Oral Thrush In Infants

Oral thrush is a very common infection in infants that causes irritation in and around a baby's mouth. It is caused by the overgrowth of the yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida albicans.  Candida overgrowth can lead to vaginal (yeast) infections, diaper rashes, or oral thrush.

Most people (including infants) naturally have Candida in their mouths and digestive tracts, which is considered normal growth. The amount is controlled by a healthy immune system and some "good" bacteria. If the immune system is weakened (due to an illness or medicines like chemotherapy), or if the immune system is not fully developed as is the case in infants, the Candida in the digestive tract can overgrow and lead to an infection.

Sometimes Candida overgrowth occurs after a baby has received antibiotics for a bacterial infection, because antibiotics can kill off the "good" bacteria that keep the Candida from growing. Similarly, infection can occur with the steroid use.

Oral thrush can affect anyone, although it's most common in infants younger than 6 months and in older adults. A baby with oral thrush might develop cracked skin in the corners of the mouth or whitish patches on the lips, tongue, or inside the cheeks that look a little like cottage cheese but can't be wiped away. Scraping the white patches off can cause some bleeding.

Many babies don't feel anything at all, but some may be uncomfortable when sucking. Some babies may not feed well because their mouth feels sore.

Babies can have oral thrush and a diaper rash due to the same yeast at the same time.

Although oral thrush is a common infection in infancy, you can help prevent it: If you are formula-feeding your baby or using a pacifier, it's important to thoroughly clean the nipples and pacifiers in hot water or dishwasher after each use. That way, if there's yeast on the bottle nipple or pacifier, your baby doesn't continue to get re-infected. Storing milk and prepared bottles in the refrigerator prevents yeast from growing.

If you are breastfeeding and your nipples are red and sore, there's a chance you may have a yeast infection on your nipples, and that you and the baby are passing it back and forth. If so, you may want to talk to the doctor about using an antifungal ointment on your nipples while the baby is being treated with the antifungal solution.

Changing diapers frequently also prevents the fungal diaper rashes.

See your doctor if you think your baby may have thrush. Some cases go away without medical treatment within a week or two, but the doctor may prescribe an antifungal solution for your baby's mouth. This medication is usually applied by painting it on the inside of the mouth and tongue with a sponge applicator.

And depending on your baby's age, the doctor might suggest adding yogurt with lactobacilli to your child's diet. The lactobacilli are the "good" bacteria that can help eliminate the yeast in your child's mouth.

If your child keeps getting oral thrush, especially if he or she is older than 9 months, talk with your doctor because this might be an indication of another health issue.

Reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
The above article was found HERE.

FOUR WAYS TO TELL IF YOUR BABY HAS THRUSH

Location – thrush is usually visible on the inside of the cheeks and lips, on the gums, and on the tongue. If present, it will usually spread to 3 or 4 of these places inside the mouth. A thin coating on the tongue only may simply be milk. However, a thick white coating on the tongue is probably thrush.

Does not come and go – thrush will usually hang around for weeks. Milk patches inside the cheeks and lips, on the other hand, will come and go with feedings. A milk coating on the tongue, however, can be more stubborn, often staying there for weeks as well.

Does not easily wipe off – use your finger and try to wipe away the white patch. If it comes off easily, it's probably milk. Thrush is harder to scrape away, and can even bleed slightly when removed.

Associated factors – if either baby or a breastfeeding mom has recently taken antibiotics, or your baby has a stubborn, raised, red diaper rash with outlying red spots (yeast diaper rash), then any suspicious white patches in baby's mouth are much more likely to be thrush.

This was found HERE.  (Dr. Sears)

Also, because mom and baby have such a high chance of passing it back and forth during breastfeeding, make sure you're not only treating Baby.  You can express a little breast milk and spread it around your nipple, letting it air dry.  And I've read several things about using white vinegar after nursing.  (One tsp vinegar to one cup water.)  Pat a little on your nipple and let it air dry.
Make sure to treat your bra too.  Freezing doesn't kill yeast.  But sunlight does.  You can hang your bra out in the sun (exposing your nipples to sun can help too...though there really wouldn't be a lot of chances to do that around my house without having an entire condo of retirees getting a free show).

