The Big Debate!

First, let me tell you about my bright idea! Since Samuel slept 6-7 during the previous 2 nights, I thought I would try to outsmart him!! He ate at 7:00 PM, took a shower, and fell asleep around 8:00 PM. As you can imagine if you read the previous entry, he was worn out! So of course, he was still sleeping soundly at 11:00 PM, when he could have been hungry. So, presuming myself a genius, I woke him, changed his diaper, and fed him. He never even "really" woke up. I thought, now he will sleep until 5:00 AM. WRONG! :) He woke at 3:00 AM, right on schedule for 4 hours. I promptly gave him his pacifier and trudged back to bed. Then, I woke Klaytor up at 3:30 AM to give him his pacifier again. Finally at 3:45 AM, I knew Samuel was not going to give up until he had his very early morning snack. When I walked into his room, he was crossways in his bed, still all swaddled up. He must have scooted around like an inch worm! I called Klaytor to see this, because it was too funny! Then, because Klaytor was awake, he attempted to change Sam's diaper. Believe me, I amost fell out of the glider laughing! Watching Klaytor attempt to diaper Samuel while Sam was moving and twisting, and appearing to try to roll over should have been caught on tape! Klaytor's only comment was: "GIVE THE BOY SOME CEREAL!" Of course, his friend's baby, who is younger than Sam is already eating cereal and presumably sleeping much longer. Then, while talking to my grandma this morning, who at almost 82 years old, is an authority on all things, especially babies, I told her of our 4:00 AM adventure and my attempt to outsmart Sam. Of course, her comment was: "You know what would solve this problem? A tablespoon or 2 of cereal at 10:00 PM." So, I had to whip out my nursing knowledge, especially all I had learned about about the recommended ages and developmental milestones to watch for before starting solids and remind her that starting solids early can lead to food allergies, overweight babies, colic, etc... Notice I said my nursing knowledge, not what I wanted to do!
I will tell you that I have become much more understanding of parents who start their children on solids beffore the recommended age/developmental stage. And, most kids do EXCELLENT even if the "experts" say that they shoud still be having only mother's milk or formula. But, in the back of my mind is the question of if Sam is so happy now, and sleeping well, and not showing any signs of colic, why risk it?
So what did I learn?
1. I can't outsmart an 8 week old!
2. Grandmas always know best!
3. That Sam will probably have solids before 4 months of age, but not yet!

I received the following information the other day in an email from a friend of ours, who also has young shildren. I did edit it a little bit, so that I would not offend the grandmas! It is a letter written to all grandmas from Dr. Sears!

DOES EATING SOLIDS TOO SOON RESULT IN DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS LATER IN LIFE?

Dear Dr. Sears: Does eating solids or cereal too soon result in digestive problems later in life?

Attention all Grandmothers:

Much has been learned over the past thirty years about infant nutrition and development. Many practices that were common three decades ago are now known to be unhealthy, maybe even dangerous to a young infant.

I know that the experts told you to start feeding your babies cereal after a few weeks of life; and you followed their advice because you loved your children. Now we know that an infant's gut is not ready for solid foods until around six months of age. If you start a food too early, he is much more likely to become allergic to it. This can result in damage to the intestines, weight loss, blood in the stool, and malnutrition.

You might argue, "Well, my kids started solid foods at three weeks, and they turned out just fine." The truth is, very few adults have perfectly working digestive tracts. Just look at all the commercials for heartburn remedies and stool softeners... "ever feel gassy and bloated after a meal?"

Here is what the experts are saying now:
Breastfeed for at least one year.
Start cereal and other solids after six months of age.
Grammy, please let your daughters follow this advice, because they love your grandchildren as much as you do.

Dr. Jim



From http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/infant/startingsolids.html :


Breast milk or infant formula supplies all of your baby's nutritional needs for at least the first 4 to 6 months of life, so don't be in a rush to start solid baby foods. Starting solids too early can cause your baby to develop food allergies. Your baby's intestinal tract is not as fully developed during the first few months and introducing solids at this time can be too much to handle
Another reason for not giving solid foods earlier than 4 to 6 months is unintentional overfeeding, since younger babies can not offer you signals when they are full, such as turning away or showing disinterest.
A third reason for holding off on solids is your baby's inability to swallow solids correctly before 4 to 6 months of age and this can potentially cause choking. And contrary to the popular myth, starting solids early will not help your child to sleep through the night.



From http://www.brightbeginnings.com/babynutrition/starting_solids.asp :
Starting Your Baby on Solids
When, why and how to start adding solid foods to your growing baby's diet

Introducing solid foods provides many benefits to your baby. The addition of solid foods gives your baby a diet with a broader range of nutrients, tastes and textures. Starting solids is also the first step in your baby's transition to eating foods more like the rest of the family.
When To StartThe exact timing of starting solid foods depends primarily upon an infant's development and growth. Your baby's doctor will advise you of an appropriate time to begin offering solids.
Typically, most babies are ready for solid foods at around age four to six months. Prior to this time, infants will instinctively push solid food from their mouth by thrusting their tongue forward.
Developmentally, infants are ready for solids when they can sit without support and have good control of their head and neck. Also, infants may be ready for solids when they can demonstrate they are hungry and when they are full. Most young infants around the solid feeding stage will show that they are hungry by opening their mouths and leaning toward the food. When they are full, most young infants will turn their heads away from the food and lean back.


For now, Sam remains cuddled in his Snugli, apparently his favorite place ever!