When is it okay to feed my baby cereal and how do I do it? He will be 4 months at the end of this week? Thank you

I find this (or similar) info on several sites:

"Young babies would not benefit from solid foods for many reasons. To start, they are not developmentally ready to deal with swallowing solids. A baby is unable to move solid food from the front to the back of the mouth for swallowing. Instead he tends to gag due to the extrusion reflex with which he is born. Young babies cannot break down the complex molecules in many proteins, fats and carbohydrates, so solid food may pass right through, or worse, cause unnecessary GI distress. Research indicates that children may develop food allergies if solids are introduced too early. Formula and breast milk provide the perfect balance of nutrients that he needs.

Somewhere between four and six months, but probably closer to six months, your baby will be ready for solid foods. By that age, he will be able to move food to the back of his mouth to swallow and his digestive system will be better able to handle solids. You baby will give you signs he is ready for solids. To start, he will be much more aware of his surroundings. He may reach out for your food, put objects in his mouth, watch you closely as you eat and seem hungry after feedings.

The best first food is usually an iron-fortified rice cereal. It will provide the iron that is now necessary in his diet, and is a grain least likely to precipitate an allergic reaction. Initially, starting solids is just for the practice of eating and swallowing. Start with very small amounts. One baby-sized bite of cereal at the first feeding is enough. Gradually increase the cereal to about two tablespoons per feeding."

Cereal: When should you begin feeding your baby cereal? - iVillage (http://www.ivillage.com/cereal-when-should-you-begin-feeding-your-baby-cereal/6-n-137621)

What does your Pediatrician say? That's always been my guide because the Pediatrician knows the child, is aware of any problems.

when is it okay to feed my baby cereal and how do i do it?? he will be 4 months at the end of this week?? thank you

Current recommendation is to wait until 6 months, in particular if you are breastfeeding. Formula fed babies may benefit from starting a bit sooner for nutritional reasons. Years back it was 3-4 months, then 4-6 months... now it is closer to 6. The reason is that baby's digestive system does not fully mature until later into the first year. Yes, they will take solids early on, a 2 month old will eat puréed bananas, but because they do not have the ability to digest these foods as well their digestive system has to work harder and they are not absorbing nutrients as well.

This becomes even more important for a breastfed baby as early solids/formula will change the digestive track and some nutrients, such as iron, may not be absorbed as easily.

As was mentioned, check with your baby's doctor. When you do start, remember that milk comes first, then the solids. Formula or breastmilk will be baby's main source of nutrition for the first year.