I'm not a fan of giving my children any kind of antibiotic unless it is absolutely necessary.  And when it comes to infants...I think we all need to think this way.  Doctors are way too quick to prescribe something, when there are many other, MUCH MORE NATURAL ways to cure it.  Thrush is no different.  Here is a link to Natural Mothering.  Lots of fantastic (natural) advice on there.

It's not something that is all that uncommon.  I've heard of it happening a million times.  Just make sure that if it's something that is long-lasting, or re-occurring, that you have your Dr. check your baby for things like diabetes, or other immune system problems.

*Also, just a thought here, I wonder if it's something that happens more often after vaccination?  During that time the body is under attack, the immune system is lowered and more prone to picking up other disease/illnesses...it'd make sense that it could also lower the immune system enough to allow it to be attacked by candida...or to cause it in the first place.

How to Make No-Cook Play Dough Easily

1. • 

     I totally stole this from HERE.  It's super easy to make, and is a fraction of the cost of the real stuff.  We've made this a few times, and it's great to know that it's 100% safe if it's eaten...it's a little salty, though.  Have fun, and enjoy this recipe!
     
     Making your own play dough is not only fun, it saves you money, by using things you already have in your kitchen cabinets. The best thing about making your play dough the NO-COOK way is because it is safe and easy so your kids can get involved. This is a fun activity to with any child. Encourage them to get their hands dirty and have some fun with it. This is by far the easiest play dough recipe I have ever tried. This recipe will only make a small amount so you can increase your ingredients to make the desired amount. Play dough doesn't last long anyway so it is always best to make small batches and the good thing about this recipe - it only takes 5 minutes!

     Difficulty: Moderately Easy
     Instructions:
     
     
     Things You'll Need
     Bowl
     Measuring Cups
     1 cup flour
     1/2 cup water
     1/2 cup salt
     Food Coloring
     Cookie Cutters
     
     1
     Get ready - get set - play dough!
     
     
     Start by getting everything you need so grab your bowl, all of your ingredients and don't forget your measuring cups.
   • 2
     Make a lot of different colors

     Combine the flour and salt in a bowl, pour in the hot water and any food coloring you are using.
   • 3
     Get your hands dirty!

     If your kids are making this dough with you then this is where the fun starts and they get their hands dirty. Mix it all together and start kneading the mixture around until it forms a pliable dough and then knead it and roll it around in your hands.
   • 4
     Use your imagination

     Another great thing about this play dough recipe is that it is ready to use as soon as it is made, there is no cooling time needed. So grab your cookie cutters, make designs, use your imagination and most of all have fun.
   • 5
     Dont forget to store it

     When your done playing with the no-cook play dough, put it in an air tight container to store it so it will stay fresher longer.

Let's Talk About Labial Adhesions

I know what you're thinking.  What the heck is a "labial adhesion"?!  It's when the labia minora stick (fuse) together.  It's identified by a white line down the center of what looks like a membrane that covers the opening of the child's vaginal opening, and shows that the two sides have adhered to one another.

Labial adhesion occur most commonly in girls who are between 3 months to 6 years of age; these adhesion can persist until puberty. Some children with labial adhesion will have no symptoms, while other girls may have pain in the genital area, difficulty urinating, or frequent urinary tract (bladder) infections.

It's estimated that up to 10 to 20 percent of girls have these labial adhesion at some time in their first six years of life. For most girls, these adhesion resolve on their own in six to twelve months, without any treatment.

I never even knew there was such a thing until my baby girl developed this around 4 months old.  I took her in for a well-baby check-up, and the Dr. noticed it.  He told me that he was going to prescribe a hormone cream to put on it, and that when combined with "gently pulling the two sides apart", this could be "cured" within a few weeks.  He told me that after it separated, I should be putting Vaseline along the folds of her vagina to keep the two sides from fusing again.


