What age do you start rice cereal?

[Sugaree]

I exclusively breastfed for 6 months and skipped cereal altogether. But I didn't have a child with reflux. I also sent in way more milk each day than I knew he'd eat. My center couldn't keep frozen milk, so I had to send in pre-made bottles every day.

I will say though, that if I found out a childcare provider had given my child food without my consent before the age my pedi recommended then I'd be livid.

If I were you, I'd discuss with the mom the issues that you're having and suggest that she talk to her pedi about reflux. In some cases, rice cereal may be the answer, but it's her call to make. I'd also talk to her about sending in extra. It's generally recommended that a child receive 1-1.5 oz per hour of care. So my nine-hour day would require 9-13.5 of milk if I couldn't make it during lunch. I also second the idea of slower flow nipples and maybe even more, smaller bottles. Instead of three bottles that are 3 oz, why not 4 bottles that are 2.5 oz or 5 bottles that are 2 oz? Spread the feedings out some.

[Shell]

Ahem, a grandma here. ::

Back in the 'olden days' our pediatrician's told us to start cereal whenever the baby reached a certain many ounces per day of formula. I think (but don't quote me) it was 24 oz. per day. Once they were taking more than 24 oz. we started with rice cereal so they would take no more than 24 oz. I don't know what breast fed mommies were told. We started babies before 3 months I'm sure. Maybe even 2 months. Whenever they reached that 'magic number'. I loved doing that. They slept through the night a lot faster! I guess the new thinking is well 'new'.

Laurel

I did the same with my own kids. I wait until parents are ready here, to respect their wishes.

[renodeb]

It really depends on the child, I have a 7 m/o and he gets all kinds of food at home but I havent felt like he needs any here. She brings a ton on milk for him so I just make sure he is full. He takes abut 4 ozs 2-3 times a day here for me. If she's not pumping enough maybe suggest a little formula to help supplement?
Deb