Smith Family Weblog

I’m thinking about starting Olivia on cereal.

I know, I know–she’s barely four months old. I waited until Ava was exactly six months old to introduce solid food, because that’s what “the book” said, and it’s what the American Academy of Pediatricians recommends.

But, the pediatricians in said academy aren’t the ones getting up to feed Olivia three times a night. I am, and I am tired! Fortunately, those midnight feedings give me plenty of time to obsess over concerns like…oh, I don’t know…starting solid foods.

I’ve done quite a bit of reading on the matter, and even the AAP acknowledges some babies might be ready around four months. Dr. Sears says if a baby is shortening the intervals between feedings, and several days of more frequent feedings don’t change this, it may be time to begin solids. (Dr. Sears also says it’s fine to put kids in your bed, though, and we know how well that works out.)

There’s a small part of me that worries she’s over-compensating because I’m gone during the day. And, if that’s really the case, then I don’t want to take that time at night away from her. I don’t mind a nighttime feeding, actually–it’s nice to have some time that’s devoted just to her. The second or third, though, I could do without.

Tell me what to do. I’m too sleepy to make a decision.