Am I Pushing the Solids ?? Am I Doing This Right??

At eight months old the more mama's milk the BETTER...then, in addition, offer (never push) fresh, organic if available, fruits & veggies and you'll have given him a great nutritional foundation!

Don't worry, you are doing a great job! I would give him more breastmilk, or supplement with formula if supply is an issue. My babies were not breastfed, but formula was their staple nutrition for the first year, any other food was offered after their regular feeding of formula. By the time they were taking solids, they were getting 4 bottles a day, about 6-7 oz each (that was all they wanted usually) then I gave them their solid foods after the bottle. I think the idea is to focus on breastmilk for his main nutrition, and any solids he takes in addition to that is a "bonus."

I would cut out some of the water cups. breast milk is better than water, maybe one water cup? give breast milk in the cup instead. everything else sounds good to me, Im not expert. my pedi told me my daughter should be drinking around 25 - 30 oz. of milk a day.

The requirement for 8 months is 24-32 oz. From what I understand meals are to help expand your baby's palate, but formula or breast milk is their primary source of nutrition. I agree wit the comment made about the puffs.

You are doing an awesome job breastfeeding your son! All he needs at his age is breastmilk. Be careful not to give hime too much water as that will make him drink less breastmilk which he needs. He only needs a few ounces of water if any at that age according to my babys pediatrician. Breastmilk provides their hydration right now. Those puffs you are giving him have no nutritional value, they may also be filling him up, I would stop those for at least a few more months. If he likes the baby food great but if not don't worry, breastmilk is all a baby needs until the age of 12 months (or formula)solids prior to the age of 12months are more for the experience and "practice" than for nutritional reasons. Good luck and keep up the great job of breastfeeding!

Breastmilk/Formula should be the primary source of nourishment for infants until 1 year...so, good job on that!!

The finger puffs for me and my son were really more of a snack to learn how to eat finger foods and not with meals or a meal supplement. But, the main thing is that you don't feel he's overeating or eating more than he needs. If he's eating what's in front of him, than he's fine. My son, at 8-9 months, was eating about a jar per feeding at this point and when he was ready for me he'd make sure he found a way to tell me.

This link was super helpful when I wasn't sure what/how much to feed my little dude.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_age-by-age-guide-to-feeding-y...

Good Luck and Keep up the good work!

D..

Good job breastfeeding, that gives him ALL he needs. Your milk compostion will change to his needs. At this point foods are to get them used to textures and tastes, they get all they need from you. Be sure that the foods you offer have a benefit to him. For example: puffs get them used to sweet tastes and have no nutritional value. Try Cheerios, at least they have iron. He'll let you know when to stop offering food by turning his head or spitting it out. As you've probably seen, you can't force feed an infant. Just keep breastfeeding as long as possible.

Hi K.,

My husband is a nurse and can answer this for you.

First of all, breastmilk is the only food your baby really needs for the first year of life. Solids are just a supplement to add in..not the main staple in your baby's diet. It sounds as though your baby needs more breastmilk than you are giving him...he should have as much breastmilk as he wants and it is a good idea that at every meal you first feed him breastmilk and whatever room he has left for solids you feed him after that. Breastmilk is a complete form of nutrition for a baby under one year of age. Solids will not provide the well rounded dosage of vitamins and protein that he needs the way that breastmilk will...so go heavier on breastmilk than solids. Also, you should not be introducing that many new solids into your baby's diet at once. Try a new solid and then two weeks later introduce another new solid. For some babies if you introduce fruit before vegetables and meat, they will only want fruit because it is sweet. Keep that in mind. Also, very important..check his stools. He should be going regularly and not be constipated. If he is not pooping atleast one major poop every other day, you may want to step up the breastmilk and cut back a little on whatever solids may be causing him to back up.
Also, call your pediatrician for advice! Moms can give you good advice on here, but your baby's doctor has the best advice of all. Good luck.

If I read this right he is getting 16 oz/day, which is not enough for a child his age. I think he should be getting in the 24-32 ounce range, check the dr. sears website to see how much milk a baby this age needs. He should be having breastmilk with his meals in lieu of water, or some breastmilk before his meals.

Make sure he gets 18-24 oz of breastmilk a day and the rest looks great! Keep up the good job!

Hi K.,

We have a 9 month old and our doctor told us to start introducing 'solids' (aka, mushy baby food) at around 7-8 months. By 8 months and currently, our son has two jars of food during the day - morning and afternoon and one in the evening; all other times that he's hungry he eats between 5-9 oz. of formula (I was unable to breastfeed for various reasons). We have found that if he gets too hungry, he isn't patient enough for 'solids', so we watch him to see when he might just be starting to get hungry and give him the jarred food, then a bit later, he gets a bottle. It sounds like a lot, but they're active little buggers.

Just make sure to introduce foods as single items at first to make sure he's not allergic. Go with your gut and watch your child for cues - they'll let you know when they're ready.

no yur doing it just fine. when my daughter was that age she would have her first cup when she woke then breakfast and juice. then about 12 she would have lunch and a cup for nap then dinner about 5 and bed at 7. she also only got water inbetween meals and finger foods. i think you are doing just fine with him. besides if he wasnt ready then he wouldnt do it.

