We just started solids with our 5mo old today. Gave him a little rice cereal with breastmilk this morning. But for the life of me, I can't remember if I should start with just doing that once a day or can we try twice a day (AM & PM). We have a 4yr old too, but I can''t remember what I did with him except that we stuck with the same food for a few days at a time when introducing something knew. I was thinking of giving him a little tonight too, but I just don't remember how to start foods! Help?????
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. No, he can't sit unassisted yet, but has great head/neck control and does excellent when sitting in his feeding seat. I think we'll stick with 1x/day for a lttle while (atleast a few days, but who knows) then advance to 2x/day. I know we didn't have to start him on any solids, it was our choice. We started our 4yr old when he was 5 1/2 mo old, so we're only starting this one a little bit sooner. Thanks again!
Start with once a day for a couple of days, let him get used to it, than add a second feeding and more complex foods after that.
i was going to ask a similar question about my 8 month old twins. i think that you can do in the morning and evening. lots of people are going to tell you that you shouldnt be giving him anything other than breastmilk for the first year, but I think that if he likes it and does well with it then you should go for it. I'd do in the morning and evening.
start in morning, so if tummy gets upset it's during the day and you won't be up all night w/ baby...check out www.kellymom.com for all things breastfeeding related. Also, you don't have to start now at 5 motnhs, that's more for formula-fed babies...can baby sit up by himself, unassisted w/o toppling over? this shows physically if baby is 'ready.' Really, starting foods is to get used to the experience, not for nutrition- baby gets everything from breastmilk now...also, no need to start w/ cereal- you can dive right into avocado mashed w/ breastmilk, ripe banana mashed w/ breastmilk, baked/steamed sweet potato, apple, etc- you can do it on your own...
4-6 months when your baby is showing signs they are ready for solid foods. I started mixing applesauce, pears, basically a fruit baby food to the rice cereal with formula. few softnened cherrios on the high chair tray while I was preparing the food. There is an AWESOME baby feeding tray called Help Yourself and you insert the baby food containers direct, hold like a palette and feed your baby anytime anywhere. Designed by a mother of twins, less bowls to clean is a good thing. Keeps food out of reach from baby but later suctions to a flat surface when baby is ready to self feed. Holds rectangular Gerber baby foods. feedingsolution com Always introduce one new food a week and monitor for any allergic reactions. There are certain foods you should avoid. Good luck!
From what I have been told (and am doing) you start with one meal a day and slowly build up to 2-3 a day. I started my son on solids earlier and took about two months, but now he is just starting to do a breakfast, lunch. and dinner, usually around the time that I would be eating them too. I feed him some bites, and then myself, then him, etc.
Everyone is going to have a different opinion on this one!!! But my son was exclusively BF too and we started with once in the am then after a few days when he got the hang of it then i added another until we were doing 3 times a day like b-fast,lunch and dinner!! You are doing great either way mom!!! But i do have to ask..Avacado for a 5-month old?!? Really??? To me that is a bit too much for a 5 month old! :-) Good Luck to you hun!!
