A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:When should I start feeding my baby rice, cereal and baby food? He is 2 months and 15 days right now. Reply to this Question
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male
reader, Danielepew  +, writes (15 March 2009):
 I agree that a doctor's opinion is important here, and perhaps the right opinion to listen to. However, I want to add that children in the Third World are fed solid foods very early, and mums who don't pay attention to doctors in this regard are the ones who usually have the best-fed children.
We don't have a shortage of children. We do have a lot of infant mortality and malnutrition, but solid food is not what kills our kids, and malnutrition is more prevalent among the very poor and among the very rich who follow our doctors' advice to the letter IN THIS PARTICULAR REGARD. That is to say, the children whose parents feed them solid foods after something like forty days are usually the best-fed ones. I happen to be one of them. And I may add that children in rural areas eat beans since day two of their lives.
A
male
reader, ArmyMedic  +, writes (15 March 2009):
 Talk to whoever has been guiding you so far, paediatrician, midwife, health visitor, etc.
Most of the aunts here are very very good, (jessica04 and wonderingcat included) but you do have to be aware that there are also 13 year old girls post answers on this site and I'd be much happier to know that you had spoken to a medical professional about this issue.
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A
female
reader, wonderingcat +, writes (15 March 2009):
 A healthy mother's milk is actually the perfect "food" that you can give your baby until s/he is 12 months old.
But, in general, an infant start to develop its ability to absorb solid foods at 6 months old. Yes, not all our organs are fully developed when we were born. But do talk to your paediatrician to consult on this.
If you have lots of time to devote to your baby, it is always good to make your own baby's foods (again, at least when your baby is already 6 months old). Easy stuff like mashed sweet bananas (just use spoon to mash it). Mashed apple, or pear. Start with the sweet fruits first. You can then continue with mashed (or blended) steam vegetables (also pick the sweet ones). Babies' taste buds first develop to learn to accept sweet/fructose first. Two or three spoonfuls each time should be sufficient, depending on how much he's breast fed that day.
I believe in natural foods, as opposed to processed baby foods. It is so much healthier. But this may only be possible if you have time, or if you have a full time nanny.
Check out these sites:
Homemade Baby Food & Baby Food Recipes: The Stages of Solid Food Feeding
http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/solidfoodstages.htm
Introducing solid foods
http://www.babycenter.com/0_introducing-solid-foods_113.bc
Starting Solid Foods
http://pediatrics.about.com/od/startingsolidfoods/Starting_Solid_Foods.htm
The majorit of human beings are actually lactose intolerant, meanng we cannot drink cow's milk. We get all different kinds of unpleasant reactions. And this is probably what your baby is experiencing. Your paeditrician would be able to tell you which formula products would be suitable for your baby.
Congratulations on your new baby!
Cat
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A
female
reader, jessica04 +, writes (15 March 2009):
 Talk to your pediatrician. They will know the best time line. Also, if your baby has any acid reflux, they will know better alternatives to rice cereal or certain foods.
My poor little niece had to be on breast milk for a full year before her little tummy could handle regular milk. Formula was too harsh. Some babies will have that reaction to different foods. Your pediatrician will know how to get them the calories and nutrients they need from alternate sources if need be.
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