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MrsKellyBride
Mommy of 3!
Member since 8/06 1617 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
Just curious...I know the range is b/w 4-6 months. DS will be 4 months at the end of the month. He is EBF & STTN...I was going to start cereal but some people are telling me to wait???
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Posted 9/17/09 12:11 PM  |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
I'm doing what me Ped told me to do, Start DS at 4 months, which will be soon so that's when I'm starting. Do what you feel most comfortable with and talk to your Doc about it
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| Posted 9/17/09 12:13 PM |
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JennZ
MY LIFE!!
Member since 8/05 25463 total posts
Name:
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
I started early. My DS was a hungry baby and was taking in (what I thought was way to much formula) I started about 3 1/2 months. SOME Peds say wait, some say don't. Mine told me to wait until 6 months, when she found I was giving it to him earlier she was fine. Go by your child.
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| Posted 9/17/09 12:15 PM |
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eddiesmommy
best buds!
Member since 5/09 11524 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
I just went based on the pedis rec.
He did get cereal in his bottle sooner though (but I dont consider that feeding him solids) bc he had a mild case of reflux.
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| Posted 9/17/09 12:18 PM |
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kerrycec03
Mom of 2 beautiful boys!!
Member since 6/06 13519 total posts
Name:
Kerry
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
my son was an enormous formula drinker. We started cereal at 11.5 weeks (almost 3 mos). He was having 49oz before we started. He has taken to food EXTREMELY well. We started fruits & veggies just shy of 4 mos and then now he has everything under the sea that is offered in stage 2.
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| Posted 9/17/09 12:23 PM |
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ReiRei13
Life is Good!!
Member since 1/08 6460 total posts
Name:
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
My ped had recommended we wait until my DS was 6 months (he is EBF).
Some reasons that they say to wait until 6 months are that BM is so important that it should be the only source of nutriton for 6 months, that their digestive tracts aren't mature enough until 6 months, they are less likely to develop allergies. With that said, I know many babies who started eating solids at 4months and did absolutely fine. I only waited b/c my ped said to wait, if she had said otherwise then I prob would've started sooner.
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| Posted 9/17/09 12:31 PM |
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MrsS2005
Mom of 3
Member since 11/05 13118 total posts
Name:
B
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
DS is EBF and I waited until 6 months. BM/Formula should be the primary source of nutrition for the first year. Solids are mainly for practice. I wanted DS to get as much BM as possible. I also went with the AAP and my pediatrician's recommendation on waiting until 6 months. Babies' digestive systems are still very immature at 4 months. There are also studies that show that delaying solids can reduce the risk of food allergies and obesity.
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| Posted 9/17/09 12:31 PM |
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mtnmama
Member since 5/06 4794 total posts
Name:
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
I went by my ped's rec. and started at 6 months. I wish I had waited though. DD was EBF and as soon as I started her on cereal AF came back.
With my next DC I think I'll wait longer. Unless I see more "signs" that they need to eat regular food sooner.
Message edited 9/17/2009 12:45:47 PM.
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| Posted 9/17/09 12:44 PM |
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MrsRbk
<3 <3 <3 <3
Member since 1/06 19197 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
Posted by MrsP747
My ped had recommended we wait until my DS was 6 months (he is EBF).
Some reasons that they say to wait until 6 months are that BM is so important that it should be the only source of nutriton for 6 months, that their digestive tracts aren't mature enough until 6 months, they are less likely to develop allergies. With that said, I know many babies who started eating solids at 4months and did absolutely fine. I only waited b/c my ped said to wait, if she had said otherwise then I prob would've started sooner.
Same for formula fed babies.
I waited until DD was 6 months per my peds recommedation. It was also one less "thing" for me to fit into the day! 
Aside for medical reasons I don't understand why people are in such a rush to start their kids on solids. I do understand medical necessiity and/or a baby that just isn't satisfied with the bottle alone.
Message edited 9/17/2009 12:46:41 PM.
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| Posted 9/17/09 12:45 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
We started at 4 months b/c that is when our ped. said to start. However, sometimes I feel guilty I started them so early because of what I read on here - but then, they have done great, and love eating, so I think it was fine for them to start when they did.
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| Posted 9/17/09 1:10 PM |
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DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9534 total posts
Name:
The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
Posted by MrsKellyBride
Just curious...I know the range is b/w 4-6 months. DS will be 4 months at the end of the month. He is EBF & STTN...I was going to start cereal but some people are telling me to wait???
