thinking of starting solids, but confused...

[me and bean]

hey everyone

can you all give me your thoughts.  i've read through alot of these posts and see the general theme of "do what's right for you and your baby."  still, let me give you some stats -

5mths
18+ lbs
chewing
no tongue thrust reflex
opens mouth for spoon and sucks on it
brings everything to his mouth to chew
watches us eat and voices his frustration
lately way more active, and put on 2lbs in 2-3 weeks


yet, not waking at night
very content and happy
not sitting up

ready or not?

and then, i ready tracy's book and get all confused about the information in there.  for a 5mth old she seems to say in a chart to feed after every bf or bottle.  but for 6mths, there seems to be a milkfeed dropped somewhere.  in one breath says start with breakfast only for one week, then another page says breakfast and dinner for a week???

i am thinking of starting him soonish, and my thoughts were, to bf as normal and introduce a tsp, or whatever he will take, about an hour later.  just starting with breakfast.

how does that sound?

geez, and then there is the whole cereal vs pears deal...

[chell]

I think your plan sounds fine. Leaving it an hour after will mean your lo may feel like eating a little bit then. I think I used to give mine a little bit  just before a BF, unless he was really too hungry, then he would take it.
Good luck.

[tylersmommy]

It does sound like he's showing signs of readiness, but if he's still content, waiting will give him another month of bf or formula...both of which are far more nutritionally complete than any solid food. Plus, you'd be putting off any possible issues that can come with starting solids, like gas and constipation. Just my thoughts, but of course, it's like you said...only you know what's best for your baby, and if you feel it's time, then it is!

It seems to me that Tracy's solids plan is geared toward older babies who are on 4 hr schedules and taking 2 naps. You'd begin with breakfast for a week, then add on another meal. Like you said, you can BF first, then offer solids 1 hr or so later. BFing first helps ensure that he fills up on the good stuff, and waiting an hr or so will help him have a little bit of an appetite for solids.

As for rice vs pears, it really doesn't matter. They're both mild and easily digested. Rice is good because you can mix it with ebm and so the taste is somewhat familiar, pears are good because they tend to not be as constipating as his digestive system adjusts.

Good luck!

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

Well, since you asked... :wink: , I have to agree totally with Melissa.  I'm really big on waiting 'til 6 months to start.  What's the rush? It's healthier to wait - less risk of upset tummy, possible allergies, and other nasty complications.  I think (I'm hoping!) we're going to start seeing more and more parents waiting until 6 months - organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the American Academy of Pediatrics are now recommending waiting, for good reasons....we just have to wait for the doctors and the people from the *old school* of thinking to catch up with the times! 

[Lynne S]

Hi

If there's anything I learnt from Traceys books its to listen to your baby and do what's right for him. We started solids 'early' for our baby, it was right for him, he's never been happier and he's thriving.

Poor US paediatricians! It must be a nightmare, in the UK paediatricians deal with sick children, and we have health visitors for advice on things like feeding, and they are very well informed on the latest research regarding feeding.

Anyway, I am happily leaving this board now having lurked for several months - it seems to me that the members of this board are incapable of supporting mums who don't follow its 'advice' exactly to the letter. People come to you for support and all you can do is criticise them.

[tylersmommy]

Lynne S-

I just PM'ed you.

[Tammy: Ethan & Kaden's Mom]

I'm not starting anything, I promise, but I disagree entirely with Lynne S.  I just wanted to say that I have come to this particular board with questions regarding feeding my son solids, and have found nothing but support to do what is the best thing for my child, and advice on what has worked for other moms.  Melissa is a great moderator, and a person who gives great advice.  Thanks Melissa!   

[Jamasco]

I totally agree with Tammy.  I have never had anything from these forums but support and great advice.  That is what advice is.  You can take it or not take it but nobody has ever criticized me or made me feel like I was doing something "wrong".

I started my dd on rice cereal when she was 4 months old because she had reflux.  We started solids at 4.5 months by the advice of my pediatrician and have no problems.  Now a few weeks later her system has caught up to the solids, no constipation, no allergies (so far) and all is well.

It is what is best for your child.  Bottom line.  You have to feel comfortable doing what is best for your baby.

Thanks for all the GREAT advice and concern shown from all the moms on these forums.

[me and bean]

thanks girls, so much.  i was concerned about his weight (on the heavier side) at 5months and wondered whether or not his bf's were enough to sustain this new found energy and activity.  he is on a 4/4 easy and taking 2x2hr naps.

i'm just going with the flow - but feel more ok now with my thoughts - and am not so confused.

it dawned on me after i read your replies - stating the obvious here - that tracy's recommendation for feeding solids after every bf or bottle BEFORE 6 months is just as melissa says - to get all that milk nutrition in first and foremost.  makes more sense to me now.

thank you

[tylersmommy]

Thanks for your support, ladies!