Why a 4 month is to young to start with solids???

[Karintya]

Hi,
My son is now 4 months, he has reflux, and allergic to cow´s protein.
This week his doc told me to start solids, But I know it is best to start at 6 months.
My question is why is better, and why should I wait
Thanks
Karintya

[sandraorion]

They say that if you wait with solids until 6 months it reduces a chance of your lo developing food allergies.

If you don't have food allergies in your family and your lo is big and seems to need more than milk, than it's ok to start introducing the solids at four months.

Hope that helps.

[Jonahs Mom]

You want to let the baby's digestive system mature as much as possible. The sooner many foods are introduced, the more suseptible they are to allergies. Something to do with the intestines allowing certain food particles through the lining into the blood stream instead of properly absorbing them.
Also, there are signs - can't think of them right now, but I am sure someone will fill that in for me.

I am guessing you have an 'older' doctor? DS's family doctor is and he says allergies are environmental, not food related, so he is okay with cereal at 3 weeks, since babies were started on it like that many years ago.

I think you should hold off to 6mths as well. In USA I think that they say 4mths, but in Canada it is 6mths. You won't be doing any harm to him by making him wait. Especially since he already has an allergy.

[Meggie]

There is a great post in the FAQ's that provide links to many websites that explain why it is best to wait until 6 months to start on solid foods.

https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=36922.0

HTH!

[Shellha]

We started solids at 4.5mths on health visitors advice - we also had reflux and other issues. We have family issues on DHs side also, so it was suggested that we steer clear of ANYTHING that causes an issue with him - just keep it REALLY simple eg pureed single vege's eg pumpkin/butternut squash, sweet potato is really good to start on. In a nutrition book I got for babies, it suggests steering clear of potato, tomato, aubergine/eggplant and capsicum/peppers - they are called the 'nightshade' vegetables and are apparently difficult for babies to digest at such a young age!!!!

Go with your gut instinct - it is 'best' to start at 6mths but most of the babies the same age as my LO started much younger than this and are all OK (so far) and were under DRs orders.

I found solid food helped with our reflux too after a month or so .....

Best of luck with it

Shell x

[binxyboo]

Hi there,

The ladies have already given you some great advice. It really is the best thing to hold off until the 6 month mark. Even at 6 months, many babies are not ready. With allergies as well as reflux, I would definitely not intro solids into the mix right now. Even with babies who have none of these issues, the digestive system is not really equiped to deal with anything other than milk at this stage.

The FAQ that Meggie posted contains some excellent information. Please read it and see what you think.

As regards the reflux, what meds is your lo on and how are they working for him?
You didn't specify how you are feeding, breast or bottle. Riley was intolearant to milk, but we continued on to have a successful nursing relationship. If using formula, which one are you on?