Do I HAVE to start food?

I had Marron at the doctor yesterday for her 4 month check-up. She is 12 pounds, 10 ounces (was 8lbs 1oz at birth). She is currently getting anywhere between 22 and 24 ounces per day of breastmilk and formula. On the advice of the ped, I mix the milk with a little rice cereal (about 1tsp/2oz) to reduce the terrible spitting up that she was doing.

So, the doctor said I can start her on food now. He said to give her either oatmeal or barley once a day for 2-3 weeks then start with the orange vegetables once a day in addition to the cereal.

I'm just wondering if I HAVE to start giving her the food since she stiil seems to be satisfied with just the bottles.

What is the reason to start them on solids if they're not looking for more to eat?

According to some of the sources I've seen, she hasn't met some of the important milestones recommended before starting solids -- like sitting up on her own and doubling her birth weight.

I am okay with waiting, but if I should be starting now, I want to do that.

Any opinions?

Re: Do I HAVE to start food?

No you dont have too-

Alot of moms dont start there babies til 6 months...

If she is doing great with formula and BM, and gaining properly... you can hold off if you want!

Re: Do I HAVE to start food?

I guess I'm also wondering if she is gaining properly. Last month she was 12lbs 3oz. She is now 12lbs 10oz. Do you think they want me to start food to make her start gaining more?

Re: Do I HAVE to start food?

No- I dont think so-

IMO- giving food could make them take less formula/ BM- and really thats where all the "good stuff" comes from....

Every baby gains at there own pace...
Where the fall on the charts is not important... whats important is that they continually gain along the same lines....

(there is no drastic drops- really)

Hope Im making sense...

Re: Do I HAVE to start food?

I NEVER follow charts... Each child is an individual... DD has well doubled her birth weight and doing fine on my milk only. The DR will probably discuss solids at DD 6 month but we aren't even sure if we want to start then.

Re: Do I HAVE to start food?

Im sure shes gaining fine otherwise they would say something to you. Or at least I'd hope they would - youre the Mom so I cant see that they wouldnt mention it. My son is 3m and they just said at his last visit that they will recommend starting solids next visit. And believe me, hes gaining. You dont have to start her, esp if shes satisfied or there is any history of allergies in the family. I remember starting my older son early b/c he was ravenous with 40+ oz per day.

Re: Do I HAVE to start food?

I don't plan on starting Lauren on solids for at least a another month or so, when she is 5 months. She is 14 lbs already at 3 months, so she is doing nicely. and she only takes about 25-30 ounces of formula a day and is happy. I see no reason to rush.

Re: Do I HAVE to start food?

O think I'm going to wait to start her. Should I call the doctor to tell him that I'm not starting now, since he wanted to see her in 6 weeks to see how she's doing with the food and to tell me what to do after the orange veggies?

Re: Do I HAVE to start food?

I think the only requirement I have heard is to start before 8 months so they can learn how to chew. Otherwise I think most people start anywhere between 3.5 and 6 months

Re: Do I HAVE to start food?

you dont have to start her. i didnt start my lil ones on food till 6 months. my pediatrican said the time when you should really start adding some food is when they are drinking 32 oz of formula or more a day. cause then it shows the formula is no longer satisfying them. your lil one seems fine. you can wait.

Re: Do I HAVE to start food?

Nope.. the recommended age is 4-6 months. I didn't start cereal until 5 months.