Solids | Imamother

amother

Thu, May 20 2021, 5:10 pm

Hi all! My baby is 4 and a half months ready to start solids just not sure where or how to start.do I start with one meal a day and how much? I’ve made puréed butternut for him

trixx

Thu, May 20 2021, 5:12 pm

4.5 months isnt ready to start solids. They have to be sitting independently + show interest in food.
I recommend baby led weaning. It's so easy. Read the book by that title.

amother

Thu, May 20 2021, 5:14 pm

trixx wrote:

4.5 months isnt ready to start solids. They have to be sitting independently + show interest in food.
I recommend baby led weaning. It's so easy. Read the book by that title.

My doctor said to start from 4 months if they showing signs as it prevents allergies

amother

Turquoise

Thu, May 20 2021, 5:45 pm

amother [ OP ] wrote:

Hi all! My baby is 4 and a half months ready to start solids just not sure where or how to start.do I start with one meal a day and how much? I’ve made puréed butternut for him

Just purée all the veggies! I tried to stay away from the very sweet veggies for the first few months- you can do green and yellow squash, peas, turnip, carrot... start with those once a day slowly and build up from there. If your baby doesn’t show interest, wait a couple weeks and try again. Solids aren’t necessary at 4 months so don’t push it.

If you want to avoid allergies- my pediatrician recommends adding a tiny drop of peanut butter into the baby’s food every so often before 6m so they get exposure. Don’t do this if you have reason to believe they may be allergic.

amother

Gray

Thu, May 20 2021, 5:59 pm

Don’t purée the food. It causes them to get used to textures and causes pickiness

What I was told by my pediatrician is just feed the baby what you’re eating (assuming it’s safe and easy to chew with gums)
Salmon, rice, little pieces of potatoes, pieces of cooked veggies that’s not mashed. Broccoli rice. Chicken pieces (dark meat seems easier and less dry than white), tilapia/flounder, eggs (assuming allergy doesn’t run in families).

Just google baby led weening ideas and feed your baby those type of things.

amother

Salmon

Thu, May 20 2021, 6:23 pm

I'm a SLP feeding specialist and I work primary with EI kiddos.

I don't understand why pediatricians say this to parents. Pediatricians do not have continuing education course in feeding, swallowing or oral development like we do.

Your baby is NOT supporting their head properly to be eating food. Do they have proper trunk support? Can she reach across midline for food?

amother

Sienna

Thu, May 20 2021, 6:37 pm

amother [ Salmon ] wrote:

The reason doctors are recommending early exposure is because the latest research shows that early exposure to potential allergens may decrease the likelihood of an allergy. This is the recommendation children that are showing signs of eczema or have a family history of allergies.

Now a 4 month old is likely not ready for food, but there are products especially for this concern that can be mixed into a baby bottles (but not kosher as far as I know).

trixx

Thu, May 20 2021, 7:06 pm

amother [ OP ] wrote:

My doctor said to start from 4 months if they showing signs as it prevents allergies

And is your baby showing signs? Watching as you eat? Moving mouth like they're chewing gum? Reaching for your food? Sitting independently?

My pediatrician told me to feed rice cereal at 4 months. I love him and he's an amazing doctor but he's also dispensing advice that's outdated.

stillnewlywed

Thu, May 20 2021, 7:11 pm

I highly doubt your 4 month old is ready for solids. They have to be able to sit unsupported for a bit and show that they want food.
Breastmilk has more calories per ounce than any pureed veggie or fruit so your baby is much better off if you wait until at least 6 months.
You can introduce allergens one at a time after 6 months if that's what you're worried about.
There's really no reason to push it. Your baby is healthier with just Breastmilk or formula.