Sooooo....give my 6 month old french fries?!?!

[ziggysgrl0724]

OK, so some of you might remember I asked the question about solids the other day.  Well today was Adriana's appointment (she is 18 lbs now, little porker).  On all of your advice I asked him about feeding.  he again told me to give her 3 bottles a day, 3 full meals a day and in between give her water and juice.  he also told me that she is old enough for any kind of food, and I should start giving her toast, crackers, cheese, pasta , rice, and French fries....I kid you not.  SOOOOOOOOOOOO, I don't think I should be following his advice anymore, lol.  he also told me that when I am feeding her solids to feed her until she starts spitting out food and her stomach is completely full.  I know some of you are going to tell me to switch dr.'s......I cant.  This *****!!!!

[gokuangel]

I dont have a baby but did the dr tell you this? OMG!! That is crazy i would research more i have heard that giving kids food they dont need to early leads to food allergies and other problems!! I'm sure its true though cus a babys stomach just cannot certain foods until its ready!

[pcarsey]

Wow, that is crazy. I would not give Brayden half of what your doctor suggests is okay.. and he is 10 1/2 months old. But, he hardly gets anything but milk and I'm fine with it. I haven't ever been concerned about when to give him "food" so I have never asked his doctor.. I will when he has his yearly well baby but I'm not even too concerned about any of it now.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do, but if nothing else, I would stay away from the "loaded with fat french fries".

[Linzola1]

Thats strange! Julian is 9 months old and eats stage 3 foods and some solids like peas cut up and other boiled veggies cut up. I also give him pasta pick ups but other than that nothing! She could choke on french fries! OMG I am a little concerned about what the doctor said!

[40smama]

I can't believe your dr told you to give your baby french fries - the most un-nutritional food ever.  If there's one thing I'm determined to do w/my baby, it is to not feed him french fries.  There's nothing good in them - I know they taste yummy but it's sooo bad.

Even if french fries were nutritious, I think giving fries at this age would cause a child to choke like Linzola said.  Your dr sounds a little old-school - kind of reminds me of mine. I keep thinking he needs to enter the 21st century!  Anyway, the best thing for you to do if you can't switch doctors is to continue to do good research on pediatric matters yourself - you are obviously already doing that - and filter through your doctor's advice.  If you have any doubts about his advice, can you get a 2nd opinion - would that be an option?

[ziggysgrl0724]

40smama~ I am not sure if a second opinion is an option.  I am not sure if you saw the other post explaining why I cant switch Dr's.  Its because my DH is in the Air Force and this is the pediatrician on base.  And right now they are incredibly short on Dr's.  They have 2 pediatricians to look after all the children of phoenix Arizona military.  I have asked if i could see a civilian, and I was told no.  My husband is going to find out 2morrow from some friends who say they see civilian pediatricians how they do it.  I would love to see someone else.  We had the same pediatrician here for almost 4 years and she got out of the military and now we are stuck with what we have until they bring more people in, but who knows when that will be.

[Annice1234]

i was told french fries by our dr at 6 months.  i think because they can suck on them and not choke and stuff. i wasn't told all of the other stuff though.

[Annice1234]

i also have to add, i was still scared to give him french fries then even though the dr said.  she's actually a really good dr too...we loved her.  we had to switch when we moved, but fortunately we found another fabulous dr.  she did say the fries were to suck on..but i just knew somehow my son would bite them and choke.  she also told us gerber graduates and cherios at 6 months.  even though they are already small, i still bit them in half because i was scared.  

[mami1323]

Holy sh!t!!!  That is crazy.  First off at 6 months a baby is JUST starting solids.  I gave Jayden only oatmeal in the mornings and then slowly started to increase it to 2 meals a day.  Which was Stage 1 foods.  One food every 3 days to make sure he wasn't allergic to anything.  He just started getting french fries at 12 months but we limit that because of the grease.  I just can't believe your ped would say these things.  I would do my own research on what foods are best and follow those guidelines.  That's just scary.

