food allergies and starting solids...long

My mother, my brother, and I all have food allergies. Mine is the worst of all 3 of us, but it's not so severe that I need to use an epipen. All along I wanted to wait until DS was 6 months old (he's almost 4 months) before starting on solids in order to decrease his risk of food allergies. However, he's big, and he's drinking 7 oz. at some feedings, and can't always wait a full 3 hours between feedings. I don't know if I can really wait 2 more months. Does anyone know if I were to start with just cereal (no fruits or veggies) if the risk is still there? I'll ask my ped as DS's 4-month visit, but I was hoping to get some information before then. Thanks!

Re: food allergies and starting solids...long

JMO, I see nothing wrong with starting your DS with cereal and/or baby food earlier than 6 mos. Especially if he has good neck control and sits up supported very well. I couldn't imagine my son going 2 more months without it. OMG, he would be eating every hour without it.

We started DS on cereal at almost 3 mos and baby food two weeks ago (DS is a little over 4 months). We did this because my son was eating a ridiculous amount of formula (over 40oz's, in fact some days he would have 49oz!!). Since starting food, he eats about 30-36ozs of formula a day. He eats twice a day a fruit/veggie and cereal. He finishes about .5-1 containers in a sitting and some cereal.

Personally I am a bigger fan of going with your gut than following guidelines. Guidelines are too general and don't always apply to every individual. I trust my gut. I started cereal before my PEDs 3 mos apt, and they didn't mind.

As far as allergies go, I also believe in starting a variety of foods earlier to prevent this (hence why my DS will try some form of Peanut Butter at around 1 year). DH and I don't have really have allergies (except for my allergy to apples). I wasn't concerned about this either. I see it it this way, if your son is allergic to something, I don't think 2 mos is gonna make a difference.

These are all JMOs though.

Re: food allergies and starting solids...long

We waited till 6 months, but DS was not interested in food, and he also didn't have the greatest neck control until he was close to 6 months, so it was easy to wait.

I would ask your doctor what foods are best to start with. I believe rice, oat, and barley are pretty low in allergy potential (don't give wheat till later). Just watch the labels, a lot of the baby cereals have soy or milk in them. Also, I believe apples, bananas, peas, and carrots are pretty low in terms of allergy risk, but your doctor can confirm that.

Re: food allergies and starting solids...long

From everything I have read, the most i would do as early as 4 mths is try rice cereal, no other kinds due to allergy factors.

But are you sure you can't hold out? My DD is a LARGE baby who drinks alot and we managed to wait until over 5 mths to start even rice cereal.

Re: food allergies and starting solids...long

Thanks for your responses. If it wasn't for the allergies, I would have no problem starting solids. Given that he's probably close to 16 pounds, he could use some! He's up to 35 oz. per day of formula, and I have no idea how high it will get. I'm not worried about the frequency of his feedings, I can deal with that. I just don't want him taking in too much formula. There must be some kind of limit.

Re: food allergies and starting solids...long