Reflux baby ~ Solids or more ounces??

[Cari]

Hello,

My DD is 1 week shy of 6 months and I was thinking about starting her on solids, but was wondering if I should increase her formula intake first.  She has reflux and is currently drinking 6 oz every 4 hours.  She seems happy with that, and if we try to feed her more, she just throws it up (fun, huh?    Anyway, should I just go ahead with the solids or try to give her 8 oz bottles every 4 hours before I start?

Thanks!

[binxyboo]

If she is happy just drinking her 6oz every four hours, then I would stay with that for now. I wouldn't increase the oz if you think she will just throw them up.
What readiness signs is she showing now for solids? Although 6 months is the recommended minimum age now for introducing solids, not all babies are ready to start at that age. It's a very personal thing to each baby.

[AnnieG]

Hello,

My DD is also just shy of 6 mos and she has reflux as well.  She takes 3 5oz bottles every 4 hrs during the day, an 8oz bottle before bed and usually 6 or 7 oz at the DF.  I just started her on rice cereal which seemed to make the reflux worse (I am sure that is unusual) so I switched her to oatmeal and she is doing much better.  She takes 2-3 tsp in the a.m. right now and I noticed that it is difficult to get the 5 oz into her on the next feed.  I am going to keep doing solids in the a.m. only and maybe in a couple of weeks she will be ready for pm solids.  The reflux really makes it tough since their tummies do not empty as quickly.

Do you add cereal to her bottles already?  I would not increase the formula since refluxers do better with smaller feeds, and 6 oz every 4 hrs is perfect.  I believe they need 29-32 oz/day so she is doing great.  Maybe just try starting with 2tsps of solids in the a.m. and see if she is still able to maintain the same formula intake. 

Amy