Of course your doing it right. You know your child better then anyone. If he is sleeping well at night and peeing regularly, and growing then your doing a great job. J.

Ask your Pediatrician.

So is he just getting 2 bottles of breastmilk per day? To me, this is inadequate.

Like Deanna Leigh said, and per our own Pediatrician as well... breastmilk/formula should be the PRIMARY source of nutrition for the 1st year of life. Meaning, on demand nursing/bottle, still.

This is what I did with both my children. Water at this point or juice, should not be their main 'liquid.'

Breastfeeding BEFORE solids, is usually recommended at this point.. for the first year. If given after solids, then this is done to 'wean' a child off of breast.

Is there some reason he is not being given breastmilk/bottle on demand at his age? Is it because he is at a baby-sitter and they have a feeding 'schedule?' I would speak to them ab out this... and if you want your baby to fed given his bottle 'on demand' and more often, then tell them this. And they should accommodate your request.

To me, (and I was a baby-sitter before), I ALWAYS fed my own kids and the babies in my care, ON DEMAND, at this age, and older. I still offered the bottle based on the baby's cues and/or at least every 3 hours. And if I noticed they were 'asking' for a feeding (again, per their hunger cues), I gave them a bottle. The Parents also preferred this. I did not 'regulate' when or what time they got a breastmilk bottle feeding.

You also have to keep in mind, that at growth-spurts, a baby needs more intake... it is a natural progression. Their intake needs also vary week to week, month to month, per their growth. Thus, nursing/feeding on demand is necessary.

To me, a baby should be nursed/fed a bottle whenever they need one, still. NOT only at certain times. Both my children at this age (and they were on solids) still nursed about every 3 hours. This was per their cues and my knowing them and what they wanted. Despite being on solids... breastmilk/formula is their primary nutrition. Solids at this point, being mainly an 'introduction' and not a 'main' meal per say. It is a gradual thing to work up to 3 'meals' per day. And portion sizes at this point is in terms of tablespoons, versus 'jars.' Sometimes, my kids would just eat a little at each 'meal time.' Not a whole jar.

Your'e doing fine... but I think, personally, offer him breast or bottle on demand. He is only 8 months old. They need this. Especially for their 1st year of life. Many babies also go through spurts of 'cluster feeding' and nurse even every hour, because they need to. But if going according to a 'schedule', a Parent would not know this.

Breastmilk/formula is a KEY component right now at this age. His only having 2 bottles a day, is not enough to me. Remember, it's not just about hydration... it is about NUTRITION... building their immune system, their brain development, and physical development too. My kids mainly breastfed on demand for their first year, and they grew like weeds.

If you are concerned about him getting enough "vitamins"... then ask your Pediatrician. Both my kids as babies, had a prescription liquid vitamin drops called "Poly-Vitamins, with Iron", per our Pediatrician.

All the best,
Susan

hello K.,
congrats on your boy :-)
more milk would be nice if possible and less puffs. i would privilege produce and whole grains instaed of processed foods. also, if breastmilk is not possible than maybe a little organic formula to complement his liquid diet. babies should principally be fed milk for the first 12 months.
be well,
a.

My oldest daughter was not interested in solids until around 8 months and by that time she was VERY interested and not as interested in breastmilk. Because I was nursing, I didn't know exactly how much she was taking in (and I had just found out I was pregnant and was worried about my supply) so I just made sure that she got other sources of dairy (cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese). I went by what she seemed to want. Some days she would have only one solid food meal and breastfeed all day, other days she would only nurse 3 times. It sounds like you are doing a really good job, just follow your instincts, like the other mommies suggested

There's no such thing. They eat solids when they are ready and need it. Bodies have a way of migrating themselves to whatever they need. Babies especially. If he is fussy or unhappy he may need more food, more nutrients, not necessarily more milk or liquid. More protein possibly. That's what builds strong healthy bodies. Fruit and veg are carbohydrates and have little substance. They usually only satisfy the hunger for short periods of time. If the meal is not high in protein you will need to make the time in between meals shorter, sometimes significantly shorter. Babies are happiest when they are well fed and well rested. Protein is the most important, even for you, as a breastfeeding mom. The more stress you are under, the weaker your milk gets. So you too....eat loads of protein, protein shakes are a great way to supplement, and get plenty of rest and NO STRESSING. You're doing great.