DD was EBF. I waited until she showed ALL the signs of readiness for solids. These included:
1. Baby can sit up well without support.
2. Baby has lost the tongue-thrust reflex and does not automatically push solids out of his mouth with his tongue.
3. Baby is ready and willing to chew.
4. Baby is developing a “pincer” grasp, where he picks up food or other objects between thumb and forefinger. Using the fingers and scraping the food into the palm of the hand (palmar grasp) does not substitute for pincer grasp development.
5. Baby is eager to participate in mealtime and may try to grab food and put it in his mouth AND
she was 6 months of age.
FOr EBF babies, reasons to wait until at least 6 months include:
1. Delaying solids gives baby greater protection from illness.
Although babies continue to receive many immunities from breastmilk for as long as they nurse, the greatest immunity occurs while a baby is exclusively breastfed.
2. Delaying solids gives baby's digestive system time to mature.
If solids are started before a baby's system is ready to handle them, they are poorly digested and may cause unpleasant reactions (digestive upset, gas, constipation, etc.).
3. Delaying solids decreases the risk of food allergies.
It is well documented that prolonged exclusive breastfeeding results in a lower incidence of food allergies.
4. Delaying solids helps to protect baby from iron-deficiency anemia.
The introduction of iron supplements and iron-fortified foods, particularly during the first six months, reduces the efficiency of baby's iron absorption.
5. Delaying solids helps to protect baby from future obesity.
The early introduction of solids is associated with increased body fat and weight in childhood.
6. Delaying solids helps mom to maintain her milk supply.
Studies have shown that for a young baby solids replace milk in a baby's diet - they do not add to baby's total intake. The more solids that baby eats, the less milk he takes from mom, and less milk taken from mom means less milk production. Babies who eat lots of solids or who start solids early tend to wean prematurely.
7. Delaying solids makes starting solids easier.
Babies who start solids later can feed themselves and are not as likely to have allergic reactions to foods.
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| Posted 9/17/09 4:04 PM |
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waterspout4
My loves
Member since 5/06 19150 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
My pediatrician said unless there was a medical reason, there was no need. She said most parents like to start it early to give a variety because parents think their kids are already bored with one food.
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| Posted 9/17/09 4:10 PM |
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ME75
Member since 10/06 4563 total posts
Name:
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
Posted by SweetTooth
We started at 4 months b/c that is when our ped. said to start. However, sometimes I feel guilty I started them so early because of what I read on here - but then, they have done great, and love eating, so I think it was fine for them to start when they did.
don't feel guilty! i know what you mean though-i let this site dictate a lot of my thoughts and then i realize i get to choose what is best and not a lot of opinions should influence it. with that said i started @ 3.5 months. no problems and would do it again.
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| Posted 9/17/09 5:19 PM |
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FelAndJon
needs to update her avatar pic
Member since 6/05 10212 total posts
Name:
Felice (aka LuckyBride2004)
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
Posted by MrsS2005
DS is EBF and I waited until 6 months. BM/Formula should be the primary source of nutrition for the first year. Solids are mainly for practice. I wanted DS to get as much BM as possible. I also went with the AAP and my pediatrician's recommendation on waiting until 6 months. Babies' digestive systems are still very immature at 4 months. There are also studies that show that delaying solids can reduce the risk of food allergies and obesity.
I waited until 6 months for the same reasons.
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| Posted 9/17/09 5:24 PM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
Different pediatricians have different recommendations.
Ultimately I think it depends on when your DC is ready. I offered DS cereal when he was exactly 4 months old. It was a learning experience for him and me. He started off sucking the spoon and not knowing how to eat it. He never seemed to like it.
At around 5 months, we gave him carrots. Again he wasn't quite sure if he liked it or not.
Now at 6 months, he opens wide and enjoys eating.
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| Posted 9/17/09 5:28 PM |
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Alex110879
craziness
Member since 8/06 3762 total posts
Name:
Alexandria
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
We started extremely early (4 weeks) as per the pediatrician because ds was just not satisified.... there are many reasons to not, but i had the option of either holding a bottle alll day (65 ounces a day to be exact) or get some reprieve
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| Posted 9/17/09 7:23 PM |
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nmp070106
My girls!!
Member since 8/06 5843 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
We started early with Emma, she eats applesauce in the AM and PM I go by what she feels, sometimes she will eat a whole jar and sometimes she eats 2 bites... Whatever makes her happy!
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| Posted 9/17/09 10:35 PM |
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BnBdreamin
Gonna be a BIG Bro in April!
