Advice needed- starting solids-formula amounts baby with reflux

[newmum27]

Hi I would like some advice on starting solids with my 5 month old. He shows all the signs and is able to take food from a spoon. I would really like to see some sample routines and also how much formula to give him. Is it 4 or 5 milk feeds a day? And how much per feed? (milk + solids).

My son also has reflux and the doctor suggested that I start him on solids to try and help with the reflux. He is 8.2kg and we have been giving him the thickened AR formula.

What is the normal range of milk intake for a 5mo? Should I start on solids to help with the reflux?

Advice would be much appreciated.

Ruth.

[Zoey]

Hello there!  My son had reflux as well.  This was a tough choice for us as well.  I can say though through most recommendations, research and experience - it's best to wait until 6m to begin solids.  Baby's digestive system can sometimes lack the enzymes needed to break down solids until then and if food isn't broken down properly then GI discomfort and upset can result (gas, vomiting, loose stool constipation etc).

The AR formula is thickened with rice starch, which isn't really the same as giving him actual rice cereal.  You said the doc wants you to do this to "help with the reflux"...  what did he say it would help with?

Click here - formula amounts.  This is a link to help you with amounts at this age - though each baby is different.  When baby has reflux sometimes smaller more frequent meals help and keep baby from spitting up so much.  This didn't apply so much for my son, again every baby is different.  Most often they will lead you and give you an idea of what they need.

I'd wait on the solids for another month or so really, but again, that's just my opinion!!  Good luck, I'm sure you'll make the best choice for your baby! 

Hugs,
Zoey

[newmum27]

Hi,

Thanks for your advice. Doctor said that starting solids as he is big baby and would help by keeping more of the milk in his tummy as up until now he has been projectile vomiting and also silent refluxing. Medication and thickened formula has helped.

He has been waking up crying inconsolably...not hungry at 5:45 am...is he having tummy pain???

Ruth.

[Mydreamcametrue]

I would wait until 6 months too.  I started solids with DS1 way to early and am deft. paying for it now (he is 2.5 years old).

My DS2 is also a big baby.  16 pounds at 4 months.  The doctor suggested starting solids with him, even given his history of a really bad tummy.

I tried some oatmeal and pears per the Ped and am waiting until he is 6 months.  It did not go well. 

I would take Zoey's advice and deft wait. Sounds like tummy pain to me. 

How much formula is he drinking?

[newmum27]

Hi,
He is drinking 900ml per day over 4-5 feeds. Will the introduction of solids help with the reflux do you think?

Ruth.

[Zoey]

You have to do what feels right to you, but from most people experiences, introducing solids before the stomach is ready just creates more problems.

At 5m my son was drinking 5 8oz bottles a day - if that helps you.  There isn't a magic number though, it's what every your baby wants and needs.

[grahamsmama]

I've started solids at all different times in that 4-6 month range.  Graham I started at 4 months.  Ebby had lots of stomach issues and I waited and started her at 6 months.  Meghan was in the middle, at 5 months.  I had minor troubles with all of them, but every problem was caused by my going to fast with introducing things.  So, if you decide to go ahead and start solids, I would go very, very slowly.  Offer very well pureed stage one foods mixed with a little of his milk.  Start with just a tiny bit of something mild like pears.
As far as amounts of formula, at 5 months Meghan was taking around 25 oz a day.  But like pp said, it just depends on the baby.  She has never taken the amount she is "supposed" to take.

[newmum27]

Thanks for your help. I think I might wait a couple of weeks and then start solids very slowly and see how his stomach handles it. Will baby rice alone make him constipated...I don't want to have to deal with that too.

[grahamsmama]

My kids all had trouble with rice cereal and constipation.  Personally, I start with pears and then give baby oatmeal.

[newmum27]

Will starting with apples and pears which are by nature sweeter make him get a taste for sweeter foods? Maybe I should start with bland veges so he doesn't get a 'sweet tooth'? What so you think?

Ruth

[Zoey]

I think that is a myth lol - but that's just me.  Start with anything you wish!  Pears are great to start with, as is banana and avocado mashed together (thin with formula or water).

I agree with the PP regarding Rice cereal.  Oatmeal was the way to go with us!

Good luck, this is a fun time - come back in a few weeks when you start and let us know how you get on!

[grahamsmama]

Will starting with apples and pears which are by nature sweeter make him get a taste for sweeter foods? Maybe I should start with bland veges so he doesn't get a 'sweet tooth'? What so you think?

Ruth

I think most of the blander foods (like green beans for example) are more constipating and not as gentle on the tummy.  I've started all of mine on fruit and they all took vegetables just fine (as babies anyway, now they fight it.  LOL).  A lot of veggies are pretty sweet too.