I am partly using this blog to inform those of you who read it, that Gerber has recalled its organic rice and organic oatmeal because of a potential choking hazard. Apparently some of the cereal doesn’t dissolve in milk or water. However, there are literally hundreds of recalls on products that are pertaining to babies and I cannot possibly write about them all. I admit I have an ulterior motive here and that is to talk about, once again, old school vs. current research on feeding your baby solids.
Gerber is essentially covering their all important back side to avoid potential law suits and well, they should. Their official ‘word’ is that they have received a few reports of choking although no injuries have been reported.
The When to Start Solids
Conventional wisdom says to start solid foods around 4 to 6 months. Most pediatricians recommend this so that the baby gets used to the texture. However, breast milk is nutritionally sufficient for the first year. That’s right. . .you can exclusively breastfeed an infant for about one year. (I actually had to feed one of mine for 13 months on nothing but breast milk.) Formula too has important nutrients for baby (none of which cannot be found in breast milk by the way) and I fear many parents are too quick to replace the formula (or breast milk) their infant needs with solid foods.
There are also other signs to look for when starting solid foods. One sign is that the baby can sit on his or her own, he can hold is head up well, and that he can put food into his mouth with his fingers. (Well. . .at least near his mouth.) Current research shows that the later you are able to wait and the less mushier the food is that you try to serve. . .the less likely it is that your baby might choke.
A Real Choking Hazard?
With all that said, I have to wonder if Gerber cereal is really a choking hazard or if well intentioned parents simply didn’t consider whether or not their individual baby was ready for solid foods yet. I realize that a product doesn’t get recalled for just one complaint. . .but I have to wonder how many parents out there just aren’t sure how to dissolve cereal properly or perhaps didn’t mix it properly. I will be watching the organic line of baby cereal closely to see what happens next.
Regardless, I suppose it is better to stay away from the brand than to risk choking.
To read more about the delayed starting of solids check out:
5 Cultural Myths About Starting Solid Foods