Trouble Feeding My 4 Mth Old Some Solids

Join Us On Facebook! | CONTACT | BABY BLOG | HOME |

Trouble Feeding My 4 Mth Old Some Solids

by Anita Johnson
(South Africa)

I have started introducing my 4mth old baby to some cereal in the morning and a little purity baby food in the afternoons. But she screams blue murder and just spits it out, not much happier on the bottle either.....in fact since birth, feeding of any kind has always been an unpleasant crying exercise.

I am at my wits end, feeding is supposed to be a pleasant experience and something that makes baby feel happy and content! What am I to do?

Comments for
Trouble Feeding My 4 Mth Old Some Solids

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 11, 2009

struggling with solids - 4 months old
by: Baby Help Line - Annie

Hi Anita,

It is really hard when as you say, you imagined feeding would be a lovely experience. Don't worry, LOTS of Moms have a struggle with feeding, particularly in the early months. The most important thing is to not get into a struggle with it all. Just offer a bit more frequently if you are worried she is not feeding enough (her weight gain will give you a good indication if she is feeding well) and back off before it becomes unpleasant for you both.

I am assuming from what you say, you are only bottle feeding not breast feeding? Babies do sometimes find it hard to adjust to a bottle. I was not very successful at breastfeeding for long, and my little girl hated a bottle. I ended up giving her soy formula out of a sippy cup, messy, but she drank more that way!

Don't worry about solids, unless your pediatrician has recommended it. Usually a baby's little digestive system has not developed enough to cope with solids at this stage, and your little one could have a sensitive tummy. In the early months of solids you are really only offering tastes and texture sensations - and never when they are hungry and cross. So just a tiny bit on a spoon gives her a taste and as she gradually gets used to it she will develop preferences. Even a 12 month old, is still getting the majority of her calories from milk. Expecting your little girl to get stuck into a bowl of baby cereal is not realistic at this age. As she gets older just introduce a new taste every few days. Some babies prefer holding food themselves, like a piece of banana or baby rusk. But for now, just tiny tastes is all you would need to offer as a fun activity, not a struggle to get her to eat.

Most importantly, don't set up a fight with your daughter around food. Just have plenty of cuddle times and make sure she is getting lots of body contact with you separately from feeding time.

Wishing you much Joy with your little girl,
Annie Desantis

Click here to add your own comments

Would other parents find this valuable? Share it!

Where would you like to go next?

Find more Baby Questions Answered Here...

What baby info are you looking for?

Return to Easy Baby Life Home

Join EBL Community!

New Community Members get a FREE Baby Safety Checklist right now.
Don't miss out. Join here!

Want more baby tips?

baby care newsletter Never miss a single baby tip! Get the latest news and tips for your pregnancy and baby with our monthly newsletter.
FREE Baby Care Ezine

Your Email

Your Name

Then

Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.

For more information about the ezine, click here.