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

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Dear Dr. Sears: My Mother in law continually discusses how she started her kids on cereal at three weeks and that I should do the same. I am breastfeeding exclusively and know my baby is not ready for solids yet. Does eating solids or cereal too soon result in digestive problems later in life? What can I do to make her stop? I have utilized American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations but she just ignores my statements.

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.