Pediatrician giving weird advice?

Question

At my sons 4 month well visit check the doctor said we didnt need to necessarily start baby food but can if we want to. But then she said "you know if he wants some of your potatoes at dinner that's fine" ....really? Potatoes? I have never heard this before in my life. Was this just a really bad example?
Also, my son is eating a lot around 40 ounces of formula a day. She advised to try water (up to 4 ounces) a day? I thought water wasn't introduced until 6 months?

Answer

Potato is a great thing to start with, mild and easily mashed. I think the general advice is to start with water when solids are started.

Answer

Maybe she meant that if he’s interested in your food at dinner - then he’s ready for food...?

Answer

Thats not to weird.. my pedi told me when my son starts wanting food to go ahead and give him a taste.. potatoes are a good example because they get the texture of food without many allergens

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Every baby is different. And my son was drinking water around five months. He was also already sitting up and pulling himself up at five months. And yea I was introducing food to him at that time. Tomatoes potatoes green peas.  Anything that was easily mashed.

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It is strange how they all follow something different, isn’t it? Especially when they aren’t even following their own accrediting board’s recommendations... I personally will wait until my daughter meets the recommendations set forth by the AAP: at least 6 months of age, can sit unsupported, showing interest in foods, etc. I’m going to do baby led weaning instead of traditional weaning, though. Also the guidelines say babies should only have 2oz of water per day between 6-12 months. 
***I know not everyone follows guidelines and I’m not bashing those who don’t by any means. Just stating my stance on it*** ☺️

Answer

My son and daughters docs (two diff ones and 2 yrs apart) had said we can start trying baby food at 4 months. Maybe your doc meant mashed potatoes. We didn't have our son try them til around 6mths to a yr. Wic said with my daughter this time that we shouldnt do baby food til 6mths but with both I didn't do baby food every day just once in a while between 4-6months. Its whatever you feel comfortable with

Answer

I gave my daughter potatoes at 5 months.  I think they suggest them cause there really soft and easy for a first time food.  I never gave water till six months but they say if there urine is really strong it's a good idea.

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You're very clearly not the pediatrician so you should really learn to trust the trained professionals. If you're starting solids then why would you find potatoes to be an odd food to give? We did baby led weaning with our daughter and started solids at 6 months. Our daughter had chicken, steamed carrots, and sweet potatoes for dinner for her first meal. All from our plates (no purees). As for water, you should be starting water the same time you start solids, but both should wait until 6 months.

Answer

Why is potato such a weird thing for your baby to have when you start feeding solids ??

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I think he’s saying that your baby is old enough for a taste, it won’t kill them. Like you don’t need to go crazy with solids at every meal yet, but if your baby wants to try some of your mashed foods, there is no reason not to allow a small sampling. 
Please keep in mind the World Health Organization still recommends waiting for solids though... beyond just the casual sampling.

Pediatrician giving weird advice?

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