Is one spoon of rice cereal in an 8-ounce bottle too much?

Yes, even one spoon of rice cereal in an 8-ounce bottle is too much for a baby. This practice may cause health problems as well as sleeping problems, according to a study published in the American Journal of Diseases of Children.

Babies who can't eat solid foods yet aren't ready for rice cereal, even if it's mixed into the bottle. If the baby's swallowing muscles aren't developed enough, this practice may cause choking. It also gives the baby more calories than are needed, and overfeeding can lead to childhood obesity. If the baby can handle rice cereal, which usually occurs at 4 to 6 months old, the cereal must be given as a solid food.