[vsentz]

I gave Maddie tries of everything at 5 or 6 months... she now became a NOT-whatsoever-picky eater. She is very good at accepting new foods and gobbling anything momma gives her. She does eat french fries *ducks down* but, the home made ones. We cut up potatoes, thick enough that don't absorb as much grease and put them in a pan with some oil.... she loves them! but that's not the only thing she'd eat for a meal. I always give her protein, carbohidrates and vegetables/fruit in a single meal. So with her fries, she has ground beef with veggies.... ;) she still drinks her bottles of formula (now mixed with whole milk) and drinks water and juice. She is as healthy as a bull! she has not had an infection of ANY kind in months.... she has NEVER had an ear infection and has just had RSV once when she was under 3 months... so, I'm for the 'feed-them-a-good-variety' kind... they'll be less picky by them time they reach the age of 1... and healthier.

Maddie has never choked on anything either. But I make sure she doesn't stuff her mouth, or bites off a big chunk of anything. They have gag reflexes! if they feel something big, they'll try to chew on it and if it doesn't 'fit' their wind pipe, they'll spit it right out.. (most of babies do anyway...). Here's some info on those foods that I found:



----Rice - Wholesome & Nutritious

Rice is the staple food for two-thirds of the world's population. Rice is a wholesome and nutritious cereal grain and it has qualities, which make it ideally suited for special dietary needs.
• Contains only 103 calories per half-cup serving of white rice and 108 calories per half-cup serving of brown rice.
• Is cholesterol-free.
• Is fat-free.
• Is sodium-free.
• Is a complex carbohydrate.
• Is gluten-free and non-allergenic.
• Is easy to digest.



---"A pasta meal is very healthy if it uses vegetable or tomato sauce and/or accompaniments such as olive oil, fish and lean meat and small amounts of cheese.  It is healthy because the fats are good —unsaturated — and the carbs are good — low GI — and you are getting lots of micronutrients from the accompaniments.

You are getting a balance of carbs, fats and proteins.”

―Jennie Brand-Miller, Professor of Human Nutrition, University of Sydney; co-author of THE NEW GLUCOSE REVOLUTION: THE AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE TO THE GLYCEMIC INDEX




---FOOD VALUE OF CHEESE.; Two-thirds of a Pound as Nutritious as a Pound of Meat.

WASHINGTON, May 31. -- While so much is being said and written about the high cost of foodstuffs, it is well for the housekeeper to remember that among the palatable substitutes for meat and very important from the standpoint of its food value and the great number of ways in which it can be used, is cheese.



---By Melanie Wilson
Vegetarian Cooking and Lifestyle Expert

Are potatoes good for you? What about sweet potatoes?

Potatoes are a staple food around the world, and why not? They deliver an energizing dose of complex carbohydrates, protein, potassium, vitamins B6 and C, copper and manganese.

Sweet potatoes weigh in as one of the most nutritious vegetables of all with substantial amounts of vitamins C and B6. Bake them in strips, cube them in soups or mash them up for your daily dose of carotenoids (plant-based antioxidants).



Here, it's not so bad is it??? and like I said: it's all about the balance. If you are giving her french fries, just give her tries... and make her meal something more nutritious like lean beef with veggies, or fruit, or egg yolk (ask doctor first!)... she will grow up with more nutrients... therefore better immune system and stronger bones and muscle mass!!!!! Balance is the key.. at any age!!!

[pinkbelle]

im with vanessa..... aubree got tries of everything at 5 / 6 mths.. she has been very healthy as well..  everything is fine in moderation..  every baby is different so therefore there is no rigid guide when to feed them this or that ( with the exception of milk, honey, peanut butter, eggs)  if u feel your child is ready then i say go for it.. keep in mind that you need to keep the bites small.. aubree eats shredded chicken, shredded beef, little bites of fish. she also eats pasta ( elbow noodles)  little bites of cheese and i give her sugar free jello.. now she also eats stage 2 baby food.  i give aubree little bites of frozen yogurt as well ( it really helps when they are teething)..

