We took Camper to the pediatrician today for his 4 month checkup. And yes, I’m sharing the stats for those interested, but remember, ALL BABIES ARE DIFFERENT. But just for grins, he is weighing in at 15 lb. 15 oz. (last time we got him weighed he was 16 lbs 4 oz….so either the scales are different or he lost a wee bit of weight!) and 26 inches tall. He’s a big one. Doc said that he also has a big head, but if we were to measure our heads we probably have big heads, too. Looks like we’re one big headed family. There was some medical term for it. Good to know, huh?
The doctor also told us LOTS of other good stuff. For example, she told us that he is just fine being swaddled for bed. Perfectly fine, even at 4 months. Also, he is ready for solid foods. After describing his eating habits she said to officially start him on rice cereal and then fruits and veggies in a couple of weeks. Not too much, but enough that he gets the taste and texture and is able to enjoy some variety. Anyone who has tips about how they work solid food into a baby’s diet, let me know. I’d be interested to hear. I wonder if I can still tote him around with just a bottle in his bag or if I’ll have to start carrying around food, too? Maybe just plan trips out around his solid food feedings? Insight is welcome.
For the record, he really could be teething, which we were pretty sure about his last week, but is nice to know. He’s developmentally on target. Apparently babies are starting to roll later now. When parents were encouraged to let babies sleep on their bellies the babies had more time to develop muscles and learn to roll, as first rolls were generally from back to front. Now that we have “tummy time,” and put our babies to sleep on their backs, they have less time, incentive, and practice. This results in: ta DA! Rolling later. So that’s good to hear. Camper does half rolls, he gets so close and then pulls back. More tummy time is probably in order, but I’m not too worried. He’ll get to it when he does. With the “back to sleep” movement lots of babies are also skipping the crawling stage as well, which is also interesting. Good to know at least.
He’s also found his feet this last week, which is HYSTERICAL to watch. I love that kid. What’s even cuter, though, is the way he’s interacting with the world around him. He’ll talk to other babies now, trying to get their attention. If he sees someone eating something he’ll start smacking his lips and moving his mouth like he’s chewing. It was cute enough last night that I almost gave him a chicken nugget! A prize for cuteness!
I really, really like our doctor. She was recommended to us (thanks Robin!!) and she is perfect for our baby philosophy. She didn’t encourage us to let him cry at night or to try and wean him from night feedings. She DID encourage us to allow him to fall asleep on his own and to help him try new foods. She was personable and seemed to enjoy interacting with our child. She laughed with us and patiently answered questions, and even gave him the immunizations herself. All in all, very happy with the visit. Very happy indeed.
What was GREAT about it all though, was that our health insurance was “turned off” this morning. I called yesterday to make sure we were covered, got to the office and found out we weren’t, called them when we got home and they had made a mistake. So the, what, 8 hours? we were uninsured for the last MONTH was the only 8 hours that my child actually had an appointment. Isn’t that just the way?
Tags: doc
Hi Erin! With all four of mine I would feed them food as we are our meals, but supplement with bottles during the day. Once he gets a few teeth you can bring cheerios or something with you when you are out and about, but you’re really fine with forumula.
Also, we found it’s better to introduce a few veggies first, then fruit. Fruit is naturally sweeter so they always love fruit, I like to get the hooked on veggies first.
Also – have you thought about making your own? It’s really easy and so much healthier (and cheaper). We would start the baby out on bottled food (just to make sure they actually like and will eat peas), then I’d buy the fresh or frozen verion of the the said veggie, cook it, then puree it in the food processor. Viola! Baby food. You can add water if you want it thinner, don’t if you want it thicker. You can store it in ice cube trays in the freezer. One cube is a great portion of wee ones. We’d also mix veggies or fruits in with the cereal, just to jazz it up a bit. They always liked this.
For the record, I think you are doing great. Each baby is different from the rest, there is not a one-size-fits-all baby or one-advice-works-for-all, so just do your best and listen the the Spirit, you’re doing great girl!!
Deb
Thanks, Debbie! And ACTUALLY, it’s crazy that you mentioned making my own food because I we just got a bunch of ice cube trays today! (My Mom’s fridge makes ice…so we had to actually go get some). I’m just planning on cooking and blending the veggies and fruits up and then freezing them like you said. How long do you find the food keeps in the freezer? Just curious. I was thinking it’ll probably help get him used to the taste of actual food, instead of the bottle baby food, which has got to have some additives, right? Who knows. Especially when he’s eating just a little here and there, I like the idea of making my own! Maybe I’ll eat some more veggies while I’m at it :) Hope you’re all well!