starting oatmeal - question

I'm starting oatmeal once a day with DD who is almost 4 1/2 months. I know to make 1 tablespoon of oatmeal with 4-5 tablespoons of formula so its really thin BUT how much of that can she eat.

I know she'll likely start off with just a few spoons, but if she wants to eat the whole thing, do I let her or do I stop her after a few tastes at this point?

It comes out really thin but it seems like alot. Should I stop after a certain amount?

ETA: If she does eat the whole thing, do I give her 2 oz less of formula in her bottle since thats what would go in the oatmeal. I've read posts that say she should get the same amount of formula, but is that even if she eats all the oatmeal?

Message edited 6/24/2013 11:20:15 AM.

Re: starting oatmeal - question

She can eat it all. My DS ate the whole bowl EVERY time. He loves oatmeal! And at that point, it's mostly formula anyway.

starting oatmeal - question

When your DD is full, she'll stop eating. Until then, keep shoveling it in.

We're constantly surprised at how much our little guy eats! (about 2-3 tablespoons of cereal with 2oz formula and an entire banana mushed in)

starting oatmeal - question

Great, thanks! I'll let her eat as much of it as she wants. one more question, added to original post!! thanks!

starting oatmeal - question

We fed ds til he's didn't want anymore. I also made my cereal thicker. It was too thin with all that formula

Re: starting oatmeal - question

I fed DS until he didn't want anymore. He usually finishes the bowl, maybe with a tiny bit leftover. But, I never added 4-5 Tb of formula b/c that's just so runny. You might as well just feed formula off of a spoon at that point! I never measure - just add liquid until it's a good consistency.

As for your other question - I still give DS the same amount of formula. Sometimes he doesn't finish his bottle but I offer the same amount as I normally do.

starting oatmeal - question

To answer your other question, yes - you still give the same amount of formula. Eventually, you might notice that your DD doesn't need as much so you can give her less, but that'll take a little while

Re: starting oatmeal - question

My DD actually preferred it thick right away. I think she was frustrated with me trying to feed her with a spoon when it was pretty much liquid.

We make the cereal pretty thick and have increased to about 2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon of fruit twice a day. She loves it so we increased pretty quickly.

DD is just about 6 months.

We tried rice cereal at 4 months and she became really fussy and irritable - we think she was maybe constipated or upset so we just stopped after 2 days. We waited 2 weeks and it was a different experience - she loved it. Just wanted to share in case you experience this. Follow their lead.