[pinkbelle]

oh and watch the salt intake.. i never add salt to aubrees food

[tatorbug40]

yeah,  with my first I tried to follow all the rules-  with Colten (#2) -- I remember he was maybe 7 or 8 months old and we were at McDonalds so Taylor could play, and he was screaming for her cheeseburger...  he ate about 3/4 of it!!!  (and french fries)---  now I don't feed them mcdonalds often...  but both of my kids were eating all kinds of stuff by the time they were 9 months old-  it is whatever you feel comfortable with!  You know your kid the best!

[GRose]

I didn't start giving Noah table food until he was 10 months old (his doctor gave me the ok) I even thought that was early. I think it is ok to let her try some new stuff but keep it healthy and just a few bites.

[peekawho]

Ziggy, you are a very bright woman and can figure out what would be the best nutrition value and wisest choices to make.  What you decide now, may impact her life decades from now.   Babies can't make the decisions for themselves, and depend on their parents to set them on a great course for a healthy life!

Good luck!

[tatorbug40]

yeah,  Taylor will eat all SORTS of healthy stuff, fruit, veggies... she is a very healthy eater, and makes those good choices on her own now!  

Colten only wants to eat cheese, meat, and pasta...  so I FORCE :)  veggies on him-  actually,  I just make sure to mix it in with his other stuff, so he eats it,  if it is on the side he won't eat it...  I will just keep introducing it into his diet and hope that he will be the same as his sister and make good eating choices in the future...  

if Taylor has her choice between chips or fruit, she will almost ALWAYS take the fruit...  so like peek said,  just introduce good foods when you feel it is time...  

(although, sometimes french fries don't hurt :)), they are afterall a veggie...  :) but that is just my opinion!

[ziggysgrl0724]

Thanks for the  advice ladies.....I just want to make it clear that I am not against kids having french fries and/or babies trying foods, so I dont want you to think that.  My issue is that I really do think she is a little young to be having things that could make her choke.  She is barely getting her first tooth, and it just worries me thats all.  I think more then anything I am just frustrated that I cant see a ped. that I would actually trust and be able to talk to to and feel confident in his/her advice.

[tatorbug40]

Oh, and I try to use foods that I would eat... like instead of giving them cheeze-its, I buy wheat crackers-  they like these just as well...  

[pertykitty]

i cant see giving fries at 6 months, i am one mom though that is strict with nutrition , especially before a year.  go to wholesomebaby with a dot and a com and they have some excellent nutrition info and recipies.  older dr's give odd advice in my opinion lol.  like peek said you are smart, you can figure out what you should or shouldnt feed your little one.

[vsentz]

(although, sometimes french fries don't hurt :)), they are afterall a veggie...


Yep, well said! =) (I forget what kind of veggie they are... if someone wants to get into that deep... but the carbs they contain are good and healthy, plus it has vitamins too)

If you split a fry along the middle and let her suc.k on it she'll get used to the texture of new things, she will become an -eat-everything- eater! and that's what you want! =) or you can just cut it up in mini tiny pieces, for the same reason.

[ziggysgrl0724]

vsentz-  You gave Maddie things like french fries before she had teeth?  I am just concerned because I remember my older 2 choking on things and I guess I am just concerned about that.  Like I said its not really the french fries as much as I see a choking hazard, ya know?  So far I am only giving her 1st foods and bought 2nd foods last night to start trying.  I swear i think part of my is just reluctant because i know she is my last baby and i dont want to make her grow up too fast...if that makes sense, lol

[pertykitty]

that makes perfect sense.  so many are so quick to have them do things early ( i remember doing that the first time) and when it seems like it may be your last baby,. you want to hold on to every little minute of baby.  

babies are all different on the time line as to what they can handle.  addison is 16 months and i still have to watch her for choking because she puts too much in her mouth!  little piggy she is lol.  you do what feels right to you, do what your inner voice says.  

v your baby is too grown up already!! she is going to be asking for the keys soon to go on a date lol.

