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Starting Solids
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MAOtto posted:
Doc says it's time to start baby food. We've been working with our 5 month old daughter for about 3 weeks and she's still very resistant, oozing out most of what goes in. She flails around, shoves her hands, bib, burp rag, and whatever else she can into her full mouth. She also starts to cry like she's hungry, even if she just had a full bottle not too long ago (usually try the baby food 30-45 mins after a bottle, she eats every 2 hours like clockwork), and won't stop until she gets another bottle.
I'm getting frustrated and am in desperate need of tips/tricks!
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Starting SolidsDoc says it's time to start baby food. We've been working with our 5 month old daughter for about 3 weeks and she's still very resistant, oozing out most of what goes in. She flails around, shoves her hands, bib, burp rag, and whatever else she can into her full mouth. She also starts to cry like she's hungry, even if she just had a full bottle not too long ago (usually try the baby food 30-45 mins after a bottle, she eats every 2 hours like clockwork), and won't stop until she gets another bottle.<br />I'm getting frustrated and am in desperate need of tips/tricks!
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j9ween2 responded:
I would push the solids a little longer after the bottle. she might not be hungry enough or stop for a week or two and try again
Janine (Tyler -5, Bella -3, and Giana -2 months)
Report This| Share this:Starting SolidsI would push the solids a little longer after the bottle. she might not be hungry enough or stop for a week or two and try again
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Dan Brennan, MD responded:
Hi MAOtto -

You might check in with your ped to let him know your experience so far. These days, most pediatricians recommend starting solid foods at 6 months of age.

This is for two specific reasons:

1) Babies at 6 months old have a need for additional iron in their diet and most peds will suggest offering iron fortified cereal as a first solid food. Prior to the 6 month mark, mom's mllk or formula is consider to be complete nutrition.

2) Many babies are not ready to start solids until 6 months. Taking solid food into the mouth requires babies to lose their tongue thrusting reflex. Until that happens, many babies will struggle to take solid foods into their mouths and will behave in a manner very similar to what you are describing.

My suggestion would be to touch base with your doctor to let him know how your baby is reacting to taking solids. I suspect that waiting 2 weeks and trying again will lead to a much easier feeding time and a more satisfied baby.

Hope that helps.

Dr. Dan
Report This| Share this:Starting SolidsHi MAOtto -<br /><br />You might check in with your ped to let him know your experience so far. These days, most pediatricians recommend starting solid foods at 6 months of age. <br /><br />This is for two specific reasons:<br /><br />1) Babies at 6 months old have a need for additional iron in their diet and most peds will suggest offering iron fortified cereal as a first solid food. Prior to the 6 month mark, mom's mllk or formula is consider to be complete nutrition.<br /><br />2) Many babies are not ready to start solids until 6 months. Taking solid food into the mouth requires babies to lose their tongue thrusting reflex. Until that happens, many babies will struggle to take solid foods into their mouths and will behave in a manner very similar to what you are describing. <br /><br />My suggestion would be to touch base with your doctor to let him know how your baby is reacting to taking solids. I suspect that waiting 2 weeks and trying again will lead to a much easier feeding time and a more satisfied baby.<br /><br />Hope that helps.<br /><br />Dr. Dan
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