My daughter's vagina had almost completely closed up, leaving only a pin-hole size opening at the top.  Urine had still been passing, so I never noticed anything wrong with her.  (I don't look THAT close when I wipe her, so if my Dr. hadn't noticed, I never would have known.)


At the time I was kind of blind-sided, so I just stood there thinking about how every word he said seemed to be exactly what I have heard Dr.'s say about circumcising boys.  "Something needs to be done to prevent a possibility of problems in the future"..."if it fuses back together in the future, it could close right up and require her have her labia cut apart"..."gently pull the two pieces of skin apart, and when it has been done, put Vaseline there to keep it from healing together again".  My inner intactivist was screaming the whole time.


Even in what was very close to a state of shock (How had I not noticed?!  Is there going to be something wrong with this perfect baby too?!), all I could think was that I trusted him with my son's genitals, and he proved to me that he was not to be trusted.  Here I was again, two years later, standing in his office doubting that he knew what he was talking about. 


As we left, I had to tell my husband that he just seemed too eager to have me fiddle with her privates...exactly like when my son was an infant and he told me to "gently retract the foreskin" of his penis.  I listened to him back then.  I wasn't going to make the same mistake again.  So I looked into it further, and asked around. 


Thankfully I found someone who had 3 daughters who all had the same thing occur, and who had it happen to her when she was an infant as well.  She sent me some links that explained that the reason it happens can be anything from irritation from diapers (when they're older) to hormones from mom exiting the baby's body (as I'm sure was the case with my 4 month old), and that it can fix itself without the use of hormone creams.  When girls start making their own hormones, it completely fixes itself on it's own.

"The adhesion will often resolve spontaneously when girls are out of diapers or pull-ups both day and night. When labial adhesion persist, the estrogen surge at puberty will correct the problem."
That was found HERE.

Since hormone creams are made from the urine of pregnant horses, it's probably not a great idea to jump on that wagon unless you have no other choice.  (And I mean for REAL have no other choice.  Not just because your Dr. scared you into believing that it had to be done even though it's not completely closed up.)
"If there are no complications, such as infections or obstruction, the adhesion do not need to be treated.

Never attempt to separate the labia forcefully. This is painful and traumatic. Moreover, it usually results in even worse adhesion than before." 

"If you do use an estrogen cream, you should be aware that some girls will have other transient estrogen effects, including increased breast tissue and darkening of the labia and/or nipples. These resolve when the estrogen applications stop. Stopping the estrogen also sometimes causes a brief 'mini-period,' or vaginal bleeding."

Again, that was found HERE.

So, although there are surely cases that have gone so far that the labia has completely closed up and is blocking the flow of urine and would actually need some intervention, it is a last resort.  We live in a society of cutters, so we need to be educated and informed of the facts BEFORE we're faced with this situation.
My daughter's labia is almost completely separated now, simply by giving it a couple of extra wipes at diaper changes.  It's just hanging on by a tiny thread of skin.  No cream.  No tugging at it.  Just wiping.  So, it can be done.  If it had closed up more, and I had been wrong to question my Dr., I could have used the cream.  But I didn't need to.  And because I am now aware of it, I can keep an eye on it and prevent it from closing back up. 


Sadly, if you want to research this, you're going to have to swim through an ocean of mis-information.  The AAP suggests the Dr. tug the two sides apart, and the parents keep Vaseline on the raw skin to keep it from healing back up.  (No mention that it can cure itself, or that the irritation of it being torn apart causes more irritation which can cause it to fuse again...)


Anyways, that's that.  It's normal.  It happens.  And it is not a big deal unless your child is unable to pass urine. 

Tell UNAIDS and the WHO that circumcision does NOT prevent AIDS!

Please, take the time to sign the petition!  This is madness!!  There are two ways to prevent AIDS...NO sex, or using a condom!

Follow THIS LINK to sign the petition at Intact America.

Thank you!!

Infant Carriers, Slings, etc.

My baby girl in her Mai Tai carrier.