[vsentz]

lol... I know ALL TOO WELL that feeling! =)

Yep, she was getting the first two when I did... and even before, I'd give her stuff with more consistency just for her to get used to it. I'd just make sure they either can dissolve it or mush it in their mouths or it's tiny and soft to swallow. Never EVER give her hard stuff like nuts or toasted food. Always things they can soften in their mouths.
I don't think even when they have teeth (the top or bottom ones -front) help any with swallowing better... they'd need molars to chew on stuff anyway... they might bite off from things but not chew... so just make sure the fry doesn't have any hard parts.. like, I'd bite off the pointy corners (fried are hard) and then open the fry along the middle and give it to her and just keep a VERY close eye on her (ya know... paranoid mom speaking!!!) and she did fine! =))
I think they are more than capable to do things and they can suprise us doing stuff we never imagined our babies could do!!! it's US mommies the ones that usually stop them from doing things! or limit them! their abilities are endless! =))

(I'm still waiting for her helmet to come in the mail..... LOL!!!!)

[vsentz]

lol.... and my husband will have a heart attack!

have you seen that commercial where the father sees the 16 year old as a 3 year old asking for the keys to the car and will go on a date to the movies with so and so?? it's too funny!

[have 2 kids]

Anyone else craving french fries right now???

[ziggysgrl0724]

Ummmmmm, I crave french fries all the time have 2 kids....why should right now be any different? lol

[have 2 kids]

lol

[tatorbug40]

I worried a little about Colten because he didn't get teeth until later-  like 9 months...  but he just gummed everything up!  I was amazed at what he could eat with no teeth!!  I was very tenative at first,  but he did great with no teeth!

[tatorbug40]

Oh,  and 6 months might be a little sooner then Colten started with this kind of stuff-  I think those puffs are the best thing to start them on to get use to solids with low risk of choking...  once Colten mastered those-  we moved on-  and like others said-  V, and so forth-  the fries are good because they can get soggy quickly if they suck on them-  but I wouldn't start with them probably...

[peekawho]

Please.  Don't give your baby french fries.  Thats all I can say.  HUGE choking hazard, let alone nutritional nightmare.  Babies yes, they can mush them in their mouths....but occasionally a piece may break off, and they can choke.  Its a risk.  Are you willing to take it?

If they are fried in ANY amount of oil, potatoes soak up oil like a sponge.  You are setting up your babies to crave the taste of starchy fried food.  Time enough for that later.

There are so many wholesome foods out there.  Why on earth would anyone give a helpless baby something like fries?  

Again, a 6 month old is only experimenting with taste and texture, and its their first experience outside of formula.  PLEASE don't set babies up with a life long craving for foods that will eventually cause them grief in their adult years.

Thats all I can say about it.  This topic really upsets me.  I was raised EXACTLY the way some of you are raising your infants, and I daresay its the reason why later childhood obesity and adult obesity is at an all time high in the majority of the worlds population.   Lets break the cycle.  

[vsentz]

Relax Peek! it's ok hun.... this is just for taste! I'm not raising my child ON french fries! lol
She tries them, she likes them.... she tries veggies, she likes them! do I give her french fries in every meal? NO... do I give her veggies in every meal? YES. Was I 'raised' on french fries??? hmm yep, I remember eating them since I can remember...

I am not obese...

Make sure (in fries or any kind of food) no hard stuff or edges are hidden, because, yep they can scrape their throats and/or be a chocking hazard...

I don't think any of the girls that have given their babies a piece or two of french fries are 'raising' them to be obese. Opposed to that, I believe if they are (these are words from Madisson's pediatrician) exposed to different textures and flavors (with the exception of honey... etc) they'll be more likely to be less picky eaters and accept anything and everything before the age of 1. (which is a good thing!)

Not trying to argue your knowledge... I know you are a very intelligent, knowledgable nurse. But I think it got a little blown up... I don't think this is a way of raising our children, rather just a flexible approach to food. Potatoes are nutritious. Do they soak up grease like crazy?? YES! this is why I stated: 'I make home-fries, which I place the potatoes in the pan with a little bit of oil'.... see?? there's a huge difference right there.

I respect and see where you're coming from, but I take offense on the way I'm being portraited as 'rasing my child on fries'. There's a WHOLE WORLD of difference from taste (or try) to raise her on fries.

