What are the real dangers of adding a small amount of single grain rice cereal to a 6wk old infant's bottle (about a teaspoon)?
I've been contemplating doing this because I'm returning to work soon and my son is still drinking 3-4 ounces every 2 hours. Seems like every woman in my family has done this -- and judging from their kids (ages ranging from 6-18), they look absolutely fine. Not even a single overweight child.
I'm going to try to be patient. I don't want to do anything that would jeapordize my son's health. It's just that these sleepless nights are taking its toll.
According to my mother, who is a pediatric nurse, babies bodies are not developed enough to digest rice cereal until 4-6 months. Giving it too early can cause digestive problems. Talk to your pediatrician if you're concerned that your baby's not getting enough nutrition. Don't go it alone.
There is a choking risk involved w/ thickening a formula- especially for as young as 6 wks- Also, there is an increased risk of food allergies developing later on when started on solids too soon. Why are you wanting to add cereal to his formula so early? (I am not being accusatory- simply curious) Good luck!
Dear L., my Step-Mother, who is a dietician, told me that the reason for waiting to start your infant on solid foods until 4-6 months is because the child's digestive tract is still not developed enough for solid food. Sometimes starting your infant too soon on cereals can create an allergic reaction. I have a 6 month old who I nurse and I realize that feeding every 2-2.5 hours is a chore but it is what is best for your baby and I am sure you know how time flies when they are infants so I think if you can hold off on feeding him/her the cereal for a few more months, it will benefit his/her health in the long run. P.S. the Gerber foods website has a lot of good information about feeding your infant solid food including a list of the signs that indicate your child is ready for solids. I hope this e-mails helps. C.
If allergies run in your family I would not. Check with your doctor or his advice nurse they will know you childs history and can give you the best answer. It also may pose a choaking hazard. Best to ask an expert.
Hi L.,
I am a Pedi RN- our office does not recommend adding anything to bottles. Solids are best held until baby can take them from a spoon (between 4-6 months) and is ready to digest them.
There are rare instances when an infant has really bad reflux and is not gaining weight that the cereal would be recommended. If this is the case you really need to talk to your Pedi.
The links givewn in an earlier post are excellent resources.
Hope this helps!
D.
L.,
I suggest you discuss this with your pediatrician. Introducing solid foods too early has been connected to allergies, diabetes and obesity and does not help your infant sleep any longer.
There is a risk associated with the too early introduction of solid foods (including just a little bit of rice cereal in a bottle). These included an increased risk for food alergies, diabetes, and obesity.
In general, it's best to wait until your baby is at least 6 months of age before starting solid foods (although many doctors still reccomend age 4 months).
Here is a link about adding cereal to the bottle:
http://www.babycenter.com/expert/baby/babyfeeding/9155.html
Here is a page with various links and information about the right time to start solids:
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html
Note: This website is generally pro-breastfeeding and Attachment Parenting, but the sources linked are generally from widely recognized, mainstream medical sources (American Academy of Pediatrics, World Health Org., etc.).
