Not Yet

Lately, I've gotten the following question A LOT:

"When are you going to start Isaac on solids?"

The answer: Not yet. I want to try and wait until he's 6 months old if I can. I plan to primarily nurse until then. Studies show that babies do not need any outside nutrition up until that point. I know that everyone seems to have their own opinion on this topic and if you know me, you know that I've talked to a lot of people and read a lot of books/studies to come to my decision.

My biggest concern about starting solids too soon is Isaac's sensitive stomach. Babies' digestive systems take awhile to mature and adding solids may not be right for him this early. He has shown mild allergic reactions to a few foods that I've eaten and has always had mild reflux (spitting up and gas). The AAP suggests waiting to add solids until 6 months of age due to studies that link starting too early to diabetes and obesity. Is that really true? I don't know. I do know that I'm going to hold out as long as I can. Yes, Isaac has shown interest in food. He watches us eat with fascination. We've given him little tastes of things like applesauce and bananas on our fingers. But, because he's exclusively bottlefed, he won't be getting cereal mixed with a bottle. We'll be feeding him with a spoon. Isaac's doctor said that if he nurses and then still acts hungry, then we should start him on rice cereal. Isaac is obviously not lacking in the weight department. He's in the 75-90 percentile for his age! LOL

Soooooo, for now, we'll wait and see. I hope to wait until Isaac is 6 months old. I know that every baby is different. But, this is the choice I've made as Isaac's mom.