Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

The ped said we will discuss it at the 4 month visit but that it will be up to me whether to get started right after that. I thought I had read that a delay in starting may be useful in preventing juvenile diabetes, and DH's doctor says we have a 5% chance of Dylan becoming diabetic, b/c DH has it. I also want to know about other considerations related to when to introduce foods. DS is a preemie and is small even for is adjusted age. He had trouble with rice cereal added to his formula to help reflux. He has a milk protein allergy. I do not know how to consider these things in making a decision. I would like to do some reading on my own. Is there trustworthy information about this online?

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

Our ped told us than the major signs are:

- milk is not satisfying
- DS would be interested in looking at us eat

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

One of the ped mentioned introducing food 1 week before he was 3 months. I could still increase his bottle by that time. I did not give in. We saw the ped that we usually see and he said there was no rush. We only started fodd for him.

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

Kerie, I really think it's a decision between you and your doctor. We aren't pushing anything because DS has been thriving on his breastmilk. If he was having problems and I was told cereal would help him, I'd be doing that. But every child (and parent) is different.

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

Kerie, I did a search in google on pros of delaying solid foods & a few studies came up.

Personally I decided to wait until G was 6 months...well just about....even my ped at her 4 mo. visit gave her the okay but said he stood behind our decision to wait. He said in other parts of the world they skip right over baby food & go from breast/formula to solid foods (later on).

I haven't heard about the diabeties but I have heard about food/skin allergies/conditions.

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

I chose to start solids at 6 months because I'm BFing and I wanted the BM to be his sole source of nutrician for that period. Here is some information that I read that is pro waiting until at least 6 months. .

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

We waited until:

Lily was sitting up easily on her own
When we put food near her mouth, she'd open to eat it.
She watched us eating and looke dinterested in it.
She was almost 6 months old.

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

We waited until just before 6 months too, just b/c ped said there was no need b/c DD was satisfied by milk still.

ETA: If you have a history of food allergies in your family, a lot of recommendations are to wait until at least 6 months. I've read this before but also just read it again in Parents or Parenting magazine too. Just an FYI.

Message edited 1/20/2008 8:19:11 AM.

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

This is a good site

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/index.html

I started at 5 months, eventhough I said I would wait until 6 months. Babies still have an open gut at 4 months, so I knew I didn't want to start then.

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

Here is something I found on my pediatrician's website. I love their website because it answers so many of my questions. I know one general rule is the formula babies usually start at 4 months and breastfed babies at 6 months.

http://www.premierpediatricsnyc.com/Articles/StartingSolidFoods.html

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

Re: Can you tell me where to read more about when to start foods?

I know what the WHO recommends and I am all for it. Also formula babies really should not eat over a certain amount a day of formula and if they exceed it after the 4 month period your doctor will probably recommend starting cereal. Personally I am waiting as long as possible to start solids with my DS.

The WHO organization also recommends feeding your child breast milk to at least 2 years olds. They also state that the average age that babies stop being breastfed worldwide is 4 years old. I thought that was interesting.