[Submitted Question]

My son is 14 weeks old. Should I already start feeding him some solids or continue with formula? Which solids would be best for a start?

[WombToBloom]

Most pediatricians these days will say that solids can be started between four and six months (so, is that 16 and 24 weeks?). I started my kids on rice cereal a few weeks earlier than four months – so probably right around the age of your son. Disclaimer: my pediatrician would probably disagree with my choice!

I don’t think they “need” solids at 14 weeks. I was just trying to get mine to sleep through the night. I was exhausted and desperate! Anyway, I started with dry rice cereal and mixed it with formula or breast milk to a thin consistency. It will take several (or more) feedings for your son to figure out the spoon (although one of my four figured it out immediately), so a runny cereal will be best. It will be messy. Very messy.

As they figure out the spoon and swallow procedure, you can gradually thicken up the cereal. I always moved on to the thinner baby foods between four and five months. Fruits and vegetables first – wait on the pureed, disgusting meat until later. Stay away from yogurt until your baby is about one and switches to whole milk from formula.