I've seen all types of baby carriers out there.  I don't mean "car seats", which apparently is also something that is called an infant carrier.  I mean things like slings, wraps, and other carriers.

It kind of stresses me out now when I see babies in those "crotch danglers".  I never even knew what that term meant until I ran across a blog that was talking about them.  It's the ones we see everyday, where the baby is in it, legs hanging straight down, being supported by it's crotch.  I don't know about you, but I don't think that could be very comfortable!  That's when I looked into alternatives.  I don't have a whole lot of "extra" money-- who really has "extra" money?! --so when I found this one on Kijiji, I jumped all over it.  I got it for $15. from a mom I'd sold some baby clothes to in the past.  (Which also makes the saying "don't burn any bridges...you might need to cross them later on", just that much more true!)

I am going to post a few links here to some different carriers.

This one is from "Cheeky Monkey", and it's called "Lulujo Lightly Padded Ring Sling".  It is intended for babies up to 25 lbs., and the patterns you can choose from are pretty neutral.  They cost $69.99, but they are out of stock until the end of July, 2011.  They really are nice, so it's no wonder they're out!  


These ones are "Maya Wrap Baby Ring Slings".  They cost a bit more at $84.98, but come in 12 different colour-patterns, and are good for babies and toddlers 35 lbs. and up.

This one is much more up my alley.  I have never had much success with the typical ring slings, and I don't know if it's because the ones I bought were too big for me, or what, but this one looks fool proof.  It's from "Hotslings Adjustable Baby Slings", and they are on sale right now for $49.98.  It's suitable for infants to toddlers 30 lbs. and up.


I've always heard lots of talk about the "Ergo Baby Carrier".  They can be worn on the front, back, or side.  These are good for infants (with infant insert...costs extra), all the way up to 40 lbs. or more.  They cost $199.98, but if you follow that link, it's free shipping WITHIN CANADA ONLY.

Wow.  As I go on here, they're getting more expensive!

I found this one.  It's called a "Beco Baby Carrier, Beco Butterfly II".  Yes, they are very nice to look at.  And the baby's legs are in a good position to be carried around.  It's a little rich for my blood though.  They cost $149.98, and do come in a variety of very nice patterns.  They are good to wear on front or back, and are suitable for babies from 7 lbs. up to 45 lbs.

My older daughter in the mai tai.  2 1/2 yrs. old.

Of course, another big name is the "Moby Wrap".  It's suitable for preemie through 35 lbs., at a cost of $63.00.  They come in a variety of colours, and can be worn five different ways.

These are "Freehand Mai Tai" carriers.  They are priced from $79-$99 and are great for infants and toddlers, newborn to 35 lbs. plus.  As soon as I get a chance to sit down for any length of time, I will be making these, and selling them for a fraction of that price!

And then, there are pouches.  I'm not a fan of these for several reasons.  The most important reason I'm not a fan is because of what I was told in the NICU by the nurses there.  Infants have very little tone in the first few months (which is why they aren't crawling or sitting up on their own that early on), and when they are in something that folds them up, their ribs can crunch down into their bellies, and cut off oxygen.  (Much like an accordion.)  At first they may look okay, and as time goes on, they get less and less oxygen.  IMO, they just aren't a great idea, but since I'm trying to post all of the options, I'm simply stating my opinion while still showing what the pouches are.

Here you can see a "Hotslings Classic Pouch".  It is "suitable" for newborns to toddlers (35lbs+).  They are on sale right now for $30.

Now there are many many varieties of "good" slings and carriers.  I've seen some homemade slings that are nicer than any for sale online, and I'm sure they didn't cost more than a few dollars to make.  If you're crafty, there are tons of YouTube videos that can give you instructions on making your own.


And just as I was about to nag about "Snugli" carriers being crotch danglers, I see they DO have one kind that is called a "Seated Snugli Soft Carrier" that does in fact carry baby by the bum, rather than the crotch.  A great example of a crotch dangler is shown here.  There are many, but here are links to three... the "Front Snugli", the "Front and Back Snugli", and the one I got in a bunch of clothes I bought on Kijiji, the "Snugli Hug".

