"My cousin is breastfeeding her 6 week old baby. It seems like he is always eating. Shouldn't she be putting pablum in a bottle to fill him up?"

Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, professionals now feel it is best to wait until a baby is 4 to 6 months old before starting solid foods. Your cousin's baby is just breastfeeding more often because he is going through a growth spurt (usually occur at 2 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months). Her milk supply will increase with these frequent feedings and soon he will probably go back to a more regular schedule. Starting solid foods too early, including pablum, can cause baby to gain too much or too little weight, prevent mother from making enough milk, and increase the risk of allergies and choking. Studies show that feeding cereal in a baby's bottle does not help baby sleep through the night, and it doesn't help him learn to eat solid foods. Breastmilk is the best and only nourishment a healthy growing baby needs until at least 4 to 6 months of age.