i was just wondering on how much rice sreal i should feed my 4 month old daughter i have forgotten. if anyone can help that would be great
I dont think that there is a exact amount! Look at your babys clues as to when she is full. Or when she stops opening her mouth or starts spitting it out! Thats how I handle my 4 month old son! They really do let you know if they are interested or not!
start with a couple tablespoons and see how much of it she'll eat.
I gave my kids 1 tbsp twice a day, I think.
If you are breastfeeding then you should not start any solid foods until at least 6 months. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months to "allow the infant to have greater immunologic protection and limit the exposure to pathogens at a vulnerable age. This in turn permits the energy and nutrients that might otherwise be diverted to provide for immunologic responses to be available and utilized for other growth and developmental processes." (http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/solids-when.html)
Additionally, feeding readiness has physical markers such as:
*Baby can sit up well without support.
*Baby has lost the tongue-thrust reflex and does not automatically push solids out of his mouth with his tongue.
*Baby is ready and willing to chew.
*Baby is developing a "pincer" grasp, where he picks up food or other objects between thumb and forefinger. Using the fingers and scraping the food into the palm of the hand does not substitute for pincer grasp development.
*Baby is eager to participate in mealtime and may try to grab food and put it in his mouth.
Once you are ready to begin solid foods rice cereals do not make the ideal first choice, in fact nutritionally they are unnecessary. Choose nutritionally dense and yummy foods for baby instead such as smooshed avocado, banana, squash, and sweet potato. The first two choices can be mushed up with a fork and are ready for feeding. The second need to be cooked and mushed up, perhaps with some seasonings added, and make a delicious and warm meal for baby with no added preservatives.
Good luck!
4 months is really too young for any solid food. Recent studies show (proving common sense), that food introduced to the gut prior to 6 months can causes scarring and ulcers, and is probably directly responsible for the national obesity and allergy epidemic. Babies should have nothing other than breastmilk (or formula if breastmilk is not available) for the first six months of their lives.
After the six months, start looking for cues that the child is ready for solids. DO NOT give rice cereal. It is empty calories with a lot of unnecessary cack in it. Choose healthy, wholesome bits of food that the child can self-feed such as tiny pieces of banana, squash, or avacado.
i beleive you start with 1 tablespoon cereal and 2 or 3 tablespoons breastmilk/ water. as long as its very runny and not too warm. depending on the brand, it will probably have some "first time feeders" instructions right on the box.
My doctor started my daughter out on 2 T. a day and then each week we tried a different cereal until 6 mon. But I would check with your doctor, and just use your instinct. If your child is ready she will let you know. I read in one of the other answers to watch for the signs that she's ready for solid food. I would say that is accurate. My daughter was nearly drooling every time she would see us eat.
My daughter started eating food at 6 months old, and even they it was only a couple of bites.
I think I had tried my daughter on cereal at 4mo or 5mo old. Honestly, it was a waste, she just gaged on it, and clearly wasnt ready for it. I think I did 1T 2 times a day. But I stopped and waited til she was over 6mo old and she did much better. Every baby is different. I agree with what someone said about not starting with rice cereal, not only that, it is binding and you dont want to end up with a constipated baby. Best of luck.
I would think maybe a few scoops to start.and add more to it.cause some times they eat more.Your using a spoon or in the bottle?Mixing with the formula.
From what I understand, a baby is not able to fully digest rice or rice products until one year. their digestive tracts and immune systems are too immature and introducing foods too soon can increase suseptibility to allergies. I got this info from a naturopathic doctor.
6 months is usually the age to start feeding your baby but it really depends on the kid the later you wait the more developed her stomach and digestive system is and the less chance of food allergies. if she's really showing the signs that's she's interested in food then try just a table spoon at a time maybe mixed with banana or applesauce. Rice cereal however can be constipating so oats or mixed grains (the baby stuff) can be better to try. Also Earth's Best baby food has premixed fruit and rice, oat or mixed grain cereal in jars...very easy! Good Luck!!!
ps- don't force it, she'll eat if she's hungry but she may be uninterested for a while :)
none she is to young for that still breast milk or formula only