Solid Grain Foods

Any time after 6 months you can stop using the "baby" cereal. The baby versions have amylase, an enzyme that helps break up the starch. After your baby is 6 months they make their own so no need to buy it except for convenience. We started feeding our son oatmeal (rolled oats), rice, etc (sometimes put through the food mill to help with consistancy) at around that age. I like the "real" grains better because they don't start to digest themselves if you let them sit too long - you can make a big pot and stick it in the fridge and feed some to your girl every day - it will keep for about 5 days.

T.:

use the ones that you have in your diet.

P., RLC IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

Hi T.,

I haven't had a little one in a while, but I remember when introducing them to a new food, I would mix in apple juice, pear juice or even breast milk. I would start with a spoonful the first time introducing it to my son, then the next day, 2 spoonfuls. I would gradually introduce cereal to their tiny tummies. Hope this helps.

You could try some bread, cheerios, etc. I wouldn't think it would be a problem to just start adding grains unless she has certain dietary concerns.

You may want to evaluate any allergies first. Most grains are reccomended after the first year save oatmeal and rice. Wheat is one of the top allergy triggers along with dairy and egg in children under a year.

At 8 months we focused more on veggies and fruits.

Hope this helps.

Have you tried rice cereal? It is usually more easily digested by babies.

I would also ask her doctor. I started with rice cereal - then oatmeal.

I hope you have reached out for support from other moms of kids with down syndrome. My neighbor's family has a beautiful girl in this situation - and I'm sure this mom has found some support outside of her family.

Anna is always smiling - and brings joy to her family.