Is my baby ready to try solids? (4.5 months)

[glupton]

i had the exact same situation as yours pretty much with my DS starting at around 4-1/2 months. i waited until one week before he turned 6 months to start solids. i was just itching to start by then. i'm glad we waited until 6 months. i think it is better for the baby to have all BM for as long as possible.

[3inclothdiapers]

We used to start with rice cereal as the first food, but my first 3 babies all suffered constipation because of it. So, with baby #4, we skipped the rice and started with fruit instead (and oatmeal). That worked out much better! With baby #5 we'll plan on the same thing.

As for WHEN to start; we usually wait till 6 months. But with baby #3 we did start solids at 4.5 months. He was a BIG baby at birth- 10 lb 12 oz. At 4.5 months old, he was acting hungry all the time, and truly seemed interested in eating. So, we started them, and he did great. (And he still continued to breastfeed until 14 months old).

[trulyprecious]

We are waiting until 6 or perhaps even 8 months if he continues to grow well. My little guy (well not so much anymore) was 6lbs 15oz at birth and at five months is closing in on 19lbs already (was 17lbs at 4month checkup). He is exclusively BF and as long as he is healthy I am in NO rush to start solids.

His build is stocky too, just like a little football player. I hope he grows to be 6'4" or taller just like his father and grandfather.

Don't worry about introducing solids just yet. Though I don't totally agree with my doctor's suggestion, he recommend that I nurse my LO less often because he has already doubled his birth weight. But I cannot allow my son to cry and cry as I ignore his request to eat.

That just seems mean to me.

[Pierced]

Wow I can't believe a dr. would tell you to bf less often :O.

I would wait until 6 mos.

[alexatorious]

Originally Posted by FarmerMama We're waiting until she acts like she wants food (usually ~6 months).

A side question- my 5 month old (today!) has become VERY interested in my eating in the last week or so. I basically cannot eat or drink anything without him reaching up for it and attempting to put it in his mouth and eat it himself!

I am not in a hurry to introduce solids, but at the same time want to follow his lead. I've allowed him to drink or should I say "lap-up and spill" some water from my glass and yesterday I was eating baked chicken and I let him suck and gum a piece while I was still holding it. He seemed to enjoy it.

Can my allowing him to explore tasted of some non-allergenic foods this early hurt him in any way? I would love for him to grow up eating the same foods that we eat (with minor modifications for his age)...

What do you think, wise mamas?