Member since 10/06 5913 total posts
Name:
Denise
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
Posted by DancinBarefoot
DD was EBF. I waited until she showed ALL the signs of readiness for solids. These included:
1. Baby can sit up well without support.
2. Baby has lost the tongue-thrust reflex and does not automatically push solids out of his mouth with his tongue.
3. Baby is ready and willing to chew.
4. Baby is developing a “pincer” grasp, where he picks up food or other objects between thumb and forefinger. Using the fingers and scraping the food into the palm of the hand (palmar grasp) does not substitute for pincer grasp development.
5. Baby is eager to participate in mealtime and may try to grab food and put it in his mouth AND
she was 6 months of age.
FOr EBF babies, reasons to wait until at least 6 months include:
1. Delaying solids gives baby greater protection from illness.
Although babies continue to receive many immunities from breastmilk for as long as they nurse, the greatest immunity occurs while a baby is exclusively breastfed.
2. Delaying solids gives baby's digestive system time to mature.
If solids are started before a baby's system is ready to handle them, they are poorly digested and may cause unpleasant reactions (digestive upset, gas, constipation, etc.).
3. Delaying solids decreases the risk of food allergies.
It is well documented that prolonged exclusive breastfeeding results in a lower incidence of food allergies.
4. Delaying solids helps to protect baby from iron-deficiency anemia.
The introduction of iron supplements and iron-fortified foods, particularly during the first six months, reduces the efficiency of baby's iron absorption.
5. Delaying solids helps to protect baby from future obesity.
The early introduction of solids is associated with increased body fat and weight in childhood.
6. Delaying solids helps mom to maintain her milk supply.
Studies have shown that for a young baby solids replace milk in a baby's diet - they do not add to baby's total intake. The more solids that baby eats, the less milk he takes from mom, and less milk taken from mom means less milk production. Babies who eat lots of solids or who start solids early tend to wean prematurely.
7. Delaying solids makes starting solids easier.
Babies who start solids later can feed themselves and are not as likely to have allergic reactions to foods.
Thanks for this info! I should foward it to my MIL who gave my 2 1/2 month old DS a spoon of frosting from his Baby Blessing cake without asking me!!!!
In reply to OP, I too just spoke to my Ped about this and he told me that since DS is doing great with EBF, there's no need to introduce cereal until at least 6 months.
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| Posted 9/17/09 11:09 PM |
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MrsKellyBride
Mommy of 3!
Member since 8/06 1617 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: Why wait to 6 months vs. 4 months to start cereals?
Posted by DancinBarefoot
Posted by MrsKellyBride
Just curious...I know the range is b/w 4-6 months. DS will be 4 months at the end of the month. He is EBF & STTN...I was going to start cereal but some people are telling me to wait???
DD was EBF. I waited until she showed ALL the signs of readiness for solids. These included:
1. Baby can sit up well without support.
2. Baby has lost the tongue-thrust reflex and does not automatically push solids out of his mouth with his tongue.
3. Baby is ready and willing to chew.
4. Baby is developing a “pincer” grasp, where he picks up food or other objects between thumb and forefinger. Using the fingers and scraping the food into the palm of the hand (palmar grasp) does not substitute for pincer grasp development.
5. Baby is eager to participate in mealtime and may try to grab food and put it in his mouth AND
she was 6 months of age.
FOr EBF babies, reasons to wait until at least 6 months include:
1. Delaying solids gives baby greater protection from illness.
Although babies continue to receive many immunities from breastmilk for as long as they nurse, the greatest immunity occurs while a baby is exclusively breastfed.
2. Delaying solids gives baby's digestive system time to mature.
If solids are started before a baby's system is ready to handle them, they are poorly digested and may cause unpleasant reactions (digestive upset, gas, constipation, etc.).
3. Delaying solids decreases the risk of food allergies.
It is well documented that prolonged exclusive breastfeeding results in a lower incidence of food allergies.
4. Delaying solids helps to protect baby from iron-deficiency anemia.
The introduction of iron supplements and iron-fortified foods, particularly during the first six months, reduces the efficiency of baby's iron absorption.
5. Delaying solids helps to protect baby from future obesity.
The early introduction of solids is associated with increased body fat and weight in childhood.
6. Delaying solids helps mom to maintain her milk supply.
Studies have shown that for a young baby solids replace milk in a baby's diet - they do not add to baby's total intake. The more solids that baby eats, the less milk he takes from mom, and less milk taken from mom means less milk production. Babies who eat lots of solids or who start solids early tend to wean prematurely.
7. Delaying solids makes starting solids easier.
Babies who start solids later can feed themselves and are not as likely to have allergic reactions to foods.
Thanks so much...this is what I was looking for!
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| Posted 9/18/09 12:20 PM |
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