Feeding Question

Most pediatricians actually recommend waiting until 6 months to start solid foods now. Either way, when you start, it is just for practice, and your baby should still nurse or bottle feed as much as before.

Well I never subscribed to the theory that I had to use a whole bottle at once. If my kids didn't drink the whole thing I put it in the fridge until they were next hungry and gave it to them then...then nothing wasted. But if you're concerned then just make up 1/2 bottle and if she wants more then make up more.

Whatsmore, is my kids didn't take to eating the cereal too much so I took to just using the formula scoop and putting 2 scoops inside a bottle with 1 scoop less formula. I would even substitute 2 oz water for 2oz apple or prune juice to help them not get too constipated. They'd get 1 or 2 of those bottles a day inbetween just regular formula. There's no one way to do feed your child and as she gets older and more finiky you'll do anything to get her to eat/try things. Good luck!

Congratulations! What I have been told is that cereal isn't supposed to take over for the amount of milk/formula your baby consumes, that they are supposed to need the nutrients from cereal in addition to their regular milk intake. Now, that being said over time, obviously the amounts do change, so you decide! haha... What I do is make the regular 8 ounce bottle and from that I make the cereal and my son gets whatever is left over in the bottle. I don't know if that's the "correct" thing, but my son hasn't complained and he's 7 months old now. Somedays he does eat more cereal I have given him a few extra ounces of formula on those occasions just b/c I feel like he needs it, but he could just be extra full on those days! haha... Anyway, good luck!

well my daughter is now one but i started her on cereal at 3 months because she was drinking so many bottles. I'd go ahead and fix the 8 oz bottle and see how she takes to the cereal. give her the cereal first otherwise she could reject it before trying it because she already had some milk. also my daughter by the time she was 5 months refused to eat it without juice or applesauce in it.

yes still stick with the bottle as well, she may not want the full 8 oz. but the two of you can figure that out, if your doing cereal in the morning than that's great! that way at night she will still do 8 ozs. most likely! use your best judgement, the two of you can always find a way to work it out! good luck!

Sure. She will stop drinking it when she is full, so you won't likely over feed.
Remember, since the cereal is new to her, you are only giving her a taste or two anyway.
Also, I always gave it to mine at bed time, with the last bottle of the evening. It helped them sleep better (longer) at night.

Yes, still give her the regular amount of formula. Right now solids are purely extra and only for practice, not the main source of nutrition. Breastmilk or formula should be the main source of nutrition until your baby approaches the 1 year mark. As your baby gets closer to 1 and after 1, that's when you start to transition more towards solids and start weaning from breastmilk & formula. It's very important that your baby still gets formula/breastmilk because it helps with brain development and their tummies just aren't ready for the transition just yet.

Good luck!

My little girl is now a little over 4 months and she is my fourth child! Whew! This is what I've done: I prepeare her formula in her bottle as usual. I then put the tablespoon or so of cereal in the bowl and pour about 3-4 tablespoons of the warmed formula in the cereal. After she eats the cereal I give her the rest of the milk in her bottle. She is fully satisfied. If you think about it she is still getting the formula she usually gets only some of it is in cereal. Hope this helps.

Hello D.,

Nothing is better than asking your dr. those questions. But one thing that has helped me out tremendously is the book, "What To Expect The First Year" by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, and Sandee Hathaway. It can tell you just about everything you need to know.

As for your question, I'd say yes. Go ahead and give her the normal amount of milk with her cereal. She's a growing girl and you want to make sure she's getting the correct amount to make her big and strong. But if she starts spitting up or refusing it, cut back on the milk. Let her tell you how much she wants. Every kid is different.

Good luck and congratulations on your little one! ls