There’s no doubt that I am doubting whether or not I should proceed giving my 4-month old baby the solid foods that her pedia advised me just the start of this month. Although it’s certain that my baby’s ready to eat solid foods (she salivates a lot when she sees someone eating; her arms and neck are strong; she could held her neck and head; one time, too, she was asked if she’d like hotdog, in response, she stretched her right hand as if getting the food, then when she was told she’s not yet ready to eat it, she slowly put her hand on her side and acted as if she was opening/closing it like handling a thing hehehe). I am not sure whether or not giving her solid foods is right at this time.
It got me thinking, particularly, when I read about the reasons for delaying solids:
- Delaying solids gives baby greater protection from illness.
- Delaying solids gives baby’s digestive system time to mature.
- Delaying solids decreases the risk of food allergies.
- Delaying solids helps to protect baby from iron-deficiency anemia.
- Delaying solids helps to protect baby from future obesity.
- Delaying solids helps mom to maintain her milk supply. (not applicable to me)
- Delaying solids helps to space babies. (not applicable to me, as well, as I don’t breastfeed)
- Delaying solids makes starting solids easier
The article emphasizes that giving of solid foods to babies should wait until six months of age, and that babies should be exclusively breastfed. Gasp. Not for me. Sigh. (I long have forgiven myself with this guilt of not breastfeeding my baby).
I need not exhaust myself. As long as my baby is happily eating the small pieces of mashed foods I am giving her, and she’s drinking her formula milk, and that her developmental milestones are way beyond her age, I AM EXTREMELY SATISFIED.
Quite excited to give baby solid foods! But duh! I was quite surprised to see that my friend boiled egg yesterday and started feeding my baby without my consent. I was both amused and sad. I should have been the one to first feed my baby with solid food. Although it is quite scary for a first time mommy like me to feed my baby with solid food (remember I didn’t breastfeed her so I am always on the lookout when it comes to properly feeding her – she didn’t gain much on her last checkup – sigh, and she’s lacking a few pounds), I hope that I would be able to make my best shot when it comes to feeding her with solids.
