Feeding my 4 month old...

Question

My baby is 4 months old and my pediatritian said that I can start feeding her rice and oatmeal. How often should I spoon feed her in between bottles?

Answer 1

FIrst off, just because the doctor said you 'can' start solids doesn't mean you have to, or you should.

Is baby able to sit up well with support?

Is baby still hungry hafter 10-12 breastfeeds a day, or 45-50 ounces of formula?

Is baby interested in your food?

Has baby lost the tongue thrust?

If she doesnt' meet all these qualifications, there is NO benefit, and some risk in starting solids so early.  The usual recommendation (since 1997) is to start solids at around 6 months. 4 months is a VERY old recommendation, dating from the years when babies were fed home-made formula and so needed iron-fortified cereals very early.

If baby really is ready for solids this early, offer them once a day, in a bowl, with a spoon, after a regular bottle.  Start with a tiny amount (about half a teaspoon is good) and gradually increase if baby does well. If baby pushes the spoon out or spits the food out, she isn't ready, so wait a few weeks to try again.  

Answer 2

I would start by only giving her some in the morning and before bed...:)

Answer 3

start her off with a teaspoon in the morning, mixed with formula, and maybe a teaspoon at supper time, or just befor bed.

Answer 4

once a day rice and oatmeal in the morning.