Introducing solids and eating schedule questions

[Delanl]

Hi all,

We started DD (6.5 months old) on solid foods a few weeks ago. We started with just one meal a day of cereal, usually at dinner, but now that she's started with fruits and veggies we've added in lunch too. I know formula is still supposed to be her main source of nutrition, so I was a bit confused at first on how to incorporate everything. This has been her schedule so far:

7am-6.5 oz bottle
10 am-6.5 oz bottle
11-12pm-cereal and fruit (heaping TBSP of cereal, 1/2 jar of fruit)
2pm-6.5 oz bottle
5pm-6.5 oz bottle
6-6:30pm-cereal and veggies (same portion as lunch)
8-8:30pm-6.5 oz bottle

Does this seem ok? She seems to be full and satisified and she sleeps through the night. She's also in the 90-95th percentile for height and weight. But how will I know when to bump it up to 2 TBSP of cereal, a whole jar of food, etc.? And do you reduce the numbers of bottles then? I guess I'm just looking for some sort of validation that I'm doing this right...:o

Thanks!
Leigh

[Terri_A]

But how will I know when to bump it up to 2 TBSP of cereal, a whole jar of food, etc.? And do you reduce the numbers of bottles then? I guess I'm just looking for some sort of validation that I'm doing this right...:o

Leigh - It's been a while since I did this...so bear that in mind, but I do remember distinctly that you'll KNOW when you need to increase food amounts. Just like you knew when to increase the number of ounces in a bottle - they won't be full, they'll be fussy and still hungry. So, go with your instincts and I think you'll be fine. It looks to me like she's getting everything she needs. If she's happy, healthy and growing well, then you're doing it ALL right!

[veschke]

Just like you knew when to increase the number of ounces in a bottle - they won't be full, they'll be fussy and still hungry.

Pretty much have to agree with this. If they're still opening their mouths eagerly when the last spoonful goes in, give 'em some more. :) When JJ has had enough he'll clamp his mouth shut and turn away, and then cry if I don't get the message.

Your schedule is pretty much the same as what we used to start out with. Every couple of weeks we'd add a Tbsp or so, and he'd generally eat it all. His bottle drinking has gone down a bit, but he still likes nursing. He's 8 months old now, and we're going to add a solid lunch to his schedule (checked with the pediatrician yesterday).

[Personal Chef]

Your schedule sounds right to me (I have 2 boys 6 and 2 1/2).

You could also just increase the portion size and just see if your baby eats the larger portion. And yes you will be giving your baby less formula the more food your baby eats. Shortly your baby will be down to 3 bottles a day. If memory serves, it will stay that way until you introduce milk.

Call your pediatrician and ask for advice too.:)

[BeachBum]

wholesomebabyfood.com is a great resource as well. :)

[Delanl]

Thank you for all the reassuring words ladies!

[magdon]

looks pretty good to me too. Just remember that until baby is about 1 year most nutrition should come from milk/formula. introducing food is so that they get used to eating a new way as well as to the new flavors and textures.