DD is now 3 1/2 months or so and I just recently started introducing the oatmeal/rice foods. She loves them and after about 3 days is starting to get the hang of swallowing it instead of spitting it out! I know i'm not *suppose* to start her until after 4 months but i'm not one for following directions, I do what my instincts say. Ever since she was 2 months old whenever she goes through her growth spurts that last a few days she would drink anywhere fron 5-6 ounces every 2- 2 1/2 hours or so, so I decided shes ready for solids. I guess what i'm getting to is how long did you wait until introducing jar food? I know I still have a while but i'm just a bit curious. What is the time the Dr. recommended and when did you actually start giving it?

By Mommyathome on Tuesday, September 9, 2003 - 08:53 pm:

At our 6 month check-ups is when our Dr. said that we could introduce solids. (as in baby cereal, fruit, veggies etc.)We started cereal between 4 and 5 months w/each of our DK's.

I know some doctors say that formula or breastmilk is all a baby needs for the first year of life. But, I find it hard to withold food for that long. Especially after the child becomes mobile. They like to eat just like everyone else

By Sunny on Tuesday, September 9, 2003 - 10:09 pm:

Our ped. has a timeline of 4-5 months for introducing cereal, introducing yellow vegetables at 5-6 months, then green vegetables, fruits and finally meats at 9 months, giving a week for each new food introduced. I did this with my first, breastfeeding the entire time.

Now, for my 5th child, I introduced cereal at 6 months (didn't like it), tried vegetables (still didn't like it) then fruit at 7 months (liked somewhat). I primarily breastfed and never pushed solids until 9 months, offering it to him but never forcing. By the time he was a year, he was eating table food exclusively, anything and everything we would give him! LOL

By Pamt on Tuesday, September 9, 2003 - 10:12 pm:

I started cereal somewhere between 5-6 months and veggies at about 6 months. The reason that pediatricians tell you to wait is because the baby's digestive system isn't usually mature enough to handle solids and it can cause major problems. Also, the earlier that solids are introduced can have a direct effect on increasing allergies (food and airborne) later in life.

By Juli4 on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - 10:04 am:

I have a 7month old and started her on cereal at 4 months. Even now she doesn't have it everyday. I never did use jar food with either of my kids. When they were about 6months they started eating bannanas. I just put her in her walker in the kitchen with me and give her a half bannana and she likes to eat it while feeding herself. she gets messy but she enjoys it. she now eats at different times potatoes. I fed her cooked carrots. she eats crackers occasionally. just anything that can be mashed. Breastmilk is still her primary food though. I noticed after feeding her certain things that she got constipated so I didn't give her anything but Breastmilk for about 2 days and that helped and then I just backed off of what made her that way. I don't give them meat untill after the first year. it can't be chewed or processed very good. JMO

By Tonya on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - 10:18 am:

OK well the Dr gave me a time line too but my mommy gut told me when and I listened. Timmy was 3 weeks old when he was having cereal in a formula bottle at night. By 3 months I was mixing cereal in with applesauce and I progressed from there. When Timmy was born he was taking 6-8 ounces every 3 hours. After the first couple of weeks doing 6-8 every 2 hours it got to be crazy he was hungry and formula just wasn't doing it for him. My Dr told me what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. That I was the mom and to do what I thought was best because that is what my son needed.

So waht I have to say is this if your child is hungry feed her. You know what is right for her and what isn't. Just make sure to stick with one thing for at leat 6-8 jars worth before adding something different due to allergies and stuff. Follow your gut it won't steer you wrong I promise.

By Boxzgrl on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - 01:46 pm:

Thanks Tonya, thats the answer I was looking for. Im not going to starve DD just because its what the Dr. says. Besides, i've worked long enough w/ Dr.s to realize that the timeline they give is a +/- timeline too. Starting 2 weeks early, to me, is no big deal. Its not very often that babies have reactions to oatmeal/rice either which is why it didnt concern me but I know introducing other solids would be more of an allergy risk factor so I figured i'd ask you girls first. Thanks!