Question re 9 mo transition to solids first

[Paulsmama]

I'm a first-time mom with almost 9 mo DS and a bit confused about increasing solids/decreasing formula intake over the next few months.  I feel like we're so far behind but the ped said that solids should not be replacing formula until 9 mos.  We have been giving solids about 30 min after his breakfast and lunch bottles.  Should we just switch the timing of solids/bottles at breakfast and lunch or is there some transition period?  Or should I give the bottles and solids at the same time?  Should I let him have as much solids as he'll eat or gradually up the amounts (he is now having about 7.5 oz veg/fruit plus 2 Tbsp cereal a day, and 33-35 oz formula (four 8oz bottles + almost gone DF))?

[tylersmommy]

Really, how you do it is completely up to you, and you don't have to change a thing if you don't want to! I kept Tyler on the exact same routine and formula amounts until 2 wks before his 1st birthday, when I started the transition to milk. Our routine was almost identical to yours (bottles before solids), except Tyler took around 26 oz of formula each day. We had no problem dropping bottles and starting milk when he turned 1. HTH!

[cwolff]

Cynthia, are you doing meat, seeds or nuts, dairy?  Because those all have the important ingredients he needs to wean off of formula/BM.  If you have been, then I would give him his fill at each meal, for 2-3 days, and see what he does with the bottles.   Note how much he eats at each meal, so that if you notice that he is totally disinterested in his bottle then you can decrease his solids a bit.  It may seem a little scientific at the moment, but just grab a piece of paper and jot the numbers down for a few of days.  If he's decreasing his milk but not dramatically, you are good to go because you know he's getting his nutrients from the solids that you are feeding him.  Then, he will tell you as he gets older how much he wants and of what.

[Paulsmama]

Thank you both for the information.  We just started dairy (yogurt) this week and will be continuing to add cheese, egg yolk, chicken and tofu over the next couple of weeks.  Last night was our first night of no dream feed -- fingers crossed the additions to his diet will make up for the missed formula.

[cwolff]

Cynthia, I would strongly recommend grinding up seeds and nuts (except peanuts) because they have tons of fatty acids and can be mixed easily in with yogurt or cereal.  This will add a much needed boost to the meal.  Egg yolk is a great finger food too, and little risk of choking.  You can also do banana rolled in wheat germ which is a great finger food.  Of course, you'll have to introduce these things which will take some time, but most babies love the seeds and nuts.  Beans, rice and whole wheat pastas are great to mix with chicken & tofu too.