And just as an extra: she eats vegetables AND fruits for snacks instead of starchy puffs or cheerios....

Like I said before: Balance is THE KEY.

[tam2girls]

I just wanted to add that personally the chocking factor has less to do with the food and more to do with the child. WIlliam and Michelle 20 months are like chalk and cheese. She will take small bites and has yet to choke on anything that she has been fed . He onthe other had shoves so much food inhis mouth that he can choke on soft food like banana. They both had french fries the thick cut variety at 6 or 7 months I just watched them carefully and it was more for the taste and texture experience they would never have more then 2 or 3 in one meal. Also as I was breastfeeding I thought it completely safe to let them try anything that was in my usual diet.

[Atlanta Girl]

Fried food tastes good but frying is one of the most unhealthy way of cooking food. Everybody should limit the amount of fried food they eat. Scientists have found that some toxins are released during the frying process and people who consumes lot of fried food have a higher risk of developing cancer and heart disease.  I rarely eat fried food myself and I've never given it to my son.  Last thing I want is to have his little body build any concentration of toxins before he's even able to poop in a toilet! I make all his food from scratch and I mostly steam it (otherwise boil it). He eats everything from broccoli, to beets, to couscous, barley, quinoa, tons of potatoes (he loves those)... He also loves ricotta and parmigiano cheese (unprocessed).  Most people here may disagree but in Italy we think parmigiano is one of the best foods ever invented and pediatricians encourage moms to give it to babies starting from 5 months! I started much later, around 9-10 months.  Also pediatricians in Italy encourage moms to drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil (raw) on the baby food.  EVOO (raw) is incredibly nutritious and has good anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps with constipation.
So far (knock on wood) my son (almost a year old) has not had a single health problem, not even runny nose.  We traveled to Italy when he was 6 months old; I was freaking out because a guy sitting next to us keep coughing and coughing... Of course, he's not going to daycare yet and he's still breastfed when he awakens and before going to bed.  That may make a huge difference.

[Annice1234]

I'm with you V!  There's a huge difference between letting your kid live off of french fries and just a few every now and then.  My son eats anything..and he likes to have french fries sometimes and I give them to him every once in a while.  So what?  Big deal, he likes veggies too.  And he's actually in like the 14th percentile for weight...I think it's gross if people take their kids out to mcdonald or anything often.  I also believe it's important to feed him healthy foods.  But a treat every now and then is fun... :)  

[tatorbug40]

Agreed-  My kids eat very healthy-  I try to feed my whole family healthy---  I myself am trying to lose the last 10 lbs from having 2 kids-  and Peek has been a great help to me in my efforts, she has given me lots of advise...  french fries are not something I eat (although I did have a moment of weakness 2 days ago and have about 4 of them...)---  I don't fry most any foods for my kids or for my family-  we do fries in the oven...  and of course you make sure there aren't sharp edges on anything you give your kids....

but...  all of us know what is best (for the most part) for our kids, and when they are ready to try something new...  we will always question at times how to make a change in something in our children's lives and that is why we all come on here,  for support and opinions...  

I do have to say, that just because we differ in opinions does not make any of us "bad" parents or make the way we are raising our children wrong....  sometimes we will all make wrong choices----  but again,  the reason we are on here is becuase we care and we are all trying to be the best parents we can be....

ziggy,  I think if you are uncomfortable with feeding your child food like that, then don't-  I also think that 6 months is a little to soon for some of the foods that your doctor might have recommended....  

[Renogirl]

I guess I can only comment on what our pediatrician told us - he didn't even have us START baby food until Abby was six months and he didn't give us the ok to start trying table food until she was nine months.  Abby didn't even get her first tooth until she was eleven months old - so I was really cautious about what we gave her.  She only got mooshy foods like graham crackers - Cheerios, vanilla wafers - anything that mushed in her saliva until she was almost a year old.  Now we let her try almost anything we eat - meatloaf - adult veggies (green beans, carrots, peas, etc) and although some on here disagree - I have torn off little pieces of chicken nuggets and french fries and given them to her.  She never gets a lot - when I have given her french fries - its maybe one or two - and I tear it into little pieces.  For whatever reason (my mother sure didn't raise me this way) I am an incredibly picky eater.  I don't want Abby to be - so while she is willing to try things - I am letting her try them.  I do try to use SOME common sense - she didn't get things she had to chew before she had teeth - I know some foods are incredibly unhealthy so she only gets a couple of bites - and while I am sure that many of the things I do with her would raise eyebrows - all I can advise you to do is to trust your mommy heart - what feels right for your child????

