7 Common Questions About Formula and Colic

One BabyZone mom asks:" My four-month-old baby suddenly cries after his bottle. Is this colic or is he just still hungry?"

This doesn't appear to be colic, as your baby is crying only after feedings (and especially not for long periods of time). Chances are that your instincts are correct—your little one might be ready to start eating solid food.

Two of the four "readiness signs" for beginning solids are already in place:

1. Your son is roughly four to six months old
2. He seems unsatisfied and "fussy" with his current diet

The other two signs to look for before incorporating solids into your baby's diet are:

1. Your baby has enough upper body strength to prevent himself from flopping to the side when secured in a seat or high chair
2. He shows an interest in the solid foods you may be eating

You could try introducing rice cereal, mixed with his formula to the consistency of thin oatmeal, and serve it with a shallow-bowled spoon (the plastic-coated ones work well). Be sure to first talk to your pediatrician about the amount of cereal with which to start.