Started Cereal and Having Issues -Update with another question below

It just doesn't seem like Mason is taking to being fed the oatmeal. We started about a week ago. First we tried it when it was time for him to have his bottle. He was frustrated b/c he was so hungry and didn't seem to get enough.
Now we're trying it a little after a bottle thinking that maybe if he's not starved he'll take it easier, but he still doesn't like it. We put him in the highchair and feed him, but he starts to wine and cry as I'm feeding him. He's such a happy boy. THis is really the only time he's been winey or kavetching (sp).
Any advise? Is this normal when you start cereal for a 4 month old?
Maybe he's not ready?

Thanks Ladies

Message edited 10/9/2009 12:11:43 PM.

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues

He might just not be ready yet.

It took Jack about 8 feedings to actually get anything off of the spoon. Don't forget this is completely new to them and they have no idea what to do.

If it's making him that upset I would try again at 5 months!

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues

It sounds like he's not ready, which is fine.

We tried at 4 or 5 months (can't remember) i think. It wasn't until a month later that he got the hang of it and would eat it.

I wouldn't push it. I'd maybe try it again in another week. Or the week after that and see how he does.

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues

The same thing happened with us.. it took her a few weeks to get used to it. I think after the second week she was starting to get it and open her mouth. I found the best time was about 1 hour after she nursed. Once I started adding fruit she liked it a lot better.

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues

So should I stop trying to feed him cereal and wait another week or so or keep trying and see if he gets the hang of it?
I don't force him to finish it. Just a few spoonfuls till he starts fussing a lot then I'm done. As soon as I clean him and take him out of the highchair he's smiling and laughing again

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues -Update with another question below

is it too thick? DS hates when it is really dry. also, maybe try between bottle feedings? since it shouldnt substitute for the bottle, we started at a time exactly between bottles when he was open to it, but not starving.

totally not a ped, but i started mixing it with banana jarred food, and ds loved it so much he now shoves my hand into his mouth to get it in faster!

Message edited 10/9/2009 12:14:49 PM.

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues -Update with another question below

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues -Update with another question below

DD was like this at the beginning. We would try, wait a week, try again, etc. I wouldn't try every day if he doesn't seem to want any part of it. As he gets older he will show more interest.

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues -Update with another question below

maybe you can have a bottle and let him drink in between spoonfuls.

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues -Update with another question below

He's only 4 months. Technically he doesn't need to start now, his formula (I think you're ffing) is all he needs till he's 6 months. So I wouldn't push it if he's unhappy. Take a break and try again another time, next week if you want, next month, whatever works for him and you.

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues -Update with another question below

Sounds like he's not ready. I would revisit it again in a few weeks. We waited until DD was 6 months old, and it's only been within the past week that she is no longer fighting cereal, veggies and fruit... and she's 8 months.

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues -Update with another question below

What cereal are you using. We started with the rice and she hated it. SO we tried the oatmeal and it worked much better. Also we're only feeding the cereal once a day. We give it about an hour before one of her bottles. So she's not starving or full. We're up to almost the end of week 2 of the cereal and she's just started really liking the cereal.

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues -Update with another question below

It def sounds like he may not be ready. We started DD at 5 mos and it took her a while to get used to it. I already told DH that I am waiting longer with the next. If after a couple more times he is still resisting, you may want to stop for a couple of weeks and then try it again.
GL!

Re: Started Cereal and Having Issues -Update with another question below

Good luck...we will be strating soon too! I have been debating whether to start or wait until 6 months