My baby is 4mths old......

Can I start giving her baby food or cereal? She weighed 12lbs last month and when I hear about other 4mth old and their weight, it's such a big difference! Need advice ladies.....

[JoyRenee]

Has she had her ped. appointment yet? Usually at that appointment the pediatrician will give the go ahead on foods if baby is fine. I personally try to wait until 6-12 months to introduce food to avoid food allergies and the fact their tummies may not be able to digest the food well (tummy aches, gas, etc.).

[Jen133]

On her last appt. (a month ago) her ped said that we were going to start her on cereal.  I asked her about baby food and she said not  yet, that she'll let me know..

[findinghumility]

I agree with JoyRenee.  I know a lot of people that start cereal etc at 4 months, but I also like to wait until 6 months. That is when most babies naturally develop the ability take the food descendant anyway. I guess I just never found any worth while benefits to starting so early and found many more negatives like what Joy brought up.

[sweetangel7]

I'd do as the ped. said...

[KM604]

My pedi said that we could start my daughter on cereal at 4 months, then a few weeks later start her on baby food.  He said by the time she is 6 months she would be at breakfast, lunch and dinner.  At her 4 month check up she was 12lbs 2oz.  She is now 6 months and eats 3tbs cereal and 2.5oz baby food for breakfast and dinner and 3.5oz food for lunch.  

I think it's up to you.  I know some parents and pedi's have different views on when a baby can or can't eat baby food or when they need to eat it.  The American Pediatrician site I believe says its ok to start food at 4 months.  You just want to make sure your giving the purreed kind until your baby can sit up on their own without support, then you can move onto the thicker foods.

[Lance06]

At Sarah's 4 month appt the doctor told me we could experiement with stage 1 foods...but not to push anything....if she didnt seem interested. She didnt seem interested until the 5th month.....after trying for a month....

Just make sure when starting to start one kind at at time for a couple of days to prevent bad reactions to diff foods.

[KeyD]

My ped says the earlier food is introduced the greater the risk for allergies.