How Early Can I Give My Infant Cereal?
Other People Are Reading
-
Four Months Is Common
-
Four months is usually the earliest recommended starting point for solid foods, beginning with single grain cereal. Many pediatricians offer a range of 4 to 7 months since babies vary in development and interest in food. Gerber offers visual depictions on its food packaging to help parents decide. A 2010 box of Gerber "single grain rice cereal for baby" shows a "supported sitter" as ready for cereal.
-
Some Infants Are Not Ready
-
Some infants are not ready for solid food at 4 months. Breast milk or formula is the base source of nutrients for the first 12 months. If your baby prefers to wait for solid food, do not push her. Signs that you should wait can include rejection of the food with tongue, inability to gum and swallow food, and general disinterest in trying.
Bottom Line
-
Even though parents often find it exciting to introduce solid foods for the first time, you must keep the baby's interest in mind. If your baby prefers to wait closer to 6 or 7 months for cereal, work with her.
References
- Photo Credit baby image by Diane Stamatelatos from Fotolia.com
More Like This
Comments
-
its really annoying when people around you are pushing you to start your child at an early age. For the impatient people out there just get to know your child. babies have a sucking mechanism, they love to suckle.i breastfed my baby for only a week until my nipple recieved a nasty infection due to bad latch. he would suck on his pacifier to go to sleep right after the feedings. normally the recommended amount drs tell u, u should go by. putting cereal in with the bottle is not necessary unless your baby spits up a lot (and not due to gas) it can create laziness on the childs part and they COULD learn to use a spoon at a later part of their lives. My older son is an example of that.
