fruits and oatmeal.

snookums2013 · January 2014

Just wondering why so many people say this is too young to start on solids. My Pedi said we could start my daughter on them at her 4 month check up. What is the reason to wait?

Mom38673 · January 2014

Some are just not ready. They say that babies' digestive tracts are better suited to handle solids at 6 months. Plus, they don't want to diminish the formula intake by solids. Still 4-6 mo is the general range to begin.

JKMKimbro · January 2014

My pedi just told us the same thing. He said we needed to start after his actual 4 month birth date but before his 6 month. He said the reasoning behind starting earlier is because there are study's that show children who began eating cereals, vegetables and then fruits in that age range had less allergies to foods. He stressed to do each new food for approximately 4-6 days before adding in another new food. This is to make sure your child isn't allergic to it. He also stressed that order because if you introduce fruit before vegetables you might have a hard time getting your child to eat the vegetables just because fruit is so much sweeter. Any thoughts on my Pedi's reasoning? My LO is NOT a fan of cereal. He just wants his BM.

Mom38673 · January 2014

My LO is not a fan of cereals either. They constipate him too. I had to use rice cereal early due to reflux issues. I just started him on carrots. He does so much better. It has seemed to make him regular too. Studies have shown that just like their immune system, the body can build resistance to certain allergens (i.e. peanuts). Starting the foods will help their already developing body to build a tolerance.

Mom38673 · January 2014

somerandomchick said:

313Meg said:

I went to the pedi this week for a sick baby and she said cereal is usually recommended at 4 months. And it's usually bc of the "learning to eat" part not from "filling a hungry baby" "or providing nutrients"... Bc it doesn't have much to it. This was also not my normal pedi. I just kinda looked at her and said to myself "I'm going to do what I feel is best". That said, my LO has been super hungry every 1-1.5 hrs for the last 3 weeks and maybe even longer. He wants to eat all the time!! At night, it's nothing new. He eats every 2-3 hrs. I just tell myself that he is getting the most nutrition from milk. And the need for real food will come soon enough.

Thanks! Honestly, If I were BF or using a regular formula......I would most likely not be concerned about this as much. LO is on Neocate. It is RX. I would like to get him off this and onto a more "organic"/natural form of nutrition as soon as possible. Meaning, as early as he is ready and it's safe. Neocate has been great for LO, but can have some nasty side effects. We hope to transition him back to regular formula starting at 9 mo.
Just because a food is organic/natural doesn't mean its the right nutrition. Grass is organic & natural but it's just not the right food for humans. BM & formula are the best foods for babies, even if formula has weird shit in it. I would definitely follow your pediatrician's advice on this, since they know the specifics for your child. Even when you start solids you don't want to really start reducing BF/FF until around a year.

LO has not reduced his formula intake at all. Actually, his GI Specialist wants him to taper off at 9 months. This formula is just the last thing to offer really. I will be GLAD when he is off of Neocate, but I'm not forcing it. Like I said before, the side effects of Necoate are not pleasant. It's not like the regular formula. Also, I could not have BF him either. His particular allergy would have made that an issue as well. If I could have altered my diet for him to tolerate BM, I certainly would have better peace of mind!

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