How do I tell if I am introducing solids too early?

[lanaross]

On the advice of our pediatrician we started solids two days ago, just 2-4 spoons per day of veggies - I am still quite uncomfortable starting this early as my DD wasn't ready until she was 6,5 months, she just hated it and cried. DS loves the food/demands it, cries when I take it away, tries to shove the whole spoon in his mouth and uhm slept through the night first time (which is a whole other issue as my boobs were hurting me so I kind of did wake him up at 5 am for my own sake .

Does it mean it's going well? or is it too early to tell? Don't see any rash, no constipation, he does spit up some milk but he's always done it so no change here, he's happy. I am just seriously scared that I am ruining his tummy with solids but how do I tell if something is wrong?

 

[kc1980]

Where I live the advice is to give no earlier than 17 weeks.
I am pretty sure that my paed will tell us to start when we go in on Thurs for 4 month shots. 5 months seems totally reasonable. We waited till 6 with DD but she was a little thing. This boy is a beast and I can't feed him enough!

 

[MindUtopia]

I think if it makes you uncomfortable, then yes, it's too early. The recommendation of every health/clinical organization out there is to not start before 6 months and it's annoying that doctors don't read these things and just keep pushing their opinions as medical advice. All that aside though, if it doesn't feel right for you, then it's not the right time. Breast milk has more nutrients and calories for a hungry baby anyway, so might as well let him get as much of that as he can, especially if you're feeling engorged in the night. I don't think it's 'wrong' to start before 6 months, but you should trust your instincts about what's right for your baby.

 

[lanaross]

well I was right trusting my gut feeling on this -- last night he was up EVERY hour, which never happened to him, he seemed to be in pain too, only fell asleep normally when I gave him colic calm for tummy and some tylenol. I know he needs to gain more weight as he stopped gaining normally for the past 1,5 months but this was obviously not the way to do it.

 

[Meg26]

Five months is when i started solids in small amounts. I literally started with a teaspoon a day of vegetables that arent known to cause gas. I did pureed avocado first since its full of healthy fats and oils which also prevents constipation. The next food i gave was pureed sweet potato which also doesnt cause gas and isnt known to constipate. But literally i gave a teaspoon a day for about a week then increased to two teaspoons a day. I think if your lo wants the food and enjoys it then go for it just watch for constipation and give lots of breast in between! Good luck and do what you feel is right! Dont let your ped sway your judgement.