Starting Solids

[TDR'smom]

Hello All,

I have just been given the okay from my pediatrician to begin feeding my 4 month old solids.   However, I am having difficulty knowing how much solids versus formula etc.  Also, I am confused as to the timing of when I should give what.  Here is his typical feeding schedule prior to beginning solids.  If I could please get some suggestions on how I can add solids (rice cereal) it would be very much appreciated.

5AM-4 oz formula
7:30AM-7 oz formula
11:30AM-7 oz formula
3:30PM-7 oz formula
7:30PM-bath and 7 oz formula-put to bed around 8PM
10-11PM-dream feed 5 oz

Average total amount of formula=37-40 oz per day

[tylersmommy]

Generally, formula intake at that age should be around 32-40 oz. As for the amount of solids, start with 1 teaspoon and go from there. The key is to ensure that formula intake doesn't drop, since that should remain your LO's main source of nutrition for several more months. If you see a decrease in interest in bottle feeds, reduce the amount of solids. I preferred offering bottle/breast first to ensure Tyler was filling up on what was most important, then offering solids about 1 hr later when he had a bit of an appetite. It depends on what works best for your LO. Some folks do solids first, then breast/bottle; others do it all at the same time. There's really no right or wrong way to go about it.

I'm not going to be much help on how to work solids into your LO's current routine...we didn't start solids until 6 mo, so Tyler's routine had more awake time to work with. I'm not sure how you'd work it in with a younger baby, hopefully someone will have some advice for you!

[notenoughshelfspace]

Hello, I started my little one on solids at four months and have an eating schedule if you would like it; it spelles out all the milk requirements daily and tells you how to eventually cut it down. If you would like it, post me your e-mail address and I will send it to you. I have already posted it to quite a few mums and have not had any negative feedback. my little one is a great eater and was on a four hour easy routine at four months.

[TDR'smom]

Hi notenoughshelfspace!!

I would really appreciate you sending me your eating schedule!

My email address is judyread@excite.com.

Thanks!!
 

[Critter]

My ds will be 4 months tomorrow and has been on rice cereal for almost two weeks.  At the pedi on Thursday they told us we could go ahead and add a ":lunch" and start veggies if we wanted.  So, we have.  He LOVES the food!  My pedi and my nurse told me that there's really no "wrong" way to do this...it is not an exact science and you have to trust your instincts.  You won't hurt your baby by giving him solids, so see how it goes.

We started with rice cereal at the "dinnertime" feeding and just did that for a week.  This weekend we added the rice cereal to his mid-day feed and veggies alone after his dinnertime bottle.  He has done well.  Now, if I could just get him to wake up when he was due to eat 45 minutes ago!!  I will certainly say that the solids have helped him sleep longer!

[TDR'smom]

Did you prepare your own vegetables or was it store bought?  I'm still trying to decide if I want to attempt to make my own baby food or just buy Gerber/Beech Nut.

Just curious what most people do.

 :?

[notenoughshelfspace]

I make my own, it is so wasy to make up a batch and put in the freezer, I would feel a little cheeky buying pureed carrots. I do buy jars for when I go out though and I have to admit, I do but the sweetcorn in jars; there is no way I can achieve that sort of consistancy at home. It is really easy to make your own food and if you have the time and the inclination; the sense of satisfaction you get is unbeatable.