When Can I Start My Baby on Cereal?

My pediatrician told me to wait until 6 months to start any solids. She also told me a rule of thumb is if your child can sit up in a highchair without being propped up. If so, then they're ready! Good luck!

Hi J.,
It's best to wait until 6 months old. The reasons are many and include the food allergies. If you can hold off until 6 months, you'll have better results with the child and they have lesser chances of developing food allergies.

Signs are: loss of tongue thrust reflex, able to sit and hold head up on their own - unassisted, doubling of birth weight, ability to let you know they are full by turning head or refusing bottle, and is interested in what you're eating.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and most doctors recommend waiting until 6 months to introduce solids. Some babies are told to start earlier due to reflux or other conditions. Starting solids too early can be risky. There is a risk of choking and a possibility of food allergies, and a risk of tummy upset. When you do introduce solids, most pediatricians recommend starting with rice cereal. Mix it in with formula/breastmilk. It should only be a very, very small amount. Mix it so the milk is just slightly thicker than plain milk. There shouldn't be any lumps. Start with just one feeding per day. These feedings should not replace the bottle or nursing sessions, but should be in addition to regular feedings. Until 1 year old solids are extra and only for practice, the main source of nutrition should still be formula or breastmilk.

Talk it over with your pediatrician at the 4 month visit, they can give you instructions, and help you decide what is best for your baby.

Don't rush it! I was also told that we could think about starting at 4 months with my first and so I did. She didn't want it and the whole process was just frustrating me so I decided to wait. At 6 months, she picked it up without any problems at all. If he is healthy and growing then don't rush the solids for all the reasons that others have mention. The only reasons that I have heard of that it is necessary to start at 4 months is if the little one is not gaining weight properly. And when you do decide to start, don't read the directions on the box that says first feeding because it makes WAY too much. Just put a little in a bowl and add liquid until it is a good consistency.

Hi J.!!
Really there is no hurry or advantage I know of to starting a 4 month old baby cereal (can cause constipation and gas if introduced too early or too much )but applesauce and bananas are good starters. Also a food grinder for a few spoonfuls of your fresh steamed veg works great starting closer to 6 months in introducing foods. Puree'ing veg/fruits with or without a bit of cereal (Muesli for babies is my FAVORITE!) and placing it in ice cube trays to freeze then pop into freezer bags for individual portions to thaw as needed -- worked for my 4 kids!

You will know when he is ready when he wants to grab your food as you hold him while you are eating!

joyful blessings, D.

I started all four of my children around 4 months and began with rice cereal. Your pediatrician sounds like he/she gives the same recommendations that mine gives us and I truly trust and like my pediatrician. It has to be pretty runny in the beginning so your baby can learn to swallow it and get used to the texture. As he gets older you can thicken it and he'll begin to eat bigger amounts. I wouldn't push it because he's getting the nutrition he needs from his formula for now. Take care!

4 months. And you will probably have to practice for a week before he actually gets it. My baby looked like he was going to puke the first time I gave it to him.....Good luck!

I dont think their are any particular signs. If he seems satisfied with the formula he is getting. I would wait until the 4mth mark to start him on it.

Good Morning J., I told another Mama ( Melissa) I started our boys on cereal at 6 wks, with my Dr. blessing. Our eldest was on cow's milk at 2-3 wks as I couldn't breastfeed well.
I don't know for sure why Doctor's tell mom's to wait until a certain age unless it has to do with allergies or something. I never always went by the Book, our son's are living proof I must of done things ok. They gave me 5 awesome gr kids.

Good Bless you and your family
K. Nana of 5

Please read this article from WebMD.com: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-food-nutrition-9... It is very helpful and informative.

WAIT, WAIT!!! Contrary to what other moms may have said or if your baby is 'ready', their digestive systems aren't ready until the 4 month mark. Just wait, it's only another month.

Hi, I know you are satisfied with the responses you already have, but I just wanted to add that the 6 month recommendation is from the American Academy of Pediatricians. It's relatively new (ie, changed between my 4 yo and my 2 yo), so it might be worth mentioning that to your ped.

Enjoy! Babies are pretty amazing, huh?

Congratulations! A milestone for your baby too. You know your child the best. If you start him a bit early it won't hurt him, gradually introduce the cereal. Try it in the evening, it may help satify him through the night. Best wishes!

It's funny how doctor's have changed their idea on what age to start cereal. I have a 5 1/2 yr old and back then it was 6 months old. I also have a 17 month old and it was 4 months for her. Although, when I started my youngest at 4 months - she was not interested at all in the cereal (I tried for about a week). Finally gave up and tried again at 6 months and it was much better. I'm not sure why they are recommending at 4 months (never helped either child sleep better) and I found that it was better to wait. I would suggest if you really want to start at 4 months to try it for a few days and if your baby doesn't like it - don't sweat it - just try again in a month or so.

Good luck.