How old was LO when you started solids?

[Anonymous]

to hear my mother tell it, we were all eating sausages and gravy by two months!

for my DS, we waited until he was almost 6 months...then started him on rice cereals. a lot of people start their babies really early b/c they think it fills them up and quiets them down. i just follow the AAP, and my own ped's advice.

good luck!

[Anonymous]

PP who waited almost a year--why did you wait so long?

[Anonymous]

When my baby was grabbing cole slaw off my plate I knew it was time. She was 5 months and met all the developmental milestones, sat well, good head control etc...

[Anonymous]

We started with rice cereal and purees around 5 months. Now at 9 months, it is literally impossible to eat anything in front of DS without offering some of it to him-he just stares at you with big brown eyes and whines until you give him some (yes, DS, not the dog....)

[Anonymous]

We gave baby a little rice cereal at 3.5 months. So shoot me! He loved it and had no trouble with it. He is very big/strong for his age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP who waited almost a year--why did you wait so long?

There are extensive food allergies in my family, and DS was a champion nurser who was thriving on breastmilk. He showed very little interest in food. Given that, plus the family history of allergies, and the fact that he is a redhead with eczema (both indicative of atopic propensities), it made no sense to move any faster on it.

He is now 12yo and has only one food allergy (shrimp), which is extremely surprising to me. His eleven cousins on my side have many, many allergies, some of them life-threatening. I have no way of proving that the delay in introducing solids contributed to his lack of allergies, but according to the ped and the allergist, it is entirely possible.

[Anonymous]

14:28 is right. Research is now questioning whether delaying the introduction of solid foods is a good idea.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/AllergyImmunology/Allergy/17382

[Anonymous]

Agree with previous poster. The new research suggests it is better not to delay!

INTRODUCTION OF SOLID FOODS AND ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Late introduction of solid foods may increase the risk of allergic sensitization to food and inhalant allergens. In the study, “Age at the Introduction of Solid Foods During the First Year and Allergic Sensitization at Age 5 Years,” published in the January issue of Pediatrics (appearing online December 7), researchers examined the diets and allergic sensitivities of 994 children with susceptibility to type 1 diabetes. Results indicate that late introduction of solid foods was associated with increased allergic sensitization to food and inhalant allergens. Eggs, wheat and oats were most commonly related to food sensitization, while potatoes and fish were strongly associated with inhalant sensitization. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the introduction of solid foods between the ages of 4 and 6 months. Study authors conclude that neither extended, exclusive breastfeeding, nor delaying the introduction of solid foods, may prevent allergic diseases in children.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/125/1/50

[Anonymous]

we waited until 6 months- mainly for allergy reasons. DD hated the cereals so we went right to veggies. She still loves them. Also, it adds a whole new step in the day.

And, at 6 months- nutrition is still coming from breastmilk or formula so the food is just to get them used to the concept.

[Anonymous]

We actually waited until 7.5 months because our ped was concerned about DD's low weight when she was 6 months old and ped wanted us to stick with caloric, nutrient-infused formula until DD's weight improved. DD is now 19 months old and is an excellent eater -- her favorite things are veggies, she eats very healthy portions and has no food allergies. So I don't think there's any harm in waiting a little while if you don't think your DC is ready.

[Anonymous]

As mentioned before, the AAP is now recommending starting solids at 4-6 months.

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/pages/Switching-To-Solid-Foods.aspx

My DC is 3 months and my plan is to allow her to decide. When she starts grabbing food and stuffing in her mouth, she's ready.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As mentioned before, the AAP is now recommending starting solids at 4-6 months.

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/pages/Switching-To-Solid-Foods.aspx

My DC is 3 months and my plan is to allow her to decide. When she starts grabbing food and stuffing in her mouth, she's ready.

We offered at 4.5 months, even though she wasn't grabbing as you describe. We thought "we'll see what she does." She was a large infant.
She was interested and took to it, though slowly (she is cautious by nature). By the second offering, she was INHALING the food.

[Anonymous]

We started at 4 months with a week of rice cereal. Then moved on to other foods. We've actually never given her rice cereal again. We didn't have any problems. She eats everything you stick in her baby mouth, and desperately wants everything she sees us put in ours.

[Anonymous]

I think your baby will tell you when s/he is ready. Follow generally AAP and peds advice but don't get all wrapped up in exact dates, timelines, etc. Everyone is different. I don't think anyone is in danger of a 5 year old heading off to kindergarten with a bottle. Try not to obsess about all the differing studies. Some allergies we can't control (I'm just making a broad statment here with absolutely no evidence to back it up=). My DS' daycare is pushing us to increase solids with my 8-month old. If I were SAHM, I wouldn't think about it as much and I'd go as slowly (or as quickly) as I want. But, since the daycare will switch DS to all solids at one year, I have to make sure he's prepared.