So nervous about solids

[thodder]

Hi,

Any tips out there for a first time solids feeder?  My LO is 5 months old now and I think ready for solids (the doctor sure thinks so).  He's about 20 lbs and really, really tall, so there's no worries that he's not getting proper amounts of food from breastmilk  :wink: , but I think it's starting to get time to give him something else.  I know, start with cereal.  But any other tips.  I'm just scared to death that I'm going to give him too much and then he won't get the nurishement he needs from the breastmilk because he'll be too full...

Theressa

[tylersmommy]

One thing that really helped me was to buy a book (you can check one out from the library too). There are lots of great books out there that can help you with introduction schedules, amounts, nutrition, etc. I liked Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron, but there are lots of good ones out there. Most of them are geared toward making your own food, but the books are still incredibly helpful even if you don't.

I was breastfeeding when Tyler started solids, and the trick is to keep close tabs on the amount of solids you offer and keep an eye on how long/often he nurses. Although he will continue to become a more efficient nurser as he gets older, and may spend a little less time at the breast, you'll know he's eating too much solids if his interest in nursing decreases substantially or you aren't getting as much as you should when you express. Good luck!

[Katet]

My ds #2 is over 20lb, almost 28inches long & only 4.5 mo, my ds#1 was the same only not as long...so I am with you on the big size.
If you personally don't feel ready... read this, if you want to go for solids don't let me put you off.
What I wanted to add was just because your Dr says your lo should be on solids doesn't mean he has to be (Drs aren't always the best people on "healthy babies")... if he is doing fine on breastfeeding then I would say don't stress yourself about  solids. There is ABSOLUTELY no benefit in solids before 6mo & World Health Organisation actually recommend hold off as long as possible due to the risk of increased allergy & intestinal disorders.

Also in younger babies solids can actually increase night wakings, NOT decrease if their intestines are not ready, if that is a problem with your lo.
If you feel your lo is not getting enough feeds from daytime bf it may well be that he is distracted & not taking full feeds. I always give Liam 5mins & re-offer my breast after he comes off a feed & about 50% of the time he takes a good feed 2nd time around- he sleeps about 10hours between feeds o/n

I don't plan offering solids to Liam until he is 6mo (maybe longer) & I lasted until almost that time with Aiden & he weighed 10kg (22lb at 5.5months) & slept 8hours a night, so it is very possible for very big babies to be totally bf & happy

[thodder]

Thanks for the replies.  I will definately get a good book or two.  I'm in no rush for solids - Joshua is doing just fine and sleeps 10 hours straight at night, with one wake up after 10 hours for a quick feed and then back down for 2 more hours or so.  It's not to solve any problems, it's just that he's soooo big and I just wanted to be sure I could continue to give him enough food (obviously he's not suffering now.  heehee).  I will probably wait until 6 months, but I'm just working on the nerve to try out solids - that should take me another month or so  :oops:  The Canadian Health Organization and Canadian Pediatrics Association also agree on the 6 months things, so I think my doctor may just be out of date on this one.

Thanks again for the replies.  They really helped.

Theressa

[Gigismom]

I agree with kate.  don't feel pressured to give solids if you don't think he needs it or is ready.  i read the intestines are not mature enough for solids and do not have the necessary secretions to digest solids until around 6 months.  so giving them too early may cause tummy troubles.

but whenever you do choose to feed solids, just do it slowly.  for the first month or so, my dd only took a bite or two of the cereal.  then one day, she literally ate a whole bowl.  so just make sure there is no pressure on him to eat it...let him just explore and taste for a while.  it's a gradual process.  i am sure you will do great!