starting cereal at 4 months?

[Lizjjackson]

did anyone start cereal at 4 months?  my little girl is very interested in our food, reaches for it etc.  I did not start solids with my first until 6 months.   I posted on bf page because she is bf exclusivly and I wanted to get opinions from fellow breastfeeders.  Just curious. 

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

I was going to bump this over to the solids board thinking you might get more input there, but then I saw your edit! You might want to check out the FAQ on "Is your baby ready":
https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=36922.0

FYI, most health organizations recommend bf'ing for the first 6 months, and only starting solids after that.  There are a number of health benefits to doing so, few for starting solids much earlier, and some potential risks if you're baby is not ready. 

Babies tend to be very curious at this age, but it doesn't necessarily mean they're ready!  They also reach for the TV remote and dirt! 

I personally waited until 6 months for both my kids - I wanted to give them the full benefits of 6 months of just bf before adding anything else to their tummies....but it IS a very individual decision.

[Lizjjackson]

good point, she does reach for many other things than my food!!  I was of the mindset to wait as I did with my first, so we will stick with that idea.  I was thinking she was admiring and wanting to taste some of my good cookin! 

[Erin M]

Funny thing, my dd2 was reaching for all my food and looked really interested in it, but I waited until 6 months figuring she'd dive right in and be a champion eater right away like my dd1 -- and go figure, it took her 5 weeks before she actually would eat more than a spoonful of anything

[Samuel's mum]

The advice to wait until 6 months is really focused on ebfers. You are exactly the sort of mother being advised to hang on to give your baby longer protection against disease and allergens entering her bloodstream (as once the gut PH changes and solids begin the protective qualities of ebf are compromised).
Do read around and make your decision carefully. Obviously there are lots of factors to consider but there are risks to starting solids and if it's not necessary then I really would advise you to hang on.
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

Liz, have you checked out the FAQ on "baby-led weaning" on the solids board?  It's a pretty cool idea - great transition from EBF to solids, if you're waiting until 6 months.  I'm doing a combo of chunks that she can try self-feeding and purees (because I'm a chicken at heart!) and it's really fun to see them feed themselves.  Here's the link:
https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=92560.0

[Lizjjackson]

What a cool idea. Never heard of, or thought of that. Definatly something to think about.  Thanks again.