4 month old and solids?

[Ollie76]

Has anyone ever started their 4 month old on solids?  I waited until about 5.5 mos with my other 2 kids, but this LO is 16 pounds already!  In Tracey's book, she says that if your child is bigger, than it is an option. 

I would like to start with pears with this baby.....any thoughts on whether it's better to do veggies first (in terms of becoming a picky eater)?

Thanks!

[~inbalance~]

Before you start it is probably a good idea to check with his doctor.  Also consider whether or not he is actually ready.  Here are some signs:  http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=36922.0  He really should be able to sit up well unsupported.

Another thing to keep in mind is, just because a baby is bigger does not mean his digestive system is any more mature than a smaller baby.

I know recommendations around the world are varied but in my experience it's better to wait a little closer to 6mos.  However some other moms may be able to share their experiences with starting early.  Personally I don't think there is any reason to rush.

[Texomamama]

I started DD1 at 4 months and DD2 (who is almost 6 months) about 2 weeks ago.  Honestly, the timing really had to do with the randomness of when we had their 4 month pediatrician visit scheduled and I got the "green light".  Agree with Martina about there not really being any rush, unless you think bc of your LO's size, he seems hungry.

With DD2, I also did pears first.  Honestly though, I don't think it really matters, because now 3 weeks into it, she is having 5 or 6 different things, fruits and veggies both.  And while she shows definate preferences (sweet potato, pears, apples), she will eat veggies too. 

I was advised by DD1's Ped to start with the least tasty foods (veggies) and then move up to fruits, lest they reject the veggies at a later point (at least the puress).  Honestly though, I think that is giving them too much credit.  They only have rudimentary taste buds at this point.  Moreover, my DD1 hated those nasty pea and green bean purees, but has loved fresh veggies since she was a toddler.  I do not think there is a correlation.

[Ollie76]

Thanks so much ladies - my BIG baby is actually a girl   I'm not in a huge rush....just curious about other peoples' experiences! 

[~inbalance~]

Sorry, my apologies! 
Good luck either way. 

[TanyaBC]

Hello,
I started my LO at 4 mths. He's also 16 lbs and 28 inches long. Big healthy baby :-) I started him on rice cereal and then pears. This week I'll be introducing butternut squash. He absolutely loves solid foods.

[Ollie76]

Thanks Tanya!  I can't help but think that these big babies might hungry!!!

[Seona1973]

my ds was over 20lbs when he started on soilds at 5 1/2 months so no need to rush into it just yet - milk offers more calories than first weaning foods and it is about introducing new tastes and textures not to fill them up.

[jesie]

At 17 weeks DS was 16lb 8oz but I didn't wean him until he was 26weeks - 19lb 3oz! He was fine on just milk, and I kind of had to force food on him LOL.
So if your baby is still content on just milk, I would stay with it, if she's hungry and top ups don't work then its worth considering IF she is physically ready.

But just cos she's big does not necessarily mean she wants food.

[~*Nicole*~]

My DD was 16 lbs. at 4 months as well and we started with the baby cereals per her peds. recommended feeding guidelines. And to be truthful, she wasn't sitting up unsupported and I was feeding her in a reclined seat as a result (although I was unaware sitting unsupported was a requirement as it was not specified to me by her ped.!). We went with rice, then oatmeal and some barley cereals over the next month and a half. By 5.5 months she was starting veggies and could sit in a booster seat type chair straight up (I have video on FB of her trying carrots the first time LOL)

Had she had any issue; tongue thrust, gagging, disinterest, constipation, upset tummy, or anything! I'd have stopped and waited a bit and tried again. She did really well and still took all that she was "supposed" to and needed of her bottles. I have no experience on the waiting side of things...but we'll see what happens with LO#2!

[Ollie76]

Yep, thinking it's not a huge deal either way.  The only reason I questioned it was that she has been draining her bottles and Tracey mentioned starting earlier for bigger babies in her book.  I have always waited in the past, but then again, my other girls were not as big - LOL. 

Thanks for your replies!!

[~*Nicole*~]

Best of luck deciding!