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| Stay at Home Moms |
| Public online group |
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This is a subject that keeps popping up wherever I go. Just last week I was standing in the baby section of the grocery store, and I over heard a young mom asking her friend which cereal she whould buy to put in her 2 month old son's bottle, so he can go to sleep longer through the night. Then I had a waiter tell me at IHOP that he gives his infant cereal in her bottle when he gets off his shift so he (the dad) can get some sleep.
No matter which way I think about it, I just can't agree with it, and yet it seems to be a very common practice. Should you or shouldn't you give cereal to babies in their bottles? Isn't it better to feed them breast milk/ formula as often as they need so they get lots of calories and nutrients, rather than 'fluffing' their bellies up with rice flakes, which will skip 1-2 feeds? |
| Posted by Jackie on 01/12/2009 03:23 AM
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| I have also heard this subject pop up. I have heard that putting cereal in the bottle leads to obesity and also a vetern mom said that it does not help with getting more sleep. I have also heard that babies digestive systems are not ready for food until about 6 months old. |
| posted by Annie on 01/12/2009 09:43 AM
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| I have also heard of this practice and I did do it with both my children. It worked wonders for my daughter and obesity is determined by feeding habits. Always eat in moderation and you'll be fine. My son is now 2 years old and there are times he sleeps through the night and other times he doesn't. My daughter slept through the night starting at about 6 months old. There are special bottles out there for putting a little more cereal in the bottle, but when my daughter was 3 months old she wasn't gaining a lot of weight, but the doctor wasn't worried. She was still taking a bottle every 2-4 hours though when she should be taking one every 4-6 hours. That's why I put in 1 tsp on rice cereal for every 8 oz of formula. A few weeks later I added a little more. At her 4 month appointment the doctor was pleased that I had done that and encouraged me to start her one regular rice cereal which really helped her. So you see, it may not be everyone, but it was right for us. Remember, each baby is different so ask your pediatrician if your baby needs the extra cereal to help him/her grow or sleep better at night. |
| posted by Elizabeth on 01/12/2009 12:33 PM
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| In my opinion, it is "wrong" to do this just so your baby will sleep longer. My friend's son is only 1 week & a half older than my daughter & she's been doing this since he was 2 months so "he'd sleep through the night" Sorry, but that just seems selfish. I wont lie though, it sure crossed my mind many early mornings when my daughter would wake me every 2 hours. Her pediatrician recommended I started feeding her cereal at 2 months, but w/ a spoon. Twice a day, all the way back in her mouth. I didnt try this until she turned four months though. I did ask why "they" say it isn't good to put cereal in a baby's bottle and he said its best for my baby to start learning to eat w/ a spoon the minute you give them anything other than breast milk or formula. Well, we did the spoon (Or shall I say Tried the spoon thing) thing when she turned four months & it was very difficult as she didnt like the taste, would gag & spit everything out. So, now I sprinkle a small little spoon of cereal in each bottle. Doesnt do much for her sleeping any longer or going longer between feedings though. |
| posted by April on 01/12/2009 03:19 PM
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