Here are the basic stats:
Height- 24 inches (16th percentile)
Weight- 11 lbs 13 oz (3rd percentile)
Head circumference- 39.9 cm (2nd percentile)
So we have a peanut on our hands...no surprise there if you know us. Chris and I are both on the short side :). Our little guy is thriving developmentally (holding head up well, rolling all ways, being very alert) but the CNP is concerned with his size and is suggesting we start to introduce rice cereal and oatmeal. To be quite honest, I was taken by surprise by this and probably a little defensive since I'm Henry's primary supply of nutrition AND I wasn't there to discuss my concerns with starting him on cereal/food so early. We were told that if we don't start feeding him soon, he will "fall behind even more". I have a bit of an issue with that, especially considering his gene pool. After all, everything I've read states that solids should wait until six months (or close to it) because the digestive system is not ready yet and it can increase food sensitivities and allergies. We already suspect that H has some food sensitivities, that's the whole reason I'm not eating dairy or bananas or spicy foods or broccoli...you get the idea. So I decided to do some more research before making a decision. I first started talking to other moms: my Mom, C's Mom, my Mom's group moms, co-workers who are moms. Basically, it came out to we need to do what we feel is best for Henry. Next, I checked out some online resources that are well-respected (KellyMom and Science of Mom). I still want to call the office and ask a few questions (WHO growth charts vs. CDC growth charts) but after much thought about it, we are going to wait until closer to 6 months and follow his cues. We have been including Henry in family meals in his infant swing for a while and just recently started sitting him in his high chair at the table with us (and a tray full of toys).
Chris also asked her about sleep (and the fact that this guy gets up a lot at night). Thanks to her advice, we are transitioning to self-soothing. This means no more rocking H to sleep, which is sad for me, but we are working on teaching him to go to sleep on his own to encourage healthy sleep habits.
And a video in the high chair:
Please know that we do not come from a place of judgement on those who choose to give cereal at any age, this is what we've chosen for Henry right now based on what we feel is best for him.
4 comments:
Hey Sonya! I just wanted to recommend a book, Mother Food by Hilary Jacobson. It focuses on breastfeeding and what foods are best for mom and what foods can help boost the fat content of breastmilk and make it the best it can be for baby. Finn is on the skinny side (usually 10th percentile or below) and I worried all the time about his weight until I made some changes in my diet and saw a change in my milk's fat content. You can message me for more info if you like, but it's a great book on women's nutrition in general! Henry looks great to me so don't worry too much! He'll catch up! :)
Thanks Lauren! I will certainly check it out.
I read this last night but didn't get a chance to comment, which I'm sure you understand! We just started feeding Reagan cereal at 5 months. Funny thing, she will hardly touch it when I feed her but when the sitter does she gobbles it down. She has pretty much been in the 50th percentile for her weight so far. Our doctor said we could start at 4 months if we wanted or 5 it was up to us and what we felt was right. I felt that 4 months was too early for her so we waited. Trust your mommy gut, it will tell you what to do!
Hang in there! Definitely trust what you think is best for little Henry! Our boys have been consistently in the 5 to 25% percentile (after they caught up) so, I wouldn't be suprised that it runs in the family :)
Also -I was looking back at my notes and we started spoon feeding cereal around 5 months, but I know they didn't do a great job at actually understanding how to eat food until much later so I doubt they got much nutrition from it at that point, so we probably were just trying it at that point. I know I also gave some cereal in their bottles to help with sleeping at night (just a little bit, maybe 1 tablespoon), but unfortunately no notes on that one, so I can't remember when we did that. I'm thinking probably around that 4 to 5 month time frame.
You are doing a great job with your little guy, so hang in there, and hopefully the sleep gets better soon! I know my mom said that I didn't really sleep through the night until I was 9 months old, so I'm hoping you don't have the same problem!!
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