What can I start instead of Rice Cereal?

[meredith1851]

My DS is 4.5 mths and I am ready to start introducing cereal but he tends to get constipated so I am hesitant to start rice. Would oatmeal be the 2nd best thing?

[Love, laughter, & PJs]

Any particular reason that you're looking to start solids now?  Most recommendations say to wait until around 6m now as the gut is still very permeable until then.  That said, some people do choose to start - you could try oatmeal or barley cereals but the transition to solids usually involves constipation even with other grains, too.

[~inbalance~]

I agree that I prefer to wait closer to 6mos where possible.  Grains in general are not that easy for a tiny baby to digest.  I started both my boys with pears instead of cereals.

[~Sara~]

We waited as well (just sharing my experience).  We also started DS out on puréed pears--he loved them!

[Love, laughter, & PJs]

Yes, pears are great!  Better for avoiding constipation, too.

[jakobsmom]

Hi Meredith - I sent you a message.  Just check your inbox

[Hedgehog17]

We started at a week before 6mo with apples 

DS doesn't get grains even now as he has a sensitive tummy!

The advice to start with rice cereal (or any grains) is very out-dated and from an evolutionary biological pov quite wrong! Human beings (and their digestive systems) evolved eating fruit and veg, then fish & meat, and grains in any great quantity last of all when we became farmers.

[hellybobs]

We started solids at the 11am ish feed. This will then become dinner making for an easy transition. We started with baby rice then move onto carrots and pears etc as they are naturally sweet for baby x

[ZacsMumme]

I third pear! and pumpkin. Both are very easy on the tum and wont cause constipation and are unikely to flare up reflux