When did you start?

So there is a lot of printed material that states don't start solids until 6 months. In fact, I am a big reader and reading may overrule my own instincts sometimes. I definitely get the reasoning for solids, but what is the real deal on rice cereal? Did you wait until 6 months?

Lately, my bigger LO is just BFing constantly (but not much at a time). She is approaching 14 lbs and has a hard time sleeping at night. (I have posted recently about these troubles - pretty sure a growth spurt is happening.) She is also fascinated when I eat - can't take her eyes off of me or my husband and has become pretty fussy and impatient, like she doesn't know what she wants to do next. This LO is generally smiling 24/7. I keep thinking maybe I should consider practicing with rice cereal since it is such a small amount to begin with and it would be good to see her interest level. I just wander if she is not staying full enough. What did you do for your twins? (BTW - I don't think the smaller LO is ready for this.)

 

If you want to try rice cereal before 6 months then go ahead, it's not going to hurt her! I tried with my LO's at 4 months old but they were not ready. I wasn't going to force them to eat it, but if they wanted it I wanted them to know it was available. They were not ready for any form of solids until 6 months old.

 

My pedi had me start trying it at 4 months. They did really well with it. We also started fruits and vegetables by 5 months. It took them a little bit to get it figured out, but my DS was pretty quick. He really likes to eat!!

 

Ours started at 4 and 4.5months slowly. I waited until the tongue thrust reflex wasn't nearly as strong.

 

Go for it....I think most babies are ready around 4-5 months! Good luck!

 

We started at 4 months, but mine were also getting rice cereal in their bottles for reflux.

 

I have always started early. I know they "say" not to start tell 6 mo, but I think it is just one more step of development for a baby and they will let you know when they are ready for food.

 

We started the boys on rice cereal at 4.5 months and they did really well with it. They were also watching my DH and I as we ate and loved it. They seemed so entertained when we ate, so we thought we would give it a try. The first couple of times were rough, but it all worked out!

I FF, so I especially knew they were ready for more when they would cry for food before the next feeding was due.

My sister BF and didn't start her LO until he was 6 months. Remember to trust your instincts- you know your children BEST!

Let us know how it goes!

 

My pediatrician had us start rice cereal at 4 months as well. The first couple of days were tough, DH and I had to show them how to eat off the spoon but once they got it and they loved it. We started off mixing 1 tbsp with formula and then would add more as they began to finish the bowl. Good luck!

 

we got the ok from our pedi at 4 months but i didn't think they were ready so i waited until 5 months to start. it took a few tries but they got the hang of it pretty quickly, DD started out well and then changed her mind about it and didn't seem interested again until 6 months.

if she is seeming interested when you are eating that is a good sign that she wants to try it out. i would give it a shot, have the camera handy, you will want to catch the hilarious faces!

 

Lia thought it was the funniest thing in the world. She giggled every time I put the spoon in her mouth that first time. She really got a kick out of it!

 

The pedi said she usually starts her patients on rice cereal at 4 months but waited until 6 months for my two b/c they were born at 33 weeks. They were getting rice cereal in their bottles though around that time for spit up.

 

I breastfed so we waited until about 1 week before they turned 6 months.
Keep in mind rice cereal doesn't have to be the 1st food either- a lot of good alternatives are avocado, sweet potatoes and bananas.
Foods are just complimentary at this point. If you do decide to introduce solids be sure to do so within 30 minutes AFTER they finish a nursing session.

 

I started them at 4.5 months, but none of my kids have liked the rice cereal. After a few tries of that, I switched the twins to the arrowroot cookies mixed with formula into a mushy/soupy mixture, they gobbled that up!!

I am just now introducing a second feeding to them, with their "lunch" meal being fruits and veggies, and their "supper" meal being cookies and formula!

 

I have given mine a try at the rice cereal and they both do quite well with it. We only give it to them a couple a times a week.