Here are my thoughts...you should try anf have a protein at each meal. Here are some ideas for breakfast, baby french toast: take an egg yolk as babies cannot have eggs until they are 1 year and mix it with some breast milk and dip bread in it, sprinkle it with a bit of cinnamon and cook it in a pan! They love it. You can accompany it with some fruit, banana or blueberries and a little bit of cheese. Or a multi grain waffle with a bit of butter, fruit and some cheese. At lunch I see thatthere is no protein offered, how about a turkey meatball (trader joes) cut up into little pieces or tofu..many babies love it! Anyway, I would check with your Ped to see baout the vitamin D supplement and the multi vitamin. Feel free to contact me with any questions. By the way, we saw a fabulous pediatric nutritionist who gave us amazing information about bulding and incorporationg foods throughout the 1st year. Also, the puffs really have NO nutricianal value. They ar for training purposes really and if your son can pick up a puff he could just as easily pick up a steamed slice of zucchini, whole grain cheerio, piece of watermelon (may cause runny poop if given too much), sliced beets cut into pieces, slices steamed pieces of squash. What I am trying to say and I Hope I do not sound too preachy but give your son the opportunity to enjoy nutriant rich foods and explore textures. I would be happy to mail you a copy just let me know. Have fun!! My little boy will be turning 1 the end of next week!!

I think you're doing a greta job. If you want a to see an age appropriate feeding chart, recipes, snack of the week or feeding tips, check out the website.
What are finger puffs? I always recommend to parents, especially at this early age, that you give your little one fruits, veggies, carbs and proteins without the addition of salt or sugar until at least age 1. You want them to enjoy the natural flavors of food and not be dependent on crunch, salt and additives. It's tough, I know but there are tons of healthy alternatives.-www.weelicious.com

I think you are doing great! Keep up the good work.

I think it would depend on how much solids he is eating. If he is getting a lot of nutrition from the solid foods I would say two bottles a day is probably ok. BUT at 8 months of age two 8 oz bottles does not sound like enough to me. I would try to get at least one more bottle in there -- he doesn't have one before bed?

You're doing great. Don't worry so much. Maybe replace or mix-up the puffs (if they're the toxic Gerber kind) with Trader Joe's plain O's. They have a lot less sugar and preservatives. Not sure if you have a TJ near you, though. So great that your son loves water vs. juice. Much healthier. Luck!

Hi K.,

My son drank breastmilk from a bottle too, and I think your schedule sounds similar to what I did when my son was that age. I think the only difference was that he had a bottle before bed too (and possibly a bit more breastmilk with the meals, maybe 4 oz. or so? It's hard to remember). My son, though, was very big for his age.

My best suggestion is to go over this stuff with your pediatrician. Mine provided very good feeding guidelines, which I followed (I can dig those up for you, if you are interested). I bet your son is doing just fine with his vitamin and nutrient intake--you are giving him breastmilk, after all. As long as you offer a variety of solid foods, you're fine. I never gave my son "puffs"--I offered cheerios and small pieces of bread--but there is certainly more than one way to feed a baby.

Sounds like you're doing fine to me!
:-) D.

Is your son content or does he act hungry? You can probably give him another bottle or sippy cup of milk just after lunch, but it sounds like he is eating well. My doctor wanted my daughter off formula around a year (had to stop nursing at 6 months because I couldn't produce enough). So by a year, most of the necessary nutrition should come from food - milk is the added bonus.

To me, it looks like you are doing a great job - just maybe sad that he is growing so quickly - the less milk they take, the less they "need" thier mommies! I feel that one frequently, even with a 3 year old. :)

It sounds to me like you are doing fine, but that perhaps he should have a bit more breastmilk. Our Ped recommended 20-24 oz. of breastmilk/formula up until 1 year. We did this by doing morning/afternoon/nighttime bottles (before bed, not to fall asleep/in bed). Maybe cutting back on the water & offering 1 more bottle would get you there. You could also put the milk in a sippy with meals & see if he'll drink it that way too. By the way, our girl was showing signs of being hungry for solids early on & she was actually eating 3 meals a day of soft, chunked foods by herself (no jarred baby food except pureed meats) at 9 mos. We started early per our Ped because she needed it & she caught on quick & loved it. I'm not saying this is what you should do with your son--I'm just sharing it to show you that the "norm" is a very wide range & as long as your son is peeing/pooping regularly, happy & growing, you are doing fine. Trust your instincts & go with those---they are right more often than not.

I also have an 8 month old little boy and my feeding schedule is very similar to yours. He gets breast fed when he gets up in the morning then for breakfast we have rice cereal, fruit, yogurt, water in a silly and a few cherreos. At 10:30 I breast feed him again. Lunch is between 12 and 1 and usually consists of baby food veggies mixed with rice cereal, fruit, yogurt, puffs, and water in a sippy. After his second nap he is breast fed one more time, but not much. Dinner is about 6 with a veggie and meat dinner, fruit or yogurt, puffs, and water in a sippy.

I also am I bit worried about the amount of milk he is getting because he just does not seem as interested in it. The morning feeding is good, but the 2 other times he gets milk it just does not seem like much. I can tell because I am not making nearly as much milk as I used to. My boobs have seriously shrunk. He sleeps through the night and I used to wake up engorged every morning, but not any more. I dont feel as though I'm forcing solids on him because he seems to enjoy them and does not fight me when I give them to him. I know that rice cereal has good vitamins in it, but not the fat like breast milk. He does get whole yogurt that I know has a high fat content.

My little boy does not seem hungry and is still growing and thriving. I hope my feed back was helpful to you. Best of luck!

A.