So, bottom line.  When you're looking for an infant carrier, make sure it supports their bum and hips, and doesn't put all of their weight on their crotch.  Make sure it allows baby (and/or toddler) to be in the position that is natural to them...froggied legs, open to hang onto momma.  Make sure you get one that lasts a long time, and is made from something that isn't going to rip or tear with normal wear.  Our babies crave our touch, and carrying them against our bodies is the most natural way we can do that.  I'm not against using strollers, but I think that there is a time and a place for that, and most of the time, our babies deserve to be carried on our bodies as nature intended.

Here's a little bit more info on "crotch danglers".

Quotes To Live By

"The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice" -Peggy O'Mara

"How you treat your child is how she will learn to treat herself.: - Dr. Laura Markham

"Today, you will have many opportunities to either connect with your child, or to disconnect, to either encourage or discourage. Look for these opportunities. Make the best of today. ♥" -Unknown

"Anger cannot be overcome by anger. If someone is angry with you, and you show anger in return, the result is a disaster. On the other hand, if you control your anger and show its opposite.. love, compassion, tolerance and patience... not only will you remain peaceful, but the other person's anger will also diminish." - Dalai Lama

"A torn jacket is soon mended, but hard words bruise the heart of a child." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"Being in charge doesn't mean we act like dictators with our children. That's certainly not my definition of leadership. It means we decide what our family culture will be -- respectful and considerate, for instance -- and enforce that. No disrespect, or teasing, or bullying, from anyone, including the parents." - Dr. Laura Markham - again. :)

More quotes will be added to this as time goes on.

New Crib Safety Standards Implemented, and A Circumcision Rant

By Kimberly Mirando

(LEGAFI) -- Consumers looking to buy new baby cribs may notice something different: they will no longer be able to purchase cribs with drop-down side rails.

After more than 30 infant and toddler deaths and millions of crib recalls in the past decade, the government has outlawed drop-side cribs and implemented new safety standards aimed at preventing child injury or death.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission voted that as of June 28, 2011, anyone that manufactures or sells baby cribs must meet the new safety standards. Federal mandatory crib standards had not been updated in nearly 30 years and the new rule will usher in a safer generation of cribs. These mandatory standards will:

1) stop the manufacture and sale of dangerous, traditional drop-side cribs;

2) make mattress supports stronger;

3) improve slat strength,

4) make crib hardware more durable; and

5) make safety testing more rigorous.

Only new, safer cribs will be available for consumer purchase, but the Commission has also voted to extend the length of time that short-term crib rental companies have to comply with the new mandatory standards for full-size and non-full-size baby cribs. This extension gives crib rental companies until December 28, 2012 to update their inventory with compliant cribs, which is the same deadline for the public accommodation facilities that these companies serve. Childcare facilities and places of public accommodation, such as hotels and motels, also have until December 18 to meet the new crib standards.

Anyone who fails to meet the new crib safety standards will be likely be subject to consumer class action lawsuits.

Read it yourself HERE.

Now, I posted this for two reasons.  One, to inform you of the law regarding drop-side cribs in the US.  If you want to read the whole story, it's HERE.  (BTW, we had two of these cribs for our twins, and they were horrible.  We DID intend to use it as co-sleeping was something that naturally occurred, not something we'd planned, and we secured the drop side with metal brackets and screws so the side no longer moves what so ever.  Even though they are still legal for use in Canada, our daughter will not be sleeping in it until she is old enough to use it as a daybed...without the drop side on it.)

