trying to start cereal and screaming

[dmills]

My ped. instructed us to start trying solids.  So we have been trying and our dd who is 4 and a half months screams and cries.  She is such an easy baby.  This is not like her.  We have tried mixing it with water and formula, but she wants nothing to do with it.  Help?

[Zoey]

Personally I'd stop.  Babies lack the enzyme to break down solid foods until they are about 6m old.  I think she is telling you she can't handle it, it is most likely causing severe gas (causing pain) and perhaps nausea.

What are you giving, cereal?

Why did the pedi tell you to do this?  Just curious.  Regardless I'd stop and try again at 6m old.

HTH some, good luck.
Zoey

[oilerbaby]

When did you try to introduce the cereal - before bed, morning... before a bottle, after a bottle? 

I know with my ds we give him cereal at night before bed but we have to give him about 1/2 his bottle first - if we don't he gets upset.  He then gets his cereal, bath and then the rest of the bottle.  We mix the cereal with formula. 

[Samuel's mum]

I would agree it doesn't sound she's ready for it. First tastes and solids are meant to be a positive experience for her and you. You are introducing her to food which ideally she'll then have positive and happy associations with for the rest of her life.
I would leave it for now. If you feel strongly that she needs to begin solids before the recommended 6 months you could always try again in a week or so.

[Freya'sMum]

I also agree with the pps - from a BW perspective, by crying she's 'telling' you she's not happy about it - trust her instincts! If she's healthy, happy and gaining weight steadily, there is no evidence-based reason for introducing solid foods before 6 months!

Do check out the FAQ section of this forum which includes a list of cues that babies commonly show when they're ready to start trying solid foods, and also lists the many reasons why delaying until 6 months is the current recommendation! Perhaps dd is more up-to-date with current practice than your doctor !

Ax

[Elvira]

I,d agree with other responses: starting on solids should be a joy.  Eating is a very enjoyable experience...or should be, and the thing is I do not know why the ped is recommending it so soon. ¿Because of "too many milk feeds"? ¿to avoid waking up at night?