[Pcogale]

It's called baby led weaning (http://babyledweaning.com/  for more info)

And it's not necessarily a problem.  

Maybe you can substitute your local fast food store french fries with steamed potato straws that you make yourself.

[kjbutcher]

you need to do what you are comfortable with.  I remember you saying something about your other children and this one is different.  Do what you feel you need to do with her.  You can get baked french fries and put them in the oven.  AJ has had them a few times when we go to other peoples houses and he just sucked the middle out.  there is nothing wrong with banana, rice...  It is surprising how children dont choke nearly as much as we would imagine they would!  AJ did have his 25 oz of formula a day until age 1, but at 9 months he was eating (on his own, not me feeding him) what I ate as far as meals and between 6-9 months he was getting pieces of what I was eating.  You are getting a ton of replies and only you know what is right for your child.  I know there was not a way for me to do formula only until age 1.  At 6 months my son pulled himself up to the coffee table and took a handfull of mashed potatos off of my husbands plate and shoved them in his mouth before we could do anything about it.  That was the day he knew he loved real food!

[Cherie762]

just dont see why anyone would want to feed a baby fried food, things sure have changed since mine where babies,,,I intoduced infant cereal at 4 months, just breast milk prior to that, next babyfood fruitm then vegtables, my boys didnt get meat until 10 months,,,and as for table food at about 6 months they got the cheeios, soft cooked veggies like canned peas or carrot squares they could pick up,,,nutriton is so important......now that my kids are older I cant stop them from eating fast food, but I do control whats in the house, they have snack choices like strawberries raw carrots, Kashi cereal, homemade vanilla pudding with 1/2 percent milk....the only oil in my house is extra virgin olive oil,,,,my one son snacks on salads all the time...If they are not used to cakes and cookies they will eat what they are used to ,,,and be healthier for it.

[Trialanderror]

Lots of opinions on this one I see...I went by the book on that one. Cereals only by 6 months, solids by 9 months. Cows milk by one year and so on.

I cooked without salt and sugar and cheerios or applesauce were about the saltiest/sweetest he ever got until age 3. I also made sure he never saw the image of fast foods so he would not want french fries or any deep fried breaded things like chicken nuggets. He just had the boiled variety and potatoes were just potatoes, not cut in strips to simulate fries. I remember how older kids were making fun of him eating green beans in his stroller, like "poor kid, thinks he`s eating fries".
Now at age six he does eat some chicken nuggets and all those treats babysitters and teachers seem to be pouring out - but he never liked French fries or any prepackaged foods that come with a lot of salt. So I think it does help to avoid introducing some foods at an early age.

I  have tried a few of those snacks most kids have in kindergarten that come with cheese dips or chips and I have tried some of the typical birthday cakes. It is unbelievable HOW much salt and sugar is used in this. It is absolutely crazy what the food industry is doing. They are poisoning our kids and we help them.

[jesslee83]

alex eats stage 1 and 2 foods, cereals(plain and the flavored kind)....he's not a big fan of french fries, but i buy those huge soft pretzels, and nuke them(making them rubbery), and he will gum it down...he refuses to take his teethers so the pretzels work very well...he loves plain mashed potatos(i dont add salt, or butter), he has eaten a few pieces of plain white rice, he's had plain peas and carrots as well as green beans...and and salt/fat free refried beans...he eats the refried beans and 'tatos better, because since they are thicker, they don't just run out of his mouth...he's not slack or anything, but with baby food, he tries to chew so it comes right back out...so i either give him solids, or mix his baby stuffs with cereal.....