The second reason I posted this was out of confusion, really.  How is it that in the "last decade" there have been "30 infant and toddler deaths" from the use of these drop-side cribs, and they're being made illegal...BUT, every year, upwards of 200 infants die due to LEGAL routine infant circumcision, and no one bats an eye?  Is it just me, or is that bad math?  It seems to me that children are MORE safe in a drop-side crib than they are when they are circumcised.  And clearly they aren't safe in a drop-side crib.  It just confuses me and makes me wonder where the logic is.  *Banging head on desk*

Starting Baby On Solid Foods

 
It has come to my attention that everyone is being told different things when it comes to starting babies on solid foods.  We're told not to give babies any milk until a year old, yet are told it's okay to give them ice cream and yogurt at 5 months old?!  I'm confused...are ice cream and yogurt not milk-based?!  Forgive me if I'm wrong, but that just doesn't seem logical to me.  Before a year old, babies don't NEED cow's milk.  (Honestly, I don't think the EVER need it, especially when there are naturally lactose-free options out there like goat's milk, which you can buy in 3% for the fats.)  Anyways, here's a rundown of what the major medical associations have to say about starting solids.

We started our twins on solid foods at 8 1/2 months, because they were born 2 1/2 months early, and developmentally, their bellies were only 6 months old at that time.  With our third child, we are doing BLW (Baby Led Weaning), and allowing her to eat what she can pick up and feed herself.  She HAS gotten some infant cereal, but only what she was able to scoop out of the bowl, and into her own mouth.  She got her first taste of solid foods at 6 1/2 months, and was able to pick up a piece of broccoli herself and put it in her own mouth.  (That's her with her broccoli at the top of the post.)  Since then she has mastered peas and carrots, watermelon, corn on the cob (okay, so she isn't a "master" at corn yet, but she sure is trying!), and loves cut up banana and blueberries.  I've found that if it's in a suction cup bowl, she can pretty much scoop anything into her mouth.  But, like I did with the twins, I'm not rushing "real" food (ie. the meals we're eating).  I prefer to give them a few months of nothing but fruits and veggies...my twins are three, and still choose fresh fruit and veggies over other snacks!  Peas, carrots, and corn were some of their first "treats", so they still ask for them today.
Our children will eat what we give them, and learn to love whatever it is.  So we've made sure that the foods they love are healthy, and give us the most "bang for our buck".  Nutrition is an important thing to teach them, and it's easiest if it's done from the first time they ever have solids.  I'm sure that everyone has great intentions when they feed their babies ice cream...at least I like to believe that.  But in the end it's not nutritional, it's full of sugar, and it's a dairy product that they shouldn't get until a minimum of a year old.  My twins didn't get anything like that at all until they turned two.  We wanted them to start out their lives learning to love what was good for them.  Even now, at three, the twins get ice cream MAYBE three or four times a year.  I'm happy to make them frozen yogurt, which is a much better alternative!

Anyways, enough chit chat.  Here is the information on starting solids:


"Breast milk is the best food you can offer your new baby. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. At 6 months, your baby will be ready for other foods (see Feeding your baby in the first year). You can continue to breastfeed until your child is 2 years of age and beyond."


Introducing solid foods
At 6 months, most babies cannot get everything they need from breast milk or formula alone. Though you can continue to breastfeed until your baby is 2 years and beyond, at 6 months you’ll start to introduce your baby to other foods. Your baby is ready to start other foods when he:

• Seems hungry earlier than usual.
• Can sit up without support, and has good control of his neck muscles.
• Holds food in his mouth without pushing it out on his tongue right away.
• Shows interest in food when others are eating, and opens his mouth when he sees food coming his way.
• Can let you know he doesn’t want food by leaning back or turning his head away.

From:Canadian Pediatric Society

When can you introduce solid foods to your baby?

Babies are ready for solid foods after six months. At that age, they can handle more textures and their digestive system is ready for new foods. They are usually physically able to sit up, eat from a spoon and show interest in solid food.

Is it okay to introduce solids to my baby before 6 months?

Before six months babies don’t need solid foods as breast milk (or formula) provides all the nutrients that babies need. Six months is a good time to start solid foods because that is when babies need more nutrients, like iron, that solid foods provide in addition to breast milk or formula.
From: Eat Right Ontario

Formula-fed babies who start eating solid foods before they are four months old may be more likely to become obese than those who start later, a new study suggests.
See the whole article HERE.

