Solids

How do I really know if they are ready for solids?? My pedi said it's up to me. They seem to be thriving on just breastmilk (breastfed and expressed) but everyone seems to be pushing solids on me. I really think they are not ready, but maybe it's just me who isn't!

They hold their heads up well but still do the "tongue thrusting" thing.

Any other signs?

 

Many say that when they are interested in watching you eat. I did not start mine until almost 6 months. Solids is a lot of work for two so I would recommend waiting unless you are eager to begin. I think a mother's instinct is most important! Do what you think is best!

 

I know what you mean!!! My mom was pushing solids on the kids, "Those boys need real food!" And the ped said I could start at 4 months, so I figured, OK ... we got out the camcorder, tried cereal ... it was a disaster. They both screamed and wailed ... tried it for a few days and said forget it. They just weren't ready. They spit it out, they weren't that into it ... I said no more and held off. My mom didn't get it, she thought I should be feeding them solids, with the reasoning that Chase is a big boy and needs more than my breastmilk, he must be huingry .... (???) plus my MIL would find food when she would watch them and try to feed the boys ... augh, anyways, then I tried again at about 5 months. HUGE difference, they had started showing real interest in our food, trying to grab at it, could sit up better ... I started again with sweet tatoes and peaches and they loved it. Con is a great eater, Chase still shoves food out of his mouth with his tongue, but he is so enthusiastic and loves it. Oh, I fed them for about a week and a half and they got super constipated ... it kind of freaked me out and I stopped solids again until they turned 6 months. No constipation problems now ... the ped said to give them juice daily to help with constipation. It just didn't mesh with me before, if my breastmilk is the perfect food, and solids constipate them ... why would i give them solids if they really don't need them until 6 months? I got eye rolling from my mom but hey, IM the mom this time around!

You have to go with your gut and what you think is right for your kids. We started at 4 months because frankly, we wanted to, not because they were ready, and because everyone, including grandparents, thinks its fun to feed babies. But you are still nursing, that is really ALL the nutrition they need until they are at least 6 months old. In fact, WHO, AAP, and others say that if you are exclusively BFing you should only give them BM until 6 months of age.

HTH!!!

 

Go with your instincts momma! If you think that they aren't ready yet, you are probably right!!

 

Yes, go with your instincts. You could also just try it one day and see how it goes; couldn't hurt!

 

I agree, go with your instincts. Mine both started really watching us eat, then reaching for the food on our plate, you could just tell that they were really ready. Just watch them & you will probably know when they are ready.

 

QUOTE

Go with your instincts momma! If you think that they aren't ready yet, you are probably right!!QUOTE



I agree!
My ped said not to feel rushed to start them on solids at 6 months. I started at five with cereal b/c my DS just didn't seem satisfied with his bottles.

You are the mom, listen to yourself.

 

Exactly, do it however you feel comfortable. Dabble a little if you feel like it. Thats what I do and the boys will be 5 months soon. Dont let mom pressure u into feeding when they arent ready.
My girls started before 4 months but they are all different.