Dear Miamac and LacNetters-

This is my first time on LacNet so I'm a little nervous, but here goes....

 As a WIC dietitian I counsel clients everyday abouting initiating solid
foods.  The earliest age we recommend starting solid foods is 4 months.  But
if the mom or baby is not comfortable with foods at this age, then I
recommend they wait.  In Miamac's situation I feel like the mom is pushing
solids on the baby to satisfy herself or the baby's grandmother, or some
other parental figure.  If a baby screams when you feed him/her, then it
either means they do not want the food or something is wrong with the
digestive tract.  Does the baby have any reflux?  Acid reflux into the baby's
esophagus could cause the baby much discomfort during meals, therefore the
baby screams when fed.

Regarding the formula intake.  We recommend between 24-35 oz/day.  Therefore,
the 28oz your client's baby is drinking seems to be appropriate.

Plot the baby's growth on the growth charts to verify the doctor's opinion of
appropriate growth.  Some babies appear thin b/c we are so used to
beautifully fat, chubby breastfed babies.  But after plotting these seemingly
small babies on the growth charts, they plot within normal limits.  Remember
all babies are not going to plot at the 50th percentile.  Normal growth for
one child may be the 10th percentile, while normal growth for another baby is
the 95th.  Look for consistency and any drop on the growth chart ( for
example;  a drop from the 50th percentile to the 25th or 10th may be a signal
that something is wrong)

Good luck!

Suzanne Shabdue, MPH, RD,LDN