When, if at all, did you start your baby on cereal?

[Karenn]

Rachel,
You've mentioned teeth being a possible indicator of a mature GI tract before. I'm curious about that. Do you have any more information? Both my kids were early teethers (4 & 5 months) and I hate to think of the mess we'd been in if I started solids when they got their first teeth! Colin wasn't ready until closer to 8 months (though we tried at 6) and I haven't started with Claire yet.

Thanks,

[JamiMac]

Ok, I just got out my book from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the new 2005 version. It recommends starting solids between 4 and 6 months. It says to do it when the tongue-thrust reflex diminishes, usually by 4 months. I guess my Ped is not so far off after all. I was just surprised at how much she enjoyed the cereal, and did not have the thrust reflex. I guess I'll play it by ear, but will probably hold off a few more weeks. Thanks everyone for your opinions!

[brittone2]

Jami-the AAP has updated their position which must have been after the book came out. Please read this link from cnn.com

http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/paren...eut/index.html

It was all over the media when it came out. It clearly says the AAP recommends nothing but breastmilk for the first six months. That is the most current recommendation.

[JamiMac]

Yes, that is newer than the book. Thanks for the info! :)

[californiagirl]

DD got her first teeth at 3 months, started solids at 6 months, and didn't start eating significant amounts until 7.5 months. I don't think teeth have anything to do with it, either way (late teethers are not necessarily late eaters).