It is an age-old question that inflicts many a new mother, "When should I start my baby on cereal?" It is equally met by numerous accounts retold by mothers, mothers-in-law and grandmothers alike, that they had started feeding solids almost from the time of birth, and how a little cereal in the formula or breast milk will help the baby stay contented longer. Age and experience do not always mean it is the correct way to do things. And when it comes to feeding baby cereal to an infant, there are specific guidelines that help a parent know the right time to start feeding baby cereal.
Generally, the best way to know that your baby is ready to be introduced to cereal is by consulting the pediatrician. The pediatrician will note whether or not the baby is able to sit up with support and has visible neck and head control, and has doubled in weight since the time of birth. Typically, between the ages of four and six months, the baby will begin to show more interest in the food his mother or father eats, even grabbing for it. This is a good sign that baby cereal can and should be introduced.
There has been much acknowledgment that most cultures utilized some form of grain paste as one of the foods first fed to a baby. One of the very first baby cereals was Pablum, which consisted of a mixture of ground, pre-cooked grains fortified with iron. Today, baby cereal comes in single grained and mixed grained, both fortified in iron and other essential nutrients, and it is still the first choice for solid foods that are introduced to a baby.
What to Look for
When the green light for introducing baby cereal is given, start with rice cereal because it is easy for a baby to digest. There are well-known and trusted names in the baby-food market, which makes choosing a brand easy. However, many families are leaning toward a more organic way of life, and for them, there are also quality organic baby-cereal brands on the market. In choosing organic, it is important to make sure the company is following health standards to ensure that the grains used are not ones that will go rancid. Also, stay away for baby cereal that may use eggs, lactose or nuts because they can cause allergic reactions.
Once the baby has tolerated rice cereal for three to five days without any adverse reactions or allergies, introduce another single-grained baby cereal like oatmeal or barley. After the baby shows a tolerance for single-grained baby cereal, start them on mixed grain cereals. There are even brands of baby cereal that mix the grains with fruit, so, the selection and variety is readily available. Remember, baby cereal introduces a baby to more nutrients and vitamins, like iron and zinc, that they need as they grow and develop. These cannot be adequately met through formula feeding or breastfeeding alone.
Common Pitfalls
Whether introducing baby cereal before the baby is actually physically ready or even when they are, it can cause constipation. There is also a tendency to overfeed a baby when they are first starting out with baby cereal. So, it is important to start with 1 tablespoon and gradually increase it by 1 tablespoon each day or as the baby shows a tolerance and actual desire to eat more. Some baby cereals may cause an allergic reaction, which may be reflected in signs and symptoms like rashes, diarrhea and vomiting.
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