First Food

Destroy appears to be very concerned that his supply of milk is not going to last forever. His solution to this dilemma appears to be consuming as much in reserve stores as his little 15-pound body can handle.

The muppets recently graduated to the next level of bottle nipples and have consistently been screaming for food every two hours. So we decided to see how solids would go over.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for at least six months. Yet many doctors and parents say little ones can be ready as early as four months. The muppets are in an interesting position. As prior preemies, they’re three months old adjusted, but six months actual.

We decided to go with the time honored tradition of “the doctor said it was ok and we’ll take our cues from the little ones themselves.” This evening we introduced rice cereal. It is basically powdered rice that mixes with breast milk. Appetizing, it is not.

Since the boys are still primarily eating milk, the first few forays into grown-up food is really more of a sensory experiment rather than actual nutritional supplementation. Jon and I were mostly curious as to how they would react to the concept of a spoon.

According to BabyCenter babies are allegedly ready to start solids when:

  • Head control. (Muppets are now experts at holding their head up and trying to turn and watch TV, which we do not let them do.)
  • Sitting well when supported. (While not yet able to sit up of their own accord, they can sit on a couch with back support. This evening’s dining took place in the Bumbo chair.)
  • Chewing motions. (They don’t stop. They even chew in their sleep.)
  • Significant weight gain. Most babies are ready to eat solids when they’ve doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least four months old. (We’ve definitely more than doubled their weight. And they are really close to four months adjusted, with five months of eating life experience.)
  • Growing appetite. (Muppets are focused. Feed me!)

It was a huge milestone when they successfully transitioned from the IV to a feeding tube. I was ecstatic and nervous when they began trying to nurse from a bottle. Jon and I were so proud when we watched them learn to suck, swallow and breathe all at the same time. We will be taking the introduction of solids (or slightly thicker goop in the case of rice cereal) very slowly. But this eating milestone really represents how far the boys have come since their rushed arrival back in May. It’s the clearest demonstration of how big and strong they continue to grow.

Destroy thought the spoon was a hoot. He laughed and squealed and played along with our little experiment before attempting to flip himself out of the Bumbo in protest until he got his bottle. Search was less interested. But he also was…busy…focusing on other pressing needs.

3 Comments

Filed under Destroy, Milestones, Search

3 Responses to First Food

  1. Holly

    Hey, not bad at all. Search did that like a pro!! I’m impressed! Isn’t it funny how some people think that little bib like this is going to do ANY good once they really get in to the cereal? Good luck with that. I know you guys are smarter than that. Soon you’ll need a tarp (or 7). One for the baby, one for the wall, one for the floor, one for you and a few extras for good measure. Can’t wait to try this. =)

  2. Gramma Janet

    Tarps will be the latest fashion statement. (love it) I agree Search was all over the chew/swallow. Nice job!

  3. Joanne Hamann

    Boy, does this bring back memories! I remember Mitch not being really “into” the cereal thing and discussing it with the doctor who said “Have you ever tried it? It’s awful!!!” Anyway, his suggestion was to mix it with a little baby applesauce. It became infinitely more appealing.

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