Did anyone start feeding solids at 4 months?

[mum2bee]

Hi Everyone,

I have a DS who is just 4 months old, I have always struggled to get him to take enough milk according to the guidelines, so there has a few people who have commented and said that maybe I should start him on farex now to satisfy him and that he might just be a solids baby. I am really not sure what to do because my daughter was a great feeder and didn't start solids till 6 months.

[rainbow road]

Even though it was previously recommended to not start feeding solids till 6 months, now it is recommended that solids be introduced (again!) at 4 months of age. All my nannying kids have start solids around 4 months as did all 3 of my brothers and I can categorically say there is no harm done.

If your bub seems hungry then do what your instinct tells you. Do you think he needs more food? You're probably right. Do you think he needs something more 'substantial' than milk? You're probably right.

They give you guidelines, not hard and fast rules, so do what feels best for you and bubba :)

ETA: sorry didn't look at what sec this is in, I know I don't belong here!

[Melmc]

Hi,

I started Bridie on solids at four months as she was a big spewer and MCHNurse said it might keep the spew down. I began with farax, the some fruit and veges, just one at a time to rule out any allergies, so far the only thing she hasn't liked so far is avocado! BUT it hasn't really worked at keeping the spew down!!! She now has breakfast (fruit and farax) and dinner (veges of some description...I steamed and pureed carrots, potato, pumpkin and sweet potato) I've also heard that the new guidelines recommend starting at 4 months too.

If you're unsure, give it a try. If your baby isn't ready, he'll let you know, try again a week or so later. Ask the advice of your nurse too, even if it's just to put your mind at ease. One other thing...I ALWAYS make sure Bridie has had her milk feed about half an hour to an hour before hand, so she doesn't prefer the food to the milk, not sure if this is helpful. Good luck!

[Mrs Potts]

My DS was like yours. Never drank as much milk as he was "supposed" to, he just didn't seem fussed by it at all.

He first tasted solids a touch before 4 months and there was no going back. He opened his mouth so wide for the second spoonful that we named it the "double garage" LOL

These days he's almost 8 and still isn't a huge drinker, but he will eat just about anything.

I agree with Melmc - it can't hurt to try. You'll soon know whether he's ready or not.

(and I know I don't belong in here either ;))

[kymmy]

Did with my first 3 but wont with J.
I want to avoid allergies etc this time by preserving his gut flora which is very sensitive before 6mths. I will give him tastes after that but not worried about solid meals til he can eat properly.

[beachlover09]

I wanted to breastfeed exclusively to 6 months with my son. He was ready for solids at 4 months though much to my surprise. The first time i offered him rice cereal he ate the whole amount and there was no tongue thrust. I think its important to consider allergies, but if there is no history and he has all the signs for being ready there's no harm in trying. If he's not ready you can just stop and try again later.