"Recently, there have been changes to the age 

of introduction of solids for infants.  It is 

now recommended that healthy, full term 

infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 

six months of life because breast milk is the 

best food for your baby.  Health 

professionals used to recommend that 

infants could start solids between four and 

six months of age."

This is from Public Health Nutritionists/Dietitians in Ontario.

"Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life."

"Introduction of complementary feedings before 6 months of age generally does not increase total caloric intake or rate of growth and only substitutes foods that lack the protective components of human milk."

"During the first 6 months of age, even in hot climates, water and juice are unnecessary for breastfed infants and may introduce contaminants or allergens."

"There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer."

Taken from:  Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, AAP policy

What does "complementary feeding" mean?

     Complementary feeding means giving other foods in addition to breast milk. The gradual shift from breast milk to solid foods is a transition period that begins after an infant reaches six months of age and continues until the age of two years or more.

When starting solids after six months, an infant’s:

• enzyme system and gastrointestinal wall have adequately matured to digest a variety of foods,
• head and neck muscles are strong enough for head control and the coordination of tongue, lip and swallow,
• oral reflexes have developed to swallow semi-solid and solid foods, immune system is ready to handle other foods and to protect against pathogens and allergies,
• kidney system will not be overloaded.
  "Exclusive breastfeeding is all a baby needs for the first six months of life. Breastmilk provides all the nutrition, growth factors, security and protection against illness that a baby needs for growth, development and health."
  "Complementary feeding can be started after six months. When starting solids, breastfeeding can be done as often as before – on cue – and as long as a baby wants. Breast milk remains the most important food."
  "Food interests are developed at an early age and exposing a baby to the taste, texture, appearance and smell of real food during the first years of life helps to establish important lifelong food preferences."
  (So don't add salts or sugars to their diet!)
  Taken from:  INFACT Canada

"Current recommendations indicate that breast milk or formula should be baby’s main source of nutrition until at least 6 months of age.  While many pediatricians recommend starting solid foods sometime between 4 and six months of age, the earlier introduction of solid foods may have certain risk factors; consult your pediatrician. For example, the "Introduction of complementary feedings [solid foods] before 6 months of age generally does not increase total caloric intake or rate of growth and only substitutes foods that lack needed nutrients and the protective components of human milk (and formula)."  AAP Policy Note-194
Taken from:  WholesomeBabyFood.com

"Health Canada and the Canadian Pediatric 

Association recommends starting solids at 6 months 

of age. Research has shown that feeding solids too 

early does not help your baby sleep through the 

night, and may lead to food allergies. By 6 months 

your baby’s immune system is ready to handle other 

foods."  Copied from HERE.

"It is well recognized that the period from birth to two years of age is the “critical window” for the promotion of good growth, health, and behavioral development. Therefore, optimal infant and young child feeding is crucial during this period. Optimal infant and young child feeding means that mothers are empowered to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and continue to breastfeed for two years or more, together with nutritionally adequate, safe, age appropriate, responsive complementary feeding starting at six months."
According to UNICEF.

"Breast milk is the best and only food or drink your baby needs for the first six months of life. After six months, gradually introduce solid foods -- and continue to breastfeed for two years or more."

From:  Health Canada

You can find more links, and a great post about all of this at Kellymom.com.

So I think now it's clear that despite being told several different things, we see that in the end, a baby's belly is not ready to digest solid foods before 6 months, and introducing them sooner than that is a great way to cause allergies in the long run.  I honestly think all too often a tired mom gives her infant solid foods, or adds cereal to their bottle in the hopes of getting just a couple extra hours of sleep.  It's dangerous, and babies are designed to wake up every few hours to feed.  It ensures that they get the calories that they need for the rapid growth in the first few months, and it keeps them from going into too deep a sleep...which could prevent SIDS.

Your baby will spend it's entire life eating solid foods.  I know it's fun, and I know it's cute, but we only get ONE chance to do this right.  We only get ONE chance to give them the very best start in life, and that's not done by rushing solids.  Please, give your baby's digestive system the chance to grow and mature before you start giving them ANY types of solids.