Adding baby rice to formula?

Question

My son is 4 weeks old and 8.6lbs he is taking between 6-7oz per feed about 6 times a day, i've now been told that i am over feeding and several people have suggested thickening 1 or 2 of his feeds with half a teaspoon of baby rice, is this safe to do so and does it actually help?

Answer 1

he is only 4 weeks no u should'nt do plz not without asking a dr if u do that ,that can cause of choking too.dont make any silly mistake and if ur baby is fine with the 6 times feeding than dont care abt theother pplz

GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

NO NO NO NO!

Don't add to formula, you dont' know what you are feeding them then.  Get a "hungry baby" formula.. You are not over feeding.

Answer 3

Do not add rice to formula unless your doctor recommends it.  Your child will let you know when he is hungry and likewise, when he is full.  At 4 weeks old, he's still trying to figure stuff out.  

I've also learned that EVERYONE has an opinion about raising a child.  Ultimately, you have to do what you feel is right for your son!  If in doubt, call your pediatrician's office.  They are used to having questions asked ... so don't hesitate to call.

Answer 4

No.  Just...no.

Your baby isn't big, and they go through growth spurts where it seems like they eat 24/7.  Just feed your baby when he's hungry.  

Answer 5

Don't do it, it is unsafe unless the pediatrician determines the benefits outweigh the risks.  The only time they usually say to put the cereal in the bottle is for severe reflux or if your baby isn't gaining weight like they should.  It can be a big choking hazard.  Anytime you have a concern talk to your pediatrician about it.  Rice cereal causes constipation and it can cause large weight gain.  

Answer 6

I wouldn't.

Move him onto SMA white, (blue lid) its a ceasin based formula, which is more satisfying for your baby.

Maj

Answer 7

Ask your doctor. My daughter has been on thickened formula since about 6 weeks. She has reflux and Cystic Fibrosis so the extra food for her was good anyhow. It was doctor recommended for us....so ask a doctor. See what they say. Maybe it would be ok to fill him up better....maybe not. Good luck!

EDIT: Why the heck are people giving my answer thumbs downs? It is a truthful answer and all I have to offer. Telling you to ask a doctor and giving you my personal experience is worth 3 thumbs downs. WOW!

Answer 8

DO NOT give your baby baby rice no matter how good your intentions are until they are 4 months plus. This is because their digestive system is not developed enough to digest it. Some people do add the rice and they are very lucky if the baby can cope with it!

oh and your baby isn't that big mine was 9lb2oz when she was born, and he his feeding pattern is normal.

you are doing great, don't mess around with it and just enjoy having your new baby.

Answer 9

No it is not safe and is very old fashioned advice. My baby was 9 pounds 4 at birth and she never had it added and was just fine..just carry on as you are...if he gets hungrier then get a formula for hungry babies.

Answer 10

please dont do this, i'm a mum of 4 and due baby #5 in 2wks,  i was told to do this with my first baby, it made her stools(poo) so hard, that she became constipated,and therefore made her cry all day and night,and i never got any sleep, until she actually emptied her bowels,which took about 3days, not a very good feeling.

Answer 11

I gave my baby cereal in his formula after 2 wks and he is fine. If he gets constipated use 1 tsp of dark Karo syrup mixed in his formula. My son is 9 mos old with no health problems and just as happy as he wants to be. Use your judgment, no one else knows your child like you do.

Answer 12

NO, it's not safe. First of all your baby is not old enough for cereal. It shouldn't be started until, AT THE EARLIEST, 4 months unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Secondly, rice cereal in a bottle is a choking hazard. It goes on a spoon when your baby is ready to eat from one.

Ask his pediatrician about other types of formula you can try. Also make sure you are not confusing him being hungry for something else. I'm not saying you are but it's a common mistake. If he's crying don't automatically assume he's hungry, try other things.

Answer 13

my baby was 9lbs at one month so no your baby isn't big. if hes doing fine eating 6-7oz then i dont think you need to thicken his formula. also its to early for rice cereal he might not digest it well

Answer 14

When my brother was a baby (he's now 4, I'm 17) he had a formula especially for hungrier babies, the little gannet. I remember the midwife telling my mum to never put baby rice in a bottle, no matter how 'runny' it may appear. Please don't succumb to peer pressure from people and just put it in anyway...the warnings from health